C4 Statement about the programme

Many articles in the press appear to be both misleading and inaccurate as many of them are based on the views and opinions of people who have not actually seen the film.

The death of Diana, Princess of Wales has been a defining moment in British contemporary history affecting the public’s view of the monarchy and of celebrity photographers - the paparazzi. There is genuine public interest in exactly how events unfolded in the hour or so immediately after the crash.

C4 has carefully and sensitively selected the pictures used in the programme. These photographs are an important and accurate eyewitness record of how events unfolded after the crash. We acknowledge that there is great public sensitivity surrounding pictures of the victims and these have not been included. Some photographs will be of the scene inside the tunnel but in none of the pictures is it possible to identify Diana or indeed any of the crash victims. We do not show, nor have we ever considered showing, Diana’s final moments. One image has been appropriately obscured to avoid any unwarranted intrusion into their privacy or that of their families. This photograph has featured in the British press previously.

We are confident that once people have seen this film they will agree that it is a well-made and responsible documentary.

This programme comes from the channel’s history department which has very substantial experience of producing contemporary history programmes that present eyewitness accounts of events in a considered, responsible and balanced fashion.

> Read about the programme
> The Channel 4 statement about the programme
> Read the Clarence House letter to Channel 4
> Read the Channel 4 response to the Clarence House letter
> Download the letter from Channel 4 to Clarence House
> The debate programme