Prince Charles was among the high-profile names speaking out after a US network broadcast photos of Princess Diana lying injured in the 1997 car crash in which she lost her life.
A spokesman for the Prince of Wales, quoted in British newspaper The Sun, said of the controversial screening: "We don't think anything is to be gained by going over the tragic events of 1997." Clarence House did not officially comment on behalf of Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, but a senior source said the two were "dismayed" and "horrified" by the decision to air the photos.
Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, expressed stronger sentiments, saying he was "shocked and sickened" by the programme. And Prime Minister Tony Blair also joined the backlash, branding the show "distasteful" and remarking it could cause "great distress to her family".
American network CBS, which showed the grainy photo of the Princess being attended by a French doctor in the mangled vehicle, says the pictures were presented with "great respect and care". "She looks very beautiful," said a representative. "She looks like she is sleeping… (The photos) are not gruesome."
Meanwhile, Diana's family is facing further sadness. According to press reports, the Princess' mother, Frances Shand Kydd, is seriously ill in hospital, suffering from an advanced and incurable brain disease. Earl Spencer and his sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, visited the 68-year-old in hospital, where staffers are said to be "concerned" about her condition. |
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