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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTARY FILMS PRESENTS DIANA: IN HER OWN WORDS
FULLY NARRATED IN HER VOICE USING RARELY HEARD RECORDINGS, THIS INTIMATE PORTRAYAL OF THE PEOPLE’S PRINCESS PREMIERES MONDAY, AUGUST 14, AT 9/8C
Tue Jul 25 2017 20:00:00 GMT+0000 (UTC)

A Complement to the Film, National Geographic Books’ 

Remembering Diana: A Life in Photographs (On Sale August 1) 

With Foreword by Bestselling Author Tina Brown Pays Tribute to the Princess

Through More than 100 Seldom Seen Images 

(Beverly Hills, Calif., July 25, 2017) – In 1991, inside London's Kensington Palace, Diana, Princess of Wales, participated in a series of secret interviews, recorded with her permission by a close friend on behalf of journalist Andrew Morton. Morton was writing a book about Diana's life to reveal what life was really like for the most photographed woman in world. The public was unaware that Diana, Princess of Wales’, marriage to HRH Prince of Wales was at crisis point. National Geographic Documentary Films reveals Diana's thoughts and feelings at a very specific point in her life, presenting one side of a very complicated story... her side. Told entirely in the Princess’ voice, with no interviews, most of these unique recordings have never been broadcast before.   

DIANA: IN HER OWN WORDS weaves archival footage and photography with these rarely heard recordings and is the latest presentation under the National Geographic Documentary Films banner. DIANA: IN HER OWN WORDS premieres Monday, August 14, at 9/8c on National Geographic.

Executive produced by acclaimed Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Tom Jennings of 1895 Films (Challenger Disaster: Lost Tapes; MLK: The Assassination Tapes), the new documentary shines fresh perspective on the Princess’ emotional journey from childhood to her relationship with HRH Prince of Wales and her pervasive public life under the microscope. 

“National Geographic Documentary Films is committed to bringing the world premium feature documentaries that cover timely, provocative and globally relevant stories from the very best documentary filmmakers in the world,” said Tim Pastore, President, Original Programming and Production for National Geographic. “This film is no exception as it provides fresh perspective and insight into Diana, Princess of Wales’, side of the story and continues our long tradition of providing our audiences unprecedented access to significant events.”  

She came to be known as the People’s Princess, and few public figures remain as beloved and enigmatic as Diana, Princess of Wales. From the moment the shy kindergarten teacher whose innate charm caught the attention of the heir to the royal throne, a modern icon was born. 

In vivid detail, Princess Diana reflects upon the full story of her life, depicting her circumstances in 1991. She candidly takes viewers from her unhappy childhood to her awkward introduction to HRH Prince of Wales when she was just 16 years old, and the dramatic tale of a young girl thrust upon the world’s stage. Hounded by the press and embraced by a nation captivated by the ‘fairy-tale’ romance, she was completely unprepared for the fame that engulfed her. 

DIANA: IN HER OWN WORDS captures a split in the Princess’ public and private personas, underscoring intense often convoluted descriptions of her thoughts and feelings in 1991. Unflinchingly, she recounts her emotional wedding day and her experiences with postpartum depression, bulimia and her eventual triumph over her crippling anxiety to emerge as global humanitarian -- the iconic, beloved People’s Princess.

“We broke down the major moments of her life and arranged them chronologically, then illustrated them with media reports and archival images from that time,” added Tom Jennings, executive producer of DIANA: IN HER OWN WORDS. “So throughout the entire film, you’re hearing the internal workings of Princess Diana’s mind at a time when everyone believed she was living a fairy tale. But her marriage and her life actually were falling apart.”

A National Geographic book, Remembering Diana: A Life in Photographs will also be available August 1 with special foreword by friend, confidante and New York Times bestselling Princess Diana biographer, Tina Brown (The Diana Chronicles). The book is filled with more than 100 iconic images and features reflections from those who knew her best.

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About National Geographic Documentary Films:

National Geographic Documentary Films is a division of National Geographic Partners, a joint venture between National Geographic and 21st Century Fox. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 129 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching over 730 million people around the world in 171 countries and 45 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

About 1895 Films

1895 Films is a Peabody Award-winning, Emmy nominated documentary production company based in Los Angeles, California.  Headed by journalist-turned-filmmaker Tom Jennings, 1895 Films specializes in creating and producing high quality documentary programming for most of the major television cable networks.  The company’s films feature dynamic storytelling on topics ranging from politics and religion to history, crime, sports, mystery and travel. 1895 has produced documentary films around the globe, from major world capitals to some of the most remote places on earth – always s looking for new ways to tell stories that are both informative and entertaining.

About Remembering Diana: A Life in Photographs

Remembering Diana: A Life in Photographs (National Geographic; on sale August 1, 2017; ISBN 978-1-4262- 1853-8; 200 pages; $30), with a foreword by Tina Brown, is filled with more than 100 iconic images of Diana Spencer, from her days as a naïve schoolgirl to her engagement to Prince Charles to the births of William and Harry to her role as an outspoken advocate for the poor, the sick and the downtrodden. This bewitching visual history weaves together the poignant fairy tale of a life played out in the spotlight. The photographs, including many that are rarely seen, document the Princess of Wales’ generosity, humility and warmth, while portraying the turmoil she faced to fulfill her duties as a member of the royal family, survive a loveless marriage and overcome her personal insecurities. From her life as a mother, a celebrity and a fashion icon, to her bouts of depression, bulimia and isolation, Diana transcended the bonds and rigidity of royal society and made the world fall in love with her honesty, bravery and compassion. Featuring reflections from those who knew her best, including a personal remembrance by Diana’s friend and biographer Tina Brown, who adds context and nuance to a poignant life; recollections from dignitaries and celebrities like Nelson Mandela and Elton John; and personal insight through the princess’ own words. Published to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Diana’s death, this richly illustrated book is an ode to one of the world’s most beloved women. 

Media Contacts:

Tahli Kouperstein, National Geographic Channels, 202-912-6543, Tahli.Kouperstein@natgeo.com 

Nadia Aziz, National Geographic Channels, 202-912-6585, Nadia.Aziz@natgeo.com

Ann Day, National Geographic Books, 202-912-6712, Ann.Day@natgeo.com

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