Watch Diana's Decades

Diana's Decades is a fascinating new documentary series available on the BBC Select streaming service that takes an in-depth look at the life and legacy of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Hosted by British journalist and broadcaster Kirsty Young, the series spans five episodes, each of which explores a different decade of Diana's life, from her birth in 1961 to her tragic death in 1997.

The first episode, "The 1960s", starts with Diana's childhood and her parents' acrimonious divorce. We see her growing up in a privileged but dysfunctional family, with her mother Frances Shand Kydd remarrying when Diana was just six years old. This episode lays the groundwork for understanding the tumultuous life that Diana would lead, with many highs and lows, and a constant struggle to find her own identity.

Moving on to "The 1970s", episode two looks at Diana's teenage years, as she navigated school, romance, and her first real taste of public life through her connection to Britain's royal family. We learn about Diana's achievements as a young adult, including her work as a kindergarten teacher, and how she met and fell in love with Prince Charles at a shooting party on the royal family's estate. The episode also delves into the couple's early courtship, and how Charles's involvement with his former girlfriend Camilla Parker Bowles would ultimately come to haunt their relationship.

The third episode, "The 1980s", is perhaps the most iconic, as it covers the period when Diana became the world's most famous woman. Here, we see her transform from a nervous young bride to a glamorous, confident mother of two who used her platform to support causes close to her heart. We see Diana's iconic fashion choices, her travels around the world, and her groundbreaking work with HIV/AIDS charities. There is also a focus on the breakdown of Diana and Charles's marriage, their affairs, and the media frenzy that surrounded both of them.

"The 1990s" is episode four, and it covers a particularly tumultuous period in Diana's life. We see her divorce from Charles, her public struggles with mental health, and her continued advocacy for issues like landmines and homelessness. The episode also looks at how Diana's controversial interview with Martin Bashir on BBC's Panorama aired in 1995, exposing both her own struggles and those within the royal family, and how it ultimately hastened her ongoing battles with the media.

Finally, "The End of an Era" depicts the last tumultuous year of Diana's life, culminating in her tragic death in a car crash in Paris in August 1997. This episode explores the outpouring of grief from around the world and the many unanswered questions about her death that remain to this day. We also see how Diana's legacy lives on, through her son Prince William and his wife Kate, as well as through her work with charities like The Diana Award, set up in her name to support young people.

Throughout the series, there are interviews with a diverse range of people who knew Diana or were affected by her, from friends and family members to former colleagues and newsmakers of the time. There is also a wealth of archival footage and photographs that offer a comprehensive look at Diana's life and times.

Overall, Diana's Decades is a fascinating and poignant look at the life of a woman who captured the hearts of the world. With its insightful commentary, vivid imagery, and expert storytelling, this series is sure to appeal to anyone interested in the life and legacy of one of the most beloved figures of the 20th century.

Diana's Decades is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (3 episodes). The series first aired on June 30, 2021.