Prince William appears to have drawn a clear line when it comes to documentaries about his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. With the 30th anniversary of her death approaching, the Prince of Wales has reportedly declined several proposals centered on her life and legacy.
Prince Harry, by contrast, is said to be weighing a documentary project intended to honour Diana. A source told The Mirror that the Duke of Sussex has discussed several ideas and is still deciding which approach would provide the “most meaningful” tribute to his mother.
That possibility is likely to raise questions about the commercial side of such a production. Unless any proceeds are donated to charity, revenue from a Diana documentary could ultimately benefit Harry personally. Critics may see that as echoing the approach taken by his uncle, Earl Charles Spencer, following the release of his memoir, Swan Song.
William’s reported decision suggests a very different strategy. Rather than publicly attacking his brother or adding fresh fuel to the long-running royal family rift, he appears to be stepping away from the project altogether. His silence could be seen as an attempt to keep the private conflict from becoming an even larger public spectacle.
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Friends have described the anniversary as an intensely emotional period for William, and Harry is likely to feel the weight of it too. Even so, William seems to have chosen a quieter path, avoiding a television project that could easily become controversial and instead confronting his grief away from the cameras.
Grief does not have to be hidden, and many people find comfort in speaking openly about loss. However, presenting that story through a Netflix documentary would inevitably invite scrutiny, particularly after the streaming platform backed Meghan’s lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan. Harry could have considered the BBC or another production company, but reports suggest Netflix remains part of the wider discussion.
Even a carefully made and respectful documentary would face a difficult reception. Many viewers have already formed strong opinions about the Duke of Sussex, meaning the project could be interpreted through the lens of his commercial deals and public criticism of the monarchy. As a result, some fear that a programme intended to protect Diana’s legacy could instead become entangled in the debate surrounding Harry’s post-royal life.
For that reason, Harry may be better served by taking the same cautious approach as his brother. Choosing not to make another television project about Diana could allow her memory to remain at the centre of the conversation, rather than placing it within another chapter of the ongoing royal family drama.
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