Diana, Princess of Wales, Remembered This Weekend

On Aug. 31, 1997, Princess Diana died in a Paris car crash, and while she may be gone, she is far from forgotten.

REELZCHANNEL, available in Laguna Niguel on Dish Network, AT&T and DirectTV, will air an hour-long special exploring the life and legacy of Diana, Princess of Wales, titled “Princess Diana at 50,” on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 4 p.m.

Hosted by celebrity journalist and former Extra host Dayna Devon, REELZCHANNEL gathered a collection of confidantes, friends and observers who were eyewitnesses to her extraordinary life to talk about their time with Diana and what her life would’ve been like today.

“This is a tribute to Diana that will take viewers on an intimate journey through her life, told by those who knew her best,” said Steve Holzer, executive producer of REELZCHANNEL original programming. “These people—including the butler who arguably knew her best, the designer of perhaps the most famous wedding dress in history and the man who wrote the definitive biography of her life—share extraordinary anecdotes and highly personal stories that give new insight into one of the most beloved and important women of our time.”

London-based REELZCHANNEL correspondent Adrian Dickson interviewed an internationally recognized roster of those closest to the late Diana. According to REELZCHANNEL:

Paul Burrell—The butler, confidant and friend. His career began in service to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, only to be requested personally by Diana to run her household after she married Prince Charles. Burrell quickly became a confidant to the late Princess and now tells that story to REELZCHANNEL, saying, “She would want me to tell her story. She would want me to defend her.”

Elizabeth Emanuel—International clothing designer who along with her husband David created Diana’s famous wedding dress. Elizabeth takes viewers through her personal scrap books and tells the tale of how “Shy Di” became an international fashion figure in part due to the Emanuels and the dress, which even Elizabeth will admit, “You love the dress or hate the dress. But the dress is now iconic.”

Andrew Morton—Journalist and author (Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words). In an unprecedented move, Diana gave Morton carte blanche to her friends and stories. Through him, her life quite literally became an open book.

Joan Lunden—Former Good Morning America co-host who covered the wedding of Diana and Charles talks candidly about the moment the fairy tale began…and takes a critical look at that dress.

Michael Cole—Royals insider who covered the royal family as a journalist and became the spokesperson for the al Fayed family. Cole opens up about what he knows about the relationship between Diana and Dodi al Fayed. Were they in love? Would they have married? Were they murdered? Cole knows and is willing to speak.

Bruce Oldfield—International couturier who was chosen by Vogue to submit various pieces for the soon to be Princess of Wales. And it was fashion fate. He went on to be one of Diana’s favorite designers and went on to create some of her most memorable looks. Oldfield talks about Diana’s fashion sense and his time with the late Diana.

David Ginola—Soccer legend and spokesperson for the International Red Cross landmine eradication campaign. He quite literally put his life on the line to fill the shoes of the late Princess by picking up the anti-landmine cause after the Princess’ tragic death. He talks for the first time of his admiration for Diana and tells in detail about the dangers and emotional experiences both he and Diana faced after becoming involved with landmine eradication.

Jennie Bond—BBC International Royals Correspondent, she covered the life of Diana, Princess of Wales, from the wedding to her funeral. Along the way, she and the Princess became “professional” friends and shared many personal moments.

Where were you when you head Princess Diana had been in a car crash? I was new in town, having just moved to California. Tell us in comments.

Encore presentations of the special this weekend:

Saturday, Aug. 27

6:30 a.m., and at 10 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 28

6 a.m., 3 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 29

12 a.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 30

2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 31

10 a.m.

Thursday, Sept. 1

12 a.m.