A Former Royal Nanny Was Offered a Settlement for the Diana Interview Scandal
The 1995 bombshell Martin Bashir interview has become a lightning rod of controversy.

The interview Princess Diana gave to the BBC’s Martin Bashir for Panorama in 1995 was a bombshell at the time, though mostly for the candor Diana displayed when talking about her treatment by the royal family. Nearly 30 years later, the interview is controversial for a whole different reason—namely, how it seems Diana only agreed to sit down because she was allegedly tricked by the interviewer, Martin Bashir. Now, one of the people who was reportedly roped into the scandal at the time—Tiggy Legge-Bourke, former royal nanny to Princes William and Harry—has been offered a settlement.
The Telegraph reports that Legge-Bourke, whose surname is now Pettifer, will receive “significant” money damages ("in excess of” six figures, according to the site) from the BBC. Legge-Bourke’s involvement in the ill-gotten interview stems from a claim Bashir allegedly made about her to Diana, in which he reportedly presented the former princess with a fake “receipt” for an abortion that he claimed Legge-Bourke sought after an affair with Prince Charles. According to the Telegraph’s source, “Tiggy Legge-Bourke was right at the center of Bashir's manipulation and it is right that the damage caused to her is recognized by the BBC.”
Legge-Bourke with the young Princes William and Harry.
The 1995 interview has been a source of major controversy all over again in the last year. In November of 2020, the BBC commissioned an independent investigation into how Bashir went about obtaining the interview, the results of which found that he used “deceitful methods” like alleged false bank statements presented to Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer. Though Bashir has not been charged with criminal wrongdoing, BBC has said that his actions in seeking the interview went against their editorial guidelines. For his part, Bashir has apologized for his role in the scandal, though denied the interview caused Diana any harm.
Many close to Diana have spoken out about the interview in recent months, including Prince Willliam, who said that the BBC investigation was “a step in the right direction."
According to People, Legge-Bourke left her job as nanny for the royal family in 1999, but clearly remains close to her former employers: She attended the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and was named a godmother to baby Archie when he was born.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. We're known for our award-winning features, thoughtful essays and op-eds, deep commitment to sustainable fashion, and buzzy interviews and reviews. Reaching millions of women every month, MarieClaire.com is an internationally-recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
If You’re Not Scraping Your Tongue, Chelsea Handler Doesn’t Want You
Fresh breath or bust.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
The Most Iconic TV Romances That We'll Ship Forever
These will-they-won't-theys had us hooked from season 1.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
13 Outfit Formulas Defining Hailey Bieber's Laidback Personal Style
Copy and paste to your closet.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Americans Have a Surprising Favorite Member of the Royal Family, Per Latest Poll—and It Isn't Princess Kate
The rankings are wildly different than the same U.K. survey.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Inside Princess Diana's Secret Island Getaways—And How They Differed From William and Kate's
The late royal enjoyed (mostly) private vacations thanks to one man's help.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Diana's Former Lover Speaks Out on Harry and William "Rift" in Rare Interview
James Hewitt shared his thoughts on how Diana would've handled the situation.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Sarah Ferguson Reflects on Her \201cMuch Loved Sister-in-Law\201d Princess Diana in New Message
The Duchess of York opened up about Diana's legacy on Instagram.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Debuts a New Instagram Strategy in Diana-Approved Weekend Wear
The duchess soaked up some sun in a series of posts that departed from her usual content.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Diana "Destroyed" Prince Charles's Belongings During Their Doomed Honeymoon
The couple had "blazing rows" throughout their trip on the Royal Yacht Britannia.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Kate Raised Eyebrows By Wearing Princess Diana's Priceless Ring During This Risky Vacation Activity
It was a choice.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Charles Sent Princess Diana an Unexpectedly Touching Message Before Their Royal Wedding
The late royal shared the details of his intimate card and personalized gift.
By Kristin Contino Published