BBC delays Charles and Diana documentary after criticism

Critics of the British monarchy have condemned the BBC for being pressured by Buckingham Palace into delaying a television show that delves into the aftermath of the death of Princess Diana in 1997.

The broadcaster said in a statement that a documentary advertised for prime-time on Sunday would not be shown as scheduled until "issues including use of archive footage" are resolved.

Reinventing the Royals, a two-episode series made without the involvement of Buckingham Palace, focuses on a campaign to improve the public image of heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles after Diana's death in a Paris car crash.

"The BBC can't be negotiating its news coverage with the royals," anti-monarchy lobby group Republic said in a statement.

"If there's a story of public interest, Charles needs to be told to back off and let the broadcaster do its job without fear or favour."

The content of the documentary was extensively canvassed by television listings magazine Radio Times.

It said Reinventing the Royals includes an interview with Sandy Henney, press secretary to Prince Charles at the time of Diana's death.

Henney said a media expert was recruited to polish Prince Charles' image and prepare the public for Camilla Parker Bowles becoming his wife.