Princess Diana Documentaries 2017: 5 New TV Specials To Watch In August

The 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s tragic death will take place on Aug. 31. Princess Diana died at the age of 37 in a Paris car accident, leaving behind her two sons William and Harry.

The story of her life will be revisited often in August, and there are several new specials that explore the Princess of Wales’ life, death and legacy.

“The Story of Diana” (Aug. 9 and 10 at 9 p.m. EDT on ABC) People magazine and ABC teamed up for a four-hour special that will explore Princess Di’s story and how she still influences people today. Expect interviews with those closest to her as well as “the world’s leading Diana experts.” The documentary will be split into two 2-hour installments.

READ: Prince William, Prince Harry Regret Last Phone Call With Princess Diana

“Diana: In Her Own Words” (Aug. 14 at 9 p.m. EDT on National Geographic) This is the only Diana documentary that features no interviews with those close to her. Instead, viewers will see archival footage and photographs on screen behind audio from Diana’s 1991 interview with journalist Andrew Morton. Morton was writing a book about Diana’s life, and the public didn’t realize that her marriage was reaching a breaking point. National Geographic reports that most of these recordings have not been broadcast before.

“Diana — Her Story” (Aug. 22 at 8 p.m. EDT on PBS) This special will feature rare footage of Diana discussing her life and marriage with her speech coach Peter Settelen. She spoke about her rise to fame and more in a candid way, and filmmakers hope to portray her story in her own words. Interviews with close friends will be included and the PBS special will also provide historical context.

“Diana and the Paparazzi” (Aug. 27 at 8 p.m. EDT on Smithsonian Channel) This documentary explores Diana’s tumultuous relationship with the paparazzi. Though she at times used photographers to her advantage, Diana wanted to stay out of the public spotlight near the end of her life. This special features interviews with friends, security guards and staff members, as well as some of the paparazzi who used to photograph her.

READ: 20 Princess Diana Quotes

“Diana and the Day We Said Goodbye” (Aug. 27 at 9 p.m. EDT on Smithsonian Channel) Academy Award winner Kate Winslet narrates this documentary about Diana’s funeral. Over 2 billion people around the world watched the service, and this special will talk to the guardsmen, reporters, pallbearers and others who were there during her funeral. Cameras will also take viewers on the journey from Kensington Palace to Westminster Abbey, the same route the funeral procession went.

If audiences really want to see those closest to Diana talk about her life and legacy, they can watch “Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy.” This HBO documentary follows Prince William and Prince Harry as they look back at their mother’s work and lasting influence. The special premiered last month and is currently available on HBOGo and HBONow.