A former BBC chief who was criticised for his "woefully ineffective" probe into Martin Bashir's deception in securing a bombshell interview with Princess Diana on Saturday resigned as chair of Britain's National Gallery.
Who is Richard Aylard?
Commander Richard J Aylard, CVO is a designated member of the royal security. At nearly 70 years of age, his illustrious career has seen him as a British Royal Navy officer and as Prince Charles s head of private security for six years from 1991 to 1996.
For the next six years, from 1996 to 2002, Aylard worked as a consultant on environmental issues and public affairs at Burson-Marsteller. The year 2002 saw him move on to Thames Water as Corporate Responsibility Director, and soon he became their External Affairs and Sustainability Director. He is now a Director and Special Advisor to the Chief Executive of Thames Water. He is also a Senior Associate of the Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership, and an Ambassador for WWF-UK, and an Associate of Forum for the Future.
Princess Diana 1995 BBC interview report expected today
May 20, 2021
An inquiry into how the BBC secured a 1995 interview with Britain’s Princess Diana, in which she disclosed details of her failed marriage, is expected to release its report on Thursday.
The BBC set up the investigation, headed by former senior Court judge John Dyson, in November following allegations from Princess Diana’s brother Charles Spencer that forged documents and “other deceit” were used to persuade him to introduce Princess Diana to journalist Martin Bashir.
The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported that the inquiry would conclude that Bashir deployed deceitful methods and criticize BBC bosses at the time.
The BBC on Thursday made a "full and unconditional apology" after an independent report found that journalist Martin Bashir used "deception" to secure an explosive 1995 interview with princess Diana.
In 1995, Princess Diana’s BBC Panorama interview lifted the lid on the state of her life in the royal family – scandals, secrets and all. The jaw-dropping prime-time interview is now back in the spotlight following unearthed claims that the Princess of Wales may have agreed to do the interview under false pretences made by journalist Martin Bashir.