Freedom Of Press

From the moment she stepped foot outside, Princess Diana of Whales had camera

lenses and microphones pushed in her face. She was constantly pursued and for

this reason she sometimes had to hide or disguise herself in order to avoid the

unyielding persistence and constant harassment of the press. Eugene Robinson, a

journalist in England said, "For the tabloids, day in and day out, no story

is bigger than the royal family. All the tabloids employ royal-watching

reporters, some of whom have become celebrities in their own right. The story of

Princess Diana of Whales was the biggest story of all." (Sabjan, 1998)

Princess Diana could not even stay out of the public eye when she was behind the

walls of the royal estate. The press broke the story of her failing marriage,

her intercepted phone conversation with a male friend, and finally her new

relationship. The Princess often complained about the coverage, saying "Any

sane person would have left (Britain) long ago."

English: One of the two memorials to Diana, Prince...

English: The second of two memorials to Diana, Pri...

Harrods memorial to Dodi Al-Fayed and Princess Dia...

(Sabjan, 1998) But with an

abundant amount of freelance photographers stalking her every move upon her

leaving Kensington Palace, that idea proved impossible. Pushed almost to the

edge by constant press harassment, Princess Diana was ready to consider making

an attempt to avoid the public altogether. During her last interview, Princess

Diana told writer Richard Kay that she was "Going to complete her

obligations to her charities and then completely withdraw from her formal public

life." (Sabjan, 1998) The public had forced itself into the life of a

celebrity and caused the pressure from the media to become overwhelming.

Princess Diana did stay in England, however, and used the incredible amounts of

media attention to her advantage. Princess Diana had numerous charities and good

causes that were important to her so she used the press to promote...