An investigation into how the BBC obtained the 1995 interview with Princess Diana, in which she revealed personal details of her failed marriage, concluded on Thursday (20) that the journalist concerned behaved dishonestly.

Following accusations from Diana's brother Charles Spencer that forged documents and "other deception" were used to trick him into introducing Diana to journalist Martin Bashir, the BBC launched an inquiry led by former senior Court judge John Dyson in November.

Bashir, a little-known reporter at the time, had shown Spencer fake bank statements to persuade him to meet with Diana, according to Dyson's article.

The report said, "Mr Bashir behaved improperly and in serious violation of the 1993 edition of the Producers' Guidelines on straight dealing."

He also argued that the BBC's response to claims of impropriety fell short of "the high standards of honesty and openness that are its hallmark."

Diana shocked the nation by admitting to an affair and revealing details of her marriage to the heir to the throne, Prince Charles, during the explosive interview, which was watched by more than 20 million people in the United Kingdom.