The broadcaster has faced a backlash from royalists and Diana’s brother Earl Charles Spencer, who condemned the tapes that were recorded by Peter Settelen in several sessions at Kensington Palace in 1992 and 1993.
The BBC previously bought the tapes, but shelved the project for risk of being condemned for bad taste, before a lengthy legal battle and bitter accusations ensued years later after police seized several of the recordings.
Diana will be seen in the tapes talking about every facet in her life, including the role of Camilla Parker Bowles in her marriage.
A Channel 4 spokesperson told Express.co.uk: “The excerpts from the tapes recorded with Peter Settelen have never been shown before on British television and are an important historical source.
“We carefully considered all the material used in the documentary and, though the recordings were made in private, the subjects covered are a matter of public record.
“They provide a unique insight into the preparations Diana undertook to gain a public voice and tell her own personal story, which culminated in her later interview for Panorama.
“This unique portrait of Diana gives her a voice and places it front and centre at a time when the nation will be reflecting on her life and death.”
Channel 4 executive Ralph Lee, head of factual broadcasting, is believed to have written to Earl Spencer, insisting the documentary will be an “important contribution to the historical record”, according to the Mail on Sunday.
Ralph told Radio Times: “With this big anniversary, we wanted to feel we were going after something different from other channels. We knew there were going to be multiple perspectives on Diana and on her life…and access to the Settelen tapes meant that we could be front and centre of the story and allow her to tell the story as much as possible in her own words.”
Rosa Monckton, one of Diana’s closest friends and confidantes, said: “I think it’s completely inappropriate that they are being shown publicly. And I would like to challenge – I don’t know who the chairman is of Channel 4 or who the directors are – but I would like to ask them just one question.
“Imagine that this was your wife, your daughter, having therapy at a very difficult time, and suddenly to broadcast this to the nation. What would they feel? I mean, how intrusive is this? It doesn’t matter that it was 20-odd years ago.
“It makes no difference at all. Think of the hurt they are causing to her family, to her sons. I think it is unfeeling and unthinking towards them. The tapes should have been sent to the boys. They should definitely have been sent to her sons. I just think it is absolutely disgusting.”
Kensington Palace declined to comment on the Diana tapes when approached for comment by Express.co.uk.
Diana: In her Own Words airs next Sunday on Channel 4 at 8pm.
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