PRINCESS DIANA publicly apologised yesterday for taking her two sons to see a film which is said to glamorise IRA violence. The London cinema involved began an investigation into the visit amid mounting political criticism, Rachel Borrill reports.
In a statement, the princess insisted she was unaware of the film's content and apologised for "any distress which may have been caused" by the weekend trip to see Devil's Own.
Several Tory and unionist MPs condemned her for "irresponsible behaviour" and denounced the film. The Ulster Unionist MP, Mr William Ross, suggested she should have inquired about its contents before going to see it.
"She should take greater care about what her children see. She should have inquired about the film's content first. There have been a number of films in recent years about the IRA which give a twisted view about what is happening in Her Majesty's realm and I think she was unwise," he added.
Odeon cinemas launched an inquiry into how Prince Harry (12) was allowed in to see the film, which carries a 15 certificate due to its violent scenes. Prince William met the age limit, by one day, having just celebrated his birthday.
According to staff at the Kensington cinema, the Princess of Wales had seemed surprised that Prince Harry was too young to see the film and had pleaded with them to allow him in. "She said she couldn't possibly leave Prince Harry behind, so we relented," one member of staff said.
The film, which stars Brad Pitt as a fugitive IRA terrorist who has murdered 24 people, and Harrison Ford, has been widely criticised. Mr Pitt described it as "the most irresponsible bit of film making, if you can even call it that, that I have ever seen."