NOW ON TV: DIANA, GODDESS OF THE HAUNT

By Belinda Luscombe

IF CATHERINE OF ARAGON had had access to television, the Church of England might never have been created. Even without the media, however, Princess Diana might have been more than a match for old King Henry. In last week's frank one-hour interview on the bbc, she delivered as penetrating a kick to the crown jewels as any woman in history. It's not simply that the estranged wife of a future King appeared poised, gentle and articulate (albeit she said albeit five times in half an hour); it's not that she failed to come off as the loony blue-blood bimbo her detractors have made her out to be. What was shocking was that she did an interview at all, telling neither her mother-in-law nor her own press secretary until it was in the can. She's playing by her own rules.

In fact Diana revealed little to viewers in Britain (and subsequently 37 other countries) that was new. But the confirmation of what was rumored--the sum of which would not be salacious enough to get her on Jenny Jones--was a bit of a bombshell coming from a member of the royal family. Yes, she knew her husband was making nasty with Camilla Parker Bowles in 1986, thanks to "woman's instinct" and "people who cared about our marriage." Yes, this worsened her bulimia and self-abuse. Yes, she hurt her own arms and legs. And yes, she had her own affair, with James Hewitt, her riding instructor. But no, she didn't make all those calls to a London art dealer; a "young boy" did it (right after he ate her homework).

The more important revelations were implicit. After 15 years in the white-hot limelight, Diana's perfect p.r. pitch has become her best weapon. From the melancholy kohl-rimmed eyes to the hesitant body language, from the lack of spite (she'll take "half" the responsibility for the split) to the deference to the Prince ("I await my husband's decision" about a divorce), Diana played her part with great cunning, showing that when she says she won't go easily, she means it.

And in the short term at least, the score seems to be Diana 1, Palace 0. Post-show polls indicated that more than 80% of British viewers were favorably impressed. So much so, perhaps, that the Windsors raised a white flag: senior royal aides said they would discuss with Diana "how we can help her define her future role and continue to support her as a member of the royal family."

Why did she do it? Her pat answer--to "reassure all those people that have loved me and supported me ... that I'd never let them down. This is a priority, along with my children"--may contain some truth. Diana, who admits she probably won't be Queen, may be maneuvering to promote young Prince William and protect her access to him. Since no one likes to see a devoted parent denied her children, there's little the palace can do except tolerate her as mother to the future King. As for her desire to be "queen of people's hearts," it looks as if she already is.

--Reported by Helen Gibson/London

With reporting by Helen Gibson/London