A reporter lied to score an interview with Princess Diana 25 years ago. Here's why it matters now

Her family did not hold back in condemning the methods used to secure the 1995 interview.

London (CNN) -- The BBC has been forced to issue a humiliating apology after covering up the "deceitful" methods its former journalist Martin Bashir used to secure one of its biggest-ever scoops 25 years ago. Not only has the corporation's reputation taken a hit but Diana's own flesh and blood have vehemently slammed the tactics used to trick her into speaking to them, and linked the interview to her death just two years later. BBC Director-General Tim Davie said that while the British public broadcaster "cannot turn back the clock after a quarter of a century, we can make a full and unconditional apology." CNN understands letters were sent to Princes William and Harry Thursday to apologize -- but many are saying this comes decades too late.