Beeb assigns Radio1 DJ to major Royal interview

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Senior BBC journalists are protesting at the decision to allow Cotton, 25, to conduct the interview. By contrast, when US network NBC was granted a second interview, the job was given to veteran broadcaster Matt Lauer, 49.

One BBC source told the Evening Standard: "It is an absolute joke that a DJ was allowed to conduct this major interview.

"It is a shame that the corporation did not take an interview with the future king and third in line to the throne as seriously as the Americans did. Frankly, it is ludicrous that a major interview with the sons of the Princess of Wales is not conducted by a proper journalist. This is a major news event not a bit of showbiz puff."

The princes agreed to the interviews, already recorded, to promote the Diana, Princess of Wales memorial concert, which takes place on 1 July at Wembley Stadium, ahead of the 10th anniversary of her death.

NBC is now trailing its interview with the claim the "two royal brothers discuss absolutely everything ".

Lauer said: "They were quite open and they talked a lot about their mum and about the pressures they face... the exposure and the over exposure and their quest for normalcy." According to a US source little was ruled off topic. "The young men speak frankly about absolutely everything - their mother's untimely death, Harry going to war in Iraq and how they feel about the paparazzi," said the source.

Following Cotton's interview, according to some reports, William is understood to have joked that he "fancied her". William, who recently split from long-term girlfriend-Kate Middleton, revealed his feelings after their interview. Cotton's father, Mick, reportedly said: "They got on really well and we're chuffed to bits that he took a shine to her."

Cotton began her career in children's TV but has recently branched out into mainstream shows such as Love Island, a huge flop, and Make Me A Supermodel.