Duke of Cambridge ignores question on Bashir apology

The Duke of Cambridge ignored a question about Martin Bashir’s apology over the Panorama interview with his mother as he continued his visit to Scotland on Sunday.

The duke tried his hand at woodworking as he visited the Grassmarket Community Project – which provides sanctuary and support for vulnerable people through community innovation and social enterprise – in Edinburgh.

The project was developed in partnership between Greyfriars Kirk (Church of Scotland) and Grassmarket Mission in 1982 and became a standalone charity in 2010.

As he left, the duke was asked by a reporter whether he had seen Martin Bashir’s apology over the 1995 interview with his mother but did not respond.

Speaking to the Sunday Times, Bashir said he “never wanted to harm” Diana, Princess of Wales, with the Panorama interview, adding: “I don’t believe we did.”

He said he is “deeply sorry” to the dukes of Cambridge and Sussex.

William visited the Grassmarket Community Project’s workshop, which makes furniture from recycled pews and other responsibly-resourced wood.

He met chief executive Jonny Kinross and Richard Frazer, founder and Greyfriars Kirk minister.

He heard how the project works with people who are dealing with a wide range of complex issues including mental and physical health problems, disabilities, learning difficulties, poverty, substance misuse, abuse and social isolation.

William began a week-long visit to Scotland on Friday and the Duchess of Cambridge will join him on Monday for the rest of the tour.