The former BBC director general has quit as chairman of the National Gallery amid criticism for his role in Martin Bashir's interview of Princess Diana.
Lord Anthony Hall, 70, said the role “would be a distraction to an institution I care deeply about”.
Speaking today, he added: "I have today resigned as chair of the National Gallery.
"I have always had a strong sense of public service and it is clear my continuing in the role would be a distraction to an institution I care deeply about.
"As I said two days ago, I am very sorry for the events of 25 years ago and I believe leadership means taking responsibility."
Lord Hall was director of news when Martin Bashir got the 1995 scoop using faked documents.
Speaking earlier this week, he said he accepted the 1996 BBC inquiry into how Panorama secured its interview with Diana, Princess of Wales, "fell well short of what was required" and he was "wrong to give Martin Bashir the benefit of the doubt".
Mr Bashir was denounced as a "rogue reporter" by Prince William this week.
Lord Hall had been a trustee of the National Gallery since November 2019, and became chairman of the board in July 2020.
Sir John Kingman, deputy chair of the National Gallery board of trustees, said: "Tony Hall has been doing a superb job as chair of the National Gallery, where he is much respected and liked.
"The gallery is extremely sorry to lose him, but of course we entirely understand and respect his decision."
Dr Gabriele Finaldi, director of the National Gallery, thanked Lord Hall for his work at the institution.
He said of the former BBC director-general: "He has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the gallery and it has been a great pleasure to work closely with him as we have faced the challenges of Covid and as we prepare to mark the gallery's bicentenary in 2024."
National Gallery, which is in central London, houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. It opened in 1824.
