More than 25 years after the tragic car crash that claimed the life of Princess Diana, along with Dodi Fayed and Henri Paul, questions and reflections continue to emerge about what really happened that night in Paris. Now, new statements from a senior police official have sparked renewed public interest, revisiting a case that has remained one of the most discussed events in modern royal history.
The Final Hours in Paris
On August 30, 1997, Diana and Dodi arrived in Paris from Sardinia. The couple was followed closely by paparazzi upon landing at Le Bourget Airport. After a visit to Villa Windsor, owned by Dodi’s father Mohamed Al-Fayed, they returned to the Ritz Hotel, seeking privacy from the growing media presence.
That evening, Dodi purchased a ring from the “Dis-Moi Oui” collection — fueling speculation about a possible engagement. Their plan to dine at Chez Benoit was scrapped due to paparazzi pressure, so they remained at the Ritz for dinner instead.
The Tragic Crash
Shortly after midnight, in an attempt to avoid photographers, a new plan was made. Ritz security official Henri Paul would drive Diana, Dodi, and bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones to Dodi’s apartment. They exited through the back of the hotel in a black Mercedes S280, while decoy cars were used to mislead the press.
At 12:25 AM, their vehicle entered the Alma Tunnel at high speed. The car reportedly collided with a white Fiat Uno, lost control, and struck a concrete pillar. Henri Paul and Dodi Fayed died instantly. Diana was critically injured and later died at Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital at 4:00 AM. Rees-Jones was the sole survivor, though he sustained serious injuries.
The Inquest: What Was Discovered
Between 2007 and 2008, a British inquest led by Lord Justice Scott Baker reviewed the case in depth. Key findings included:
- Henri Paul’s Condition: While French authorities reported a high blood alcohol level, CCTV footage showed no signs of intoxication, leading to suspicions about the accuracy of test results. Though rumors suggested his links to French intelligence, no solid connection to the crash was found.
- Paparazzi Pursuit: While aggressive pursuit by photographers was confirmed, the court determined their actions were not the direct cause of the accident. However, their decision to photograph the crash instead of helping drew widespread condemnation.
- The Mysterious Fiat Uno: Evidence suggested the Mercedes made contact with a white Fiat Uno, possibly linked to a photographer named James Andanson, but no conclusive proof was ever established.
- Diana’s Concerns: Princess Diana had previously expressed concerns about her safety, including a memo from her lawyer referencing fears of a car-related incident. However, no definitive threats were identified.
- Conspiracy Claims: Mohamed Al-Fayed maintained the belief that the crash was orchestrated, possibly due to Diana’s relationship with Dodi or a rumored pregnancy. However, Operation Paget — a 3-year investigation — concluded there was no evidence to support claims of foul play.
Unresolved Controversies
The handling of the medical response also drew attention. In accordance with French emergency protocol, Diana was treated on-site for over an hour before transport to the hospital. While some experts suggest faster intervention may have improved her chances, the medical team affirmed that proper procedures were followed.
There was also confusion regarding statements made to Henri Paul’s family. At one point, Lord Stevens, who led Operation Paget, allegedly told Paul’s parents their son wasn’t responsible — only for the report to cite his impaired driving as a key factor. The inconsistency has fueled ongoing debate and public skepticism.
An Enduring Mystery
The inquest ultimately ruled Diana’s death as “unlawful killing”, caused by the reckless driving of Henri Paul and the actions of the pursuing paparazzi. Still, lingering questions — such as the identity of the Fiat Uno driver and the nature of Diana’s concerns — continue to provoke thought and speculation.
A Legacy That Lives On
Princess Diana’s passing marked not only the loss of a beloved royal figure but also a deeply personal grief for millions around the world. Her funeral, watched by an estimated 2.5 billion people, reflected the global impact of her life and death.
While the official investigations aimed to bring closure, the emotional weight and unresolved details surrounding that night ensure that Diana’s story continues to resonate — a testament to the enduring power of her legacy and the mystery that still surrounds her final moments.
