Death of Diana, Princess of Wales

Overview

• Date of Incident: 31 August 1997
• Location: Pont de l'Alma, Paris, France
• Cause of Death: Car crash caused by dangerous driving
• Fatalities:
  • Diana, Princess of Wales
  • Dodi Fayed
  • Henri Paul
• Survivor: Trevor Rees-Jones (bodyguard)

Circumstances

Events Preceding the Crash

• Diana and Dodi Fayed left Sardinia on a private jet, arriving in Paris on 30 August 1997.
• They had been vacationing on Mohamed Al-Fayed's yacht.
• Plans to stay overnight in Paris at the Htel Ritz Paris owned by Mohamed Al-Fayed.
• Henri Paul, deputy head of security, was instructed to drive to avoid paparazzi.
• Departure from rear entrance to avoid photographers, heading to Mohamed Al-Fayed's apartment.

The Crash

• Occurred at 00:23 in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel.
• Paul lost control at high speed, reportedly due to inebriation.
• Collision with the 13th pillar of the tunnel; car was traveling at 105 km/h.
• Significant vehicle damage and involvement of a white Fiat.

Aftermath

• Paparazzi initially arrived at the scene; attempts to assist and photograph the aftermath.
• Emergency services arrived shortly after; Diana was conscious but critically injured.
• Diana sustained severe internal injuries and died at Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital at 04:00.
• Henri Paul was found to be intoxicated; blood alcohol level nearly four times the legal limit.
• Initial reports misjudged the speed of impact; later investigations clarified.

Mourning and Funeral

• Public mourning with overwhelming public grief in the UK and globally.
• Funeral on 6 September 1997 at Westminster Abbey.
• 2.5 billion estimated global TV audience.
• "Candle in the Wind 1997" performed by Elton John.

Reactions

Royal Family

• Royal Family criticized for their initial response and adherence to protocol.
• Public critique focused on the refusal to fly the Royal Standard at half-mast.
• Queen Elizabeth II eventually addressed the nation.

Politicians

• Global political figures expressed condolences.
• Tony Blair famously referred to Diana as "The People's Princess."

Public

• Massive public response with floral tributes and messages left at royal residences.
• Increased demand for grief counseling services.

Investigations and Inquests

• French and British investigations.
• Operation Paget (UK) concluded unlawful killing by Henri Paul and paparazzi negligence.
• Various conspiracy theories emerged but were officially dismissed.
• Verdict emphasized high-speed and intoxication as primary causes.

Impact and Legacy

• Diana's death influenced public discourse on media ethics and privacy.
• Numerous memorials established in her honor.
• Diana's work on landmines contributed to the Ottawa Treaty.

In the Media

• Extensive media coverage and cultural references.
• Criticisms about media's role and coverage during and after the incident.
• Films and documentaries explore the events surrounding her death.