The Details of Princess Diana’s Death, 26 Years Later

Diana, Princess of Wales, died on Aug. 31, 1997 alongside boyfriend Dodi Fayed and their driver Henri Paul.

As the 26th anniversary of Princess Diana‘s tragic death approaches, the world once again turns its gaze toward her life, her legacy, and the events that shaped her untimely death. From her iconic marriage to Prince Charles to her untiring advocacy and the controversial aftermath of her passing, Diana’s story remains etched in history.

Director Ed Perkins of HBO documentary, The Princess, focusing on the last days of Princess Diana’s death, emphasizes the documentary’s unique angle, stating, “I felt very strongly that the perspective that hadn’t really been explored before wasn’t necessarily trying to get inside Diana’s heads

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Diana, Harry and William at Thorpe Park [Photo/Courtesy]
Princess Diana, Harry and William at Thorpe Park [Photo/Courtesy]

The film traces Diana’s journey from her engagement to Prince Charles in 1981 to the tragic events that unfolded on the fateful night of August 30, 1997.

How did it all begin?

On that night, Diana and her rumored boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, left the Ritz Hotel in Paris and entered a Mercedes-Benz, embarking on a journey that would lead to their devastating deaths.

The driver, Henri Paul, exceeded the speed limit and lost control, colliding with a pillar. While Paul and Fayed were pronounced dead at the scene, Diana was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to internal injuries the following morning.

[Photo/Courtesy]

The heart-wrenching details of Diana’s last moments paint a vivid picture of the tragedy. Eyewitness accounts reveal Diana’s pain and fear as she clung to life after the crash.

Conspiracy Theories Surrounding Princess Diana’s Death

According to Sergeant Xavier Gourmelon, who led the response team, Diana’s last words were, “My God, what’s happened?” Author Tina Brown’s narrative in The Diana Chronicles provides further insight into the anguish Diana experienced while trapped in the wrecked car.

Police services prepare to take the limo in which Princess Diana died [AP/Associated Press]
Police services prepare to take the limo in which Princess Diana died [AP/Associated Press]

Forensic pathologist Richard Shepherd’s findings in 2019 shed new light on the true cause of Diana’s death—a tiny, rare tear in the vein of her lung.

Shepherd believes that a seatbelt could have saved her life. Her British bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones, was the sole survivor due to wearing a seatbelt.

While the crash was attributed to reckless driving and alcohol consumption by Henri Paul, conspiracy theories have lingered for years.

Trevor Rees-Jones (L) pictured with driver Henri Paul shortly before the crash. [Photo/Sky news]
Trevor Rees-Jones (L) pictured with driver Henri Paul shortly before the crash. [Photo/Sky news]

Some speculated that Diana’s pregnancy with Dodi’s child played a role, while others suggested she had foreseen an attack.

These theories were thoroughly debunked by investigations such as Operation Paget, which cleared any suspicions of foul play.

The paparazzi’s role in the accident cannot be ignored, as they pursued Diana relentlessly.

Shockingly, instead of aiding the victims, some paparazzi captured the scene on camera. The outrage from this behavior echoed in Prince Harry’s recent statements, expressing his anger over the lack of justice.

Princess Diana’s Legacy

Diana’s legacy lives on not only through her sons, Princes William and Harry, but also through her impact on the media landscape and mental health awareness.

Prince Harry’s candid revelations about the pain he felt as a result of his mother’s death highlight the far-reaching consequences of media intrusions.

His and Meghan Markle’s legal actions against tabloid publications reflect their determination to protect their privacy and well-being.

King Charles, Harry and William during Princess Diana's Funeral [Photo/The Royal Family Website]
King Charles, Harry and William during Princess Diana’s Funeral [Photo/The Royal Family Website]

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As the world commemorates the 26th anniversary of Diana’s passing, it’s clear that her story continues to captivate hearts and minds.

Her life, advocacy, and the tragedy of her death remain a potent reminder of the complexities of fame, media scrutiny, and the unending pursuit of truth. Her legacy continue to shape the royal family and inspire meaningful conversations around mental health and compassion.

In the words of Prince Harry himself, “I have no doubt that my mom would be incredibly proud of me. I’m living the life that she wanted to live for herself.”

The legacy of Princess Diana endures, leaving an indelible mark on history, society, and the hearts of people worldwide.

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