Princess Diana's Death
The Thirteenth Pillar
In the early hours of August 31, 1997, a black Mercedes carrying the most famous woman in the world slammed into a concrete pillar in a Paris tunnel. Princess Diana, Dodi Fayed, and their driver Henri Paul were dead. The official verdict blamed a drunk driver and reckless paparazzi.
But for millions, the questions were only beginning. Was it truly an accident — or was it murder?
12:23 AM
The Mercedes S280 struck the thirteenth pillar of the Pont de l'Alma tunnel at over 60 mph — more than double the speed limit. Three of the four occupants were killed.
3.7x
Henri Paul's blood alcohol was 3.6 times the French legal limit. He was also on Prozac and anti-alcohol medication.
250
Witnesses heard during the six-month British inquest — the most extensive and expensive in legal history.
2.5B
Estimated viewers of Diana's funeral on September 6, 1997 — one of the most-watched events in television history.
The Evidence
The Thirteenth Pillar
The Mercedes clipped a white Fiat Uno, swerved left, and struck the thirteenth concrete pillar head-on at over 60 mph. The Fiat was never found — despite police eliminating over 4,000 white Fiat Unos from the inquiry.
A Nation in Mourning
Over one million bouquets — an estimated 60 million individual blooms — were laid at Kensington Palace. The Guinness Book of World Records recognised it as the largest floral tribute in history.
The Unofficial Memorial
The Flame of Liberty, a gold replica of the Statue of Liberty's torch, stands above the crash tunnel. It predates Diana's death but became a public shrine. The site was officially renamed Place Diana in 2019.
The Final Night
Arrival at the Ritz
Diana and Dodi arrive at the Ritz Hotel on the Place Vendome. CCTV captures Diana smiling in a hotel lift. The couple dine in the Imperial Suite after paparazzi make a restaurant meal impossible.
Henri Paul Returns
The off-duty deputy security chief is summoned back to the hotel. He will later be found to have a blood alcohol level 3.6 times the legal limit. CCTV shows him appearing calm and composed.
The Decoy Plan
Diana and Dodi depart via the rear Rue Cambon exit in a backup Mercedes driven by Henri Paul. No follow car. No backup. Only bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones accompanies them.
Impact
The Mercedes enters the Pont de l'Alma tunnel at over 60 mph, clips a white Fiat Uno, and slams into the thirteenth concrete pillar. Dodi and Henri Paul are killed instantly.
Diana Pronounced Dead
After nearly two hours of emergency surgery at the Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital, Diana is pronounced dead. A torn pulmonary vein had caused massive internal haemorrhage.
The Verdict
After a six-month inquest hearing 250 witnesses, the jury returns a verdict of "unlawful killing" through grossly negligent driving by Henri Paul and the pursuing paparazzi.
Key Figures
Henri Paul
Deputy head of security at the Ritz Hotel. Blood alcohol 3.6 times the legal limit. On Prozac and anti-alcohol medication. Maintained 15 bank accounts totalling ~$200,000 on a $30,000 salary. The source of his wealth was never explained.
Westminster Abbey
On September 6, 1997, two thousand mourners filled the Gothic nave. Elton John performed "Candle in the Wind." Earl Spencer delivered a eulogy that attacked the media and the Royal Family. 2.5 billion watched worldwide.
Accident or Assassination?
Three investigations. 250 witnesses. 832 pages of evidence. The official verdict: unlawful killing through grossly negligent driving. No conspiracy. No murder plot.
But polls show one in three Britons still believes Diana was murdered. The conspiracy will not die.
Get the Full Book
The complete story — from the fairy-tale wedding to the Paris tunnel to the verdict.
