Timeline of the Inquest
The process began years after the crash due to delays from French legalities and initial investigations. Below is a chronological overview:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 6, 2004 | Royal coroner Michael Burgess opens preliminary inquests and commissions Operation Paget to investigate conspiracy speculations. |
| December 14, 2006 | Operation Paget report published, concluding the crash was a “tragic accident.” |
| January 8, 2007 | Inquests formally open with Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss as coroner; she initially plans no jury. |
| March 2, 2007 | High Court rules a jury is required, overturning Butler-Sloss’s decision. |
| April 24, 2007 | Butler-Sloss steps down due to lack of jury experience; Lord Justice Scott Baker appointed on June 13, 2007. |
| July 27, 2007 | Baker issues a list of 20 key issues to be addressed. |
| October 2, 2007 | Inquest begins at the Royal Courts of Justice; jury sworn in (6 women, 5 men). |
| October 2007–March 2008 | Evidence hearings; 250 witnesses testify over 90 days. |
| March 31–April 2, 2008 | Baker’s summing up to the jury. |
| April 7, 2008 | Jury delivers verdict of unlawful killing. |
Key Figures
- Coroner: Lord Justice Scott Baker, a High Court judge, presided over the inquest. He replaced Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss and was the fourth coroner involved overall. Baker emphasized impartiality and dismissed conspiracy claims, stating there was “not a shred of evidence” for them.
- Jury: Composed of 11 members (6 women, 5 men), selected to ensure fairness. They heard all evidence and deliberated on five possible verdicts: unlawful killing by negligence (of the driver, paparazzi, or both), accidental death, or open verdict.
- Notable Participants: Mohamed Al-Fayed (Dodi’s father), who pushed conspiracy theories; Trevor Rees-Jones (sole survivor); Paul Burrell (Diana’s butler); Diana’s stepmother; and former MI6 head Sir Richard Dearlove. British secret service agents were cross-examined.
Proceedings and Evidence
The inquest examined 20 specific issues outlined by Baker, covering driver impairment, paparazzi actions, vehicle involvement (e.g., a white Fiat Uno), medical response, and personal circumstances like Diana’s alleged pregnancy or engagement. Key evidence included:
- Forensic Details: Henri Paul’s blood alcohol level was 1.74–1.87 g/L (over three times the legal limit), plus prescription drugs. DNA tests on blood samples were inconclusive but not indicative of tampering.
- Crash Analysis: Speed estimated at 95–110 km/h; no seatbelts worn; tunnel design contributed but was not the primary cause.
- Medical Evidence: Diana might have survived with faster hospital transfer or different treatment, but internal injuries were severe.
- Witness Testimonies: Included Henri Paul’s movements, financial discrepancies, and paparazzi behavior (up to 30 photographers pursued the car). A new photo of Diana in her final minutes was shown. Proceedings were held at the Royal Courts of Justice, with transcripts available (now archived). The inquest cost £4.5 million, with Operation Paget adding £8 million, totaling over £12.5 million—criticized as excessive.
Treatment of Conspiracy Theories
A major focus was debunking theories promoted by Mohamed Al-Fayed, including MI6 orchestration on royal orders (e.g., by Prince Philip), blood sample swaps, flashing lights to disorient the driver, and involvement of photographer James Andanson. Evidence from Operation Paget and witnesses like former MI6 officer Richard Tomlinson was reviewed, finding no sinister elements in incidents like burglaries or agency disturbances. Baker ruled there was “not a shred of evidence” for claims involving the Duke of Edinburgh or security services. Al-Fayed’s point-by-point claims were addressed and dismissed. Prince Harry later criticized the inquest as “absurd” and error-riddled in his memoir, but this view has been contested.
Verdict and Conclusions
On April 7, 2008, the jury returned a 9-2 majority verdict of “unlawful killing” by “grossly negligent driving” of chauffeur Henri Paul (impaired by alcohol) and the pursuing paparazzi vehicles. Contributing factors included lack of seatbelts and the Mercedes striking a tunnel pillar. The verdict was the most serious possible short of murder and was the first to directly implicate paparazzi. No criminal charges followed, as the French inquiry had already cleared paparazzi of manslaughter.
Aftermath and Legacy
Princes William and Harry welcomed the verdict, thanking the jury. Mohamed Al-Fayed accepted it and ended his decade-long campaign. The inquest reinforced road safety messages and influenced media ethics discussions. In 2013, police briefly reviewed new claims but found no basis to reopen. Transcripts and evidence remain archived for public access. If you’d like details on specific witnesses, issues, or related documents, let me know!