Princess Diana, the beloved Princess of Wales, tragically passed away on August 31, 1997, in a fatal car crash in Paris. The incident, which shocked the world, has been surrounded by numerous theories over the years, with many suggesting that the car crashed into the tunnel’s edge while attempting to escape relentless paparazzi.
Nearly three decades later, Ken Wharfe, Diana’s former bodyguard who served her for almost six years, has opened up about the security lapses that he believes contributed to the tragic accident. In a candid interview with The Sun, Wharfe asserted that Diana might still be alive if not for a series of critical mistakes.
Wharfe pointed out that one of the key errors was allowing Henri Paul, who was reportedly intoxicated, to drive the car that night. He said the situation could have been different if Dodi Fayed’s personal assistant had been behind the wheel instead. At the time of the accident, Diana and Dodi were allegedly in a relationship, having traveled together on that fateful night.
Another significant lapse, according to Wharfe, was the failure to inform the local police of their situation. He believes that had the authorities been alerted, they could have more effectively managed the paparazzi and the unfolding chaos. Wharfe also criticized the decision to treat the paparazzi as enemies rather than assess their surroundings and make informed decisions.
Queen Elizabeth had reportedly advised Princess Diana to maintain Scotland Yard’s security detail, but Diana chose not to accept the protection. Wharfe mentioned that he had discussed her safety concerns with her, but just weeks after their conversation, she dismissed her security, leading to the devastating crash that claimed her life at the age of 36.
At the time of the accident, Prince William and Prince Harry were with their father, King Charles, at Balmoral Castle. The young princes, aged 15 and 12, respectively, later walked behind their mother’s coffin in a heart-wrenching procession that the world watched in mourning. Sources close to Charles revealed that despite the breakdown of their marriage, he was deeply grieved by Diana’s death, as he still harboured affection for her.
This year marks the 27th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death. As the world remembers her, the revelations from her former bodyguard add a new layer of understanding to the tragic events that unfolded that night.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | August 31, 1997 |
| Location | Paris, France |
| Key Figures Involved | Princess Diana, Dodi Fayed, Henri Paul |
| Main Security Lapses | Intoxicated driver, lack of police involvement |
| Bodyguard’s Revelations | Ken Wharfe highlights critical mistakes |
| Aftermath | Princes William and Harry mourned their mother at Balmoral Castle |
These insights provide a sobering reflection on the tragic loss of Princess Diana, a figure who continues to inspire and be remembered by millions around the world,