On this day 25 years ago, Princess Diana, born Diana Frances Spencer (1961-1997), died in a car accident in Paris, France. The Princess, ex-wife of Great Britain’s Prince Charles, died on 31 August 1997 along with her companion Dodi Fayed and their driver Henri Paul. She was 36 years old.
Although their car was being pursued by several other cars containing paparazzi, a lengthy investigation determined that the fault lay with Paul the driver, who was speeding and intoxicated at the time of the crash.
Known as the “People’s Princess” for her warm personality, friendly smile and extensive charitable work, Princess Diana was mourned by millions around the world. The following newspaper article is a good example of this.
Note on the header image: a photo of Princess Diana’s coffin, draped in the royal standard with an ermine border, borne through the streets of London on its way to Westminster Abbey, 6 September 1997. Credit: PaddyBriggs; Wikimedia Commons.