Years after her untimely death at the age of 36, Princess Diana remains a beloved figure worldwide. Her tragic death in 1997 shocked the globe and left a profound impact on millions.
The documentary "The Princess," directed by Ed Perkins, delves deeply into Diana's life, using audio and film from archival sources to provide an intimate look at her journey—from her magical wedding to Prince Charles to the birth of their sons, William and Harry. The documentary paints a vivid picture of her life, highlighting her struggles, including her highly publicized divorce and the circumstances surrounding her untimely death, both of which have remained prominent in popular culture for years.
According to Parade, Princess Diana succumbed to injuries sustained in a car crash on the night of August 31, 1997. Diana was with her companion Dodi Fayed, their bodyguard, and driver Henri Paul. They were traveling in Paris when their driver, reportedly attempting to evade paparazzi, sped nearly twice the legal limit through the Pont de l'Alma tunnel. Tragically, the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to crash into a support pillar in the tunnel wall. Although Diana was still conscious when the ambulance arrived, she later died at the hospital. Dodi Fayed and Henri Paul died instantly at the scene.
Michael Burgess, who was the deputy to Dr. John Burton at the time, performed the autopsy on Princess Diana in the mortuary in Hammersmith and Fulham. According to The Independent, her remains were transported from Paris to London that same afternoon by RAF Northolt. After a thorough two-year investigation, French magistrates concluded that the deaths of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed in the tunnel were accidental. The crash left Diana with multiple injuries, including a concussion, a broken arm, a cut on her thigh, and severe chest wounds. The most devastating injury was a ruptured pulmonary vein, which caused fatal internal hemorrhaging. Despite the best efforts of medics, who massaged her heart for two hours during surgery, they could not revive her. Dr. Bruno Riou, the hospital's chief of intensive care, confirmed that Diana's death was due to internal bleeding.
Her sudden and tragic demise left a void in the hearts of many and sparked numerous conspiracy theories and speculations. Yet, the official reports concluded it was a tragic accident. The documentary "The Princess" not only revisits these tragic events but also celebrates Diana's life and legacy, portraying her as the beloved "People's Princess" who touched the lives of so many. The documentary stands as a testament to her enduring influence and the deep affection with which she is remembered.
