On 31 August 1997, Princess Diana died in a car crash in Paris and the tragedy shocked the world yet doubts soon replaced grief. Many refused to believe the official account that blamed speed and a drunk driver. Conspiracy theories multiplied. They ranged from royal plots and pregnancy claims to suspicious cars and medical negligence. Operation Paget, the massive inquiry, examined 175 such theories. It found no proof of conspiracy, but speculation continues. Here are the most discussed claims and the truth behind them.
Diana was Pregnant
Mohamed al-Fayed claimed Diana was carrying his son Dodi’s child. He said the royal family could not accept a Muslim stepfather for a future king. Newspapers speculated about a pregnancy, and Diana hinted at a “big surprise.” But post-mortem tests proved she was not pregnant. Friends also confirmed she was on contraception and had a normal cycle.
Read More: Princess Diana’s Death: The Tragedy That Broke Millions of Hearts
She Predicted Her Death in a Letter
In 1995, Diana wrote a letter to her butler Paul Burrell. She said someone planned “an accident” in her car to clear the way for Prince Charles to remarry. The letter felt chillingly accurate. Diana had earlier worried about car problems and suspected plots. Her fears were genuine, but no investigation found evidence of an assassination plan.
Paparazzi Caused the Crash Intentionally
The paparazzi were accused of boxing in Diana’s car or creating chaos on purpose while this theory claimed they were more than just photographers chasing a story. However, Operation Paget found no evidence of coordination. The car did speed to escape photographers, but their role remained that of pursuers, not conspirators.
Driver Henri Paul Acted as an Agent
Conspiracy theorists said Henri Paul, head of Ritz security, worked for secret services. They claimed his blood samples were swapped to frame him as drunk. But repeated toxicology tests confirmed heavy alcohol levels. Though Paul’s finances raised suspicion, no evidence tied him to intelligence agencies.
The Mysterious White Fiat Uno
Witnesses saw a white Fiat Uno near the crash. Traces of its paint appeared on Diana’s Mercedes. Yet the car and its driver were never traced. This mystery has kept conspiracy alive, with claims the Fiat deliberately struck or blocked the car.
The Mercedes was Sabotaged
Some claimed Diana’s car was tampered with before the crash and witnesses disagreed about its speed, fueling doubts and but mechanical checks found no sabotage. Investigators concluded the car was fast but intact.
Bright Flashes Blinded the Driver
Several people reported seeing bright flashes in the tunnel. Conspiracists said these blinded Henri Paul and caused the crash and but investigators noted multiple light sources that night, including paparazzi cameras and headlights. None were proven deliberate.
Medical Care was Sabotaged
Another theory alleged Diana could have survived if treated differently. Critics said she should have been rushed to hospital sooner. But French protocol prioritised treatment at the scene. Experts insisted her injuries were almost certainly fatal either way.
Diana’s Bodyguard was Killed Off
Conspiracies also linked her death to that of Barry Mannakee, a former bodyguard and alleged lover. Diana once suggested he was “bumped off.” He died in a motorbike crash years earlier. The Independent later confirmed his death was accidental, not planned.
