7 August 1997 Following her divorce from Prince Charles in 1996, Diana is reported to be in a relationship with Dodi Fayed, son of Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed.
30 August Returning from their holiday on Dodi’s yacht in the Mediterranean, the couple land in Paris to rumors that they are soon to be married.
30 August, 23:30 With their every move watched by photographers, the couple check out of the Ritz hotel in Paris for an apartment off the Champs Elysées.
31 August, 00:25 Henri Paul, deputy head of security at the Ritz, drives them from the hotel pursued by photographers and press on motorbikes. Moments later his speeding car crashes, killing him and Dodi Al Fayed. Diana and bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones are both seriously injured and rushed to hospital.
31 August, 04:00 Diana is declared dead; Rees-Jones survives.
31 August, 04:01 News of Diana’s death is reported across the globe. In the UK, mourners gather before dawn outside her Kensington Palace home.
31 August, 05:09 A short statement issued by Buckingham Palace says “The Queen and the Prince of Wales are deeply shocked and distressed by the terrible news.”
31 August, 11:00 Prime Minister Tony Blair leads the tributes to Diana, saying she was “the people’s princess…”
1 September In France, blood from Henri Paul showed he was nearly three times over the national legal drink-drive limit. A French judge later puts the blame on Paul for the crash, not the photographers and press who pursued Diana’s car.
1 September 19:00 Millions watch live television coverage from RAF Northolt as the plane carrying the Princess’ coffin lands.
6 September The funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales is held at Westminster Abbey.
