The tragic romance of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed, culminating in their heartbreaking final hours, has captured the world's attention anew, thanks to Netflix's "The Crown" Season 6. While the show has faced criticism for its "fictional dramatization," the real story, pieced together from friends' testimonies, a British inquest, and the official French police report, paints a picture of a couple deeply in love and planning a future together.
Diana and Dodi's connection stretched back a decade, far beyond what was publicly known. They first crossed paths in 1986 through Dodi's father, Mohamed al-Fayed. By 1997, they had grown close, with Diana spending time with the Fayed family, including vacationing in St. Tropez on Mohamed's yacht, Jonikal. It was here, reportedly, that Mohamed aimed to kindle a romance between Diana and Dodi. This effort bore fruit: Prince Harry, in his memoir "Spare," recalled witnessing Dodi's charm offensive on Diana during this yacht trip.
Their relationship progressed rapidly. After ending her relationship with surgeon Hasnat Khan, Diana reconnected with Dodi. The couple was seen together on multiple occasions, including a ring-shopping spree in Monte Carlo, signaling a serious commitment. Their final day together, August 30, 1997, was a whirlwind of activity - from a morning swim on Jonikal to a brief stop at Villa Windsor, a property leased by Mohamed, which he suggested could become Diana and Dodi's future home.
The culmination of their relationship seemed imminent when Dodi purchased a ring from the Dis-moi Oui collection at the Repossi jewelry store, later described as an engagement ring. That evening, after Diana had spoken to her sons at Balmoral and Dodi had informed his father of their intention to announce their engagement, the couple prepared to leave the Ritz Hotel in Paris.
CCTV footage from the Ritz captured their final moments - Diana and Dodi appeared affectionate and at ease, unaware of the tragedy that lay ahead. They attempted to evade the paparazzi by exiting from the hotel's back door. Their driver, Henri Paul, who was later found to be heavily intoxicated, assured them of a swift escape from the pursuing photographers.
Tragically, the night ended in a fatal crash in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel. Henri Paul and Dodi Fayed died instantly, while Diana, despite being rushed to the hospital, succumbed to her injuries in the early hours of August 31. The accident's cause has been a subject of speculation, with some, including author Omid Scobie in "Endgame," suggesting a camera flash may have blinded the driver.
The world mourned the loss of the "People's Princess," and for Mohamed al-Fayed, the grief was personal. He lost not only his son but also a woman he believed was destined for a joyous future with Dodi. The story of Diana and Dodi, a tale of love blossoming under the most public of scrutinies, ended not with joyous celebrations but in a tragic accident, leaving the world to wonder about what might have been.
The inTouch magazine reported on the details.
