The Tragic Death of Princess Diana

Summary

This week's 'BuzzFeed Unsolved' delves into the tragic death of Princess Diana, exploring both the confirmed facts and the conspiracy theories that persist. Born into British aristocracy, Diana's life transformed upon marrying Prince Charles, facing immense public scrutiny and private turmoil. Despite her 'People's Princess' image, she struggled with bulimia and an unhappy marriage. The show scrutinizes the car crash in Paris that took her life, addressing theories of a planned assassination, medical sabotage, and even Diana's own premonitions of danger. Ultimately, the episode respects her legacy as a philanthropist and advocate for the less fortunate.

Takeaways

• 👸 Princess Diana was born into British nobility and became a global icon after marrying Prince Charles.
• 💍 Despite the public fairytale image, Diana's marriage was fraught with difficulties, including her husband's affair with Camilla Parker Bowles.
• 🏥 Diana suffered from bulimia and depression, partly due to the pressures of royal life and her husband's infidelity.
• 🚗 The conspiracy theories around Diana's death involve claims of a planned accident, a pregnancy, and sabotaged medical care.
• 🔍 Operation Paget, a police investigation, examined numerous conspiracy theories and concluded that Diana's death was a tragic accident.
• 🍷 The driver of Diana's car, Henri Paul, had a high blood-alcohol level, suggesting drunk driving as the cause of the crash.
• 🚑 French emergency protocol, which involves treating on-site before transport, has been cited as a factor in Diana's death, but is not substantiated.
• 🤰 The theory that Diana was killed because of a supposed pregnancy with Dodi Al-Fayed's child was debunked by medical evidence.
• ✉️ Diana had predicted her own death in a letter, mentioning a planned 'accident', which adds to the intrigue but was not proven.
• 👩‍⚕️ A leading forensic pathologist confirmed that Diana's death was due to a rare injury, not easily survivable regardless of the medical response.

Q & A

Who was Diana, Princess of Wales?

Diana, Princess of Wales, was born Diana Frances Spencer on July 1st, 1961, in Norfolk, England. She was a member of the British aristocracy and became Lady Diana when her father inherited the earldom in 1975. She was known for her philanthropic work and was adored by the public, earning the nickname 'The People's Princess.'

How did Diana meet Prince Charles?

Diana and Prince Charles were introduced in November 1977 when she was 16 and he was 29. They were neighbors in Norfolk, and Charles had previously dated her sister, Lady Sarah. Their relationship grew after being invited to social events together.

When and where did Diana and Prince Charles get married?

Prince Charles and Lady Diana were married on July 29th, 1981, the same month Diana turned 20. The wedding took place at St Paul's Cathedral in London.

What was Diana's role before her marriage to Prince Charles?

Before her marriage to Prince Charles, Diana worked as a kindergarten teacher at the Young England School in London.

How did Princess Diana use her popularity?

Princess Diana used her popularity to advocate for various causes, including leprosy, domestic violence, mental health, and the AIDS crisis. She was known for her compassion and her ability to connect with people in need.

What challenges did Diana face within the royal family?

Diana faced significant challenges within the royal family, including isolation, lack of support, and an unhappy marriage. She also struggled with bulimia and depression, which were exacerbated by the pressures of royal life and the media scrutiny.

What are some conspiracy theories surrounding Diana's death?

Conspiracy theories around Diana's death include suspicions of an intentional car crash orchestrated by security forces, her alleged pregnancy with Dodi Al-Fayed's child leading to her assassination by the British state, and sabotage of her medical care. These theories have been largely debunked by investigations.

What was the official conclusion of the investigation into Diana's death?

Operation Paget, conducted by the Metropolitan Police, examined 175 different theories and concluded that Diana's death was a tragic accident. The investigation found no basis for the conspiracy theories suggesting her death was intentional.

How did Princess Diana's death impact the world?

Diana's death had a profound impact worldwide. An estimated two-and-a-half billion people tuned in to watch her funeral procession, making it one of the largest non-sporting television audiences ever. Her death led to an outpouring of grief and numerous conspiracy theories.

What was Diana's legacy as a member of the royal family?

Diana's legacy includes her humanitarian work, her advocacy for various causes, and her role as a role model for women. Despite the challenges she faced within the royal family, she used her platform to help others and to inspire people around the world.