As an alternative, shortly after midnight on Aug. 31, they headed downstairs and lingered for about seven minutes close to the rear entrance of the Ritz whereas staffers created a diversion out entrance to throw the horde of paparazzi off the scent.
The couple climbed into the again of a Mercedes being pushed by (as subsequent investigations and inquests concluded) the intoxicated head of safety on the Ritz, Henri Paul, who was unexpectedly tasked with taking them again to Dodi’s condominium. Dodi’s bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones acquired into the entrance passenger seat.
Photographers who weren’t fooled by the ruse took off after the Mercedes by automotive and on motorbikes. Henri sped into the Pont de l’Alma tunnel and, seconds later, the Mercedes smashed right into a pillar. The driving force and Dodi died on the scene, whereas Diana was taken to Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital. After life-saving efforts failed, docs pronounced her lifeless at 3 a.m. The world came upon three hours later.
When the queen and Charles got the call at Balmoral in the course of the evening, he determined to let William and Harry sleep. He’d inform the boys within the morning.
Half 1 of the sixth season of The Crown is streaming on Netflix. Half 2 premieres Dec. 14.
