What If Princess Diana Had Not Died in 1997?

Imagine a different scenario: on the night Princess Diana died in 1997, what if she and Dodi Al-Fayed had simply stayed at the Ritz and retired to their reserved suite? The paparazzi would have been unable to disturb them, ensuring a night without constant intrusion and media chaos.

The Original Plan

It was originally intended that Diana and Dodi would spend the night at the Ritz. A suite was already reserved, and they were set to escape the relentless paparazzi once they reached their destination. The discretion of a decoy car was part of the plan to minimize exposure. The key factor could have been the driver, Henri Paul, who was the sole fatality of the night. If the decoy car had been driven normally, the few extra pictures taken would not have made significant differences.

The Role of Responsibility

Princess Diana’s decision to not wear her seatbelt was a critical oversight. According to medical professionals and experts, if she had worn her safety belt, she could have survived the fatal crash. The force of the accident compressed her body, causing fatal injuries. A seatbelt would have kept her in place and protected her from severe compression injuries. While she would have sustained bruises and experienced nausea, she would have likely survived the crash.

Security and Prevention

The incident could have been prevented with better planning and security measures. It is noteworthy that the Protection Officers (PPOs) from Scotland Yard, who were not directly employed by the Royal Family, had the authority to intervene and override decisions if they deemed a person was putting themselves in danger. After resigning from his role, Ken Wharfe, a former PPO, wrote about his experiences with Diana, emphasizing the importance of protection. Wharfe was certain that if a PPO had accompanied Diana, the officer would have recognized the dangers posed by Henri Paul and stopped him from driving. Similarly, Trevor Reece Jones, who reported to Dodi's father, further highlighted the need for enhanced security measures.

Alternative Approaches

There were several alternative scenarios that could have prevented the tragic event. For instance, staying in a room within the hotel would have effectively blocked the paparazzi. Alternatively, Dodi's father and the medical team that treated Diana suggested implementing a policy of ensuring the driver was sober, especially during a high-risk situation. Additionally, the use of outriders—4 motorcycle officers as blockers—could have effectively deterred the paparazzi. Given the available resources, these measures could have significantly altered the course of events that night.

Conclusion

The death of Princess Diana in 1997 is a tragic event that has been the subject of numerous speculations and questions. From the original reservation of a suite at the Ritz to the implementation of better security measures, there were potential ways to mitigate the risks. Wearing a seatbelt, improving security protocols, and making informed decisions could have had a profound impact on the outcome. The lesson remains clear: attention to detail and robust safety measures can prevent tragic accidents and ensure the safety of those in high-risk situations.