Scotland Yard Chief to retrace Diana’s final route

Britain’s most senior policeman, Sir John Stevens, is in Paris to follow the final route Diana, Princess of Wales, took before her fatal car crash.

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner will walk and drive the route Diana took as part of his inquiry into how she and Dodi Al Fayed died. The coroner, who presided over the inquest into the tragedy in 1997, will also join him.

Sir John also plans to visit the Ritz Hotel, the venue where Diana’s limousine set off from, as part of his investigations. He will then drive along the route the car took before it crashed, killing Diana, Dodi Al Fayed and driver, Henri Paul. He will also inspect the tunnel area on foot.

Sir John had been asked by Royal Coroner, Michael Burgess, to investigate the circumstances of Diana’s death.

Sir John has already appointed a team, headed by Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Alan Brown, to conduct inquiries into the crash. Officers visited the scene in February and met with their French counterparts, who investigated the crash. The team are also looking at the 6000-page report into the tragedy, produced by French judge, Herve Stephan. The French investigation found that Henri Paul was speeding, while high on a cocktail of drink and prescription drugs.

Mr Burgess opened and adjourned his inquest into Diana’s death in January – six-and-a-half years after she died on August 31, 1997. The inquest follows persistent claims from Dodi’s father, Harrods owner, Mohamed Al Fayed, that the couple were murdered.

Sir John has been asked by Mr. Burgess to discover the truth. He is also expected to speak personally to the Prince of Wales during his inquiries.

Sir John’s visit comes just days after images of the dying princess were broadcast on American television.

Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer has strongly condemned the broadcast of the images.

(KmcA)