Ten years ago this August, Diana, Princess of Wales, died in a car crash in Paris. It was an event that shook the world. We can all remember, I'd imagine, what we did when we heard the news.
Back then, accusations were flying against the so-called paparazzi, the press photographers. A number of them were hauled up in front of a judge in the French capital, accused of involuntary manslaughter and not assisting at the scene of an accident.
A documentary on Channel 4 (here in the UK) appeared to exonorate the photographers. Although they followed the Princess like moths would a candle (any picture of Diana would fetch thousands in 1997), it would appear that when her car crashed in the Alma underpass the journalists were more than a quarter of a mile behind. They were eventually cleared of all charges, except for a breach of privacy, which landed them with a fine of 1 Euro (70p or $1.40), the minimum fine a French court could impose.
What's the truth? I dislike the tabloid segment of the British press, precisely for invading the privacy of high-profile figures. On the other hand, bear in mind that if the public did not want any of those pictures, they would not sell.
Another aspect of this case is that the driver of Diana's car was three times over the legal blood alcohol limit at the time of his death, and he was called upon at the last moment to drive.
I am merely rehashing various interpretations of the events of 30/31 August 1997, and do not seek to apportion blame. Three people died that night, one of whom was a figure-head in British society and beyond. It was a sorry mess all round that brought about their demise.
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Still no resolution to any of this ,and another Inquest cancelled recently ..love Jan xx
ReplyDeleteI recall it well...so sad.
ReplyDeleteSugar
I recall it like it was yesterday. So sad and unnecessary.
ReplyDeletePam
I reckon if we hav'nt accepted the decisions made by the court all these years ago we never will. It will be something that will roll on for ever with doubts abounding. It was a real sad day though for all when it happened. I had the geatest pleasure in meeting with the Princess when she stopped in our home for apros.10mins. and it was a wondrful experiance. sybilsybil45
ReplyDeleteOk, yes, it was sad & the world mourned. If I recall correctly, my personal hero Mother Teresa, died a week later. The country was still looking at mounds of pictures of Diana in haute couture & sniveling. I could not believe everyone barely switched the channel to pay homage to the truly great woman Mother Teresa was & still is. Diana's candle in the wind should not have out lasted her. ~Mary
ReplyDeleteI saw "The Queen" which did go back to the event but did not dwell long on the actual accident. I thought Helen Mirren's performance made the film quite arresting but you can't imagine how many months and even years this event was covered with great depth in America which appeared to be as fascinated with Diana as her home country was Gerry
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