How a murder plot of ferocious complexity involving a cast of thousands, from
that prominent Nazi the Duke of Edinburgh to a photographer’s dog, could
swing into action in the space of an hour was yesterday’s great unanswered
question.
After nearly five months and nearly 150 witnesses it was finally the turn of
Mohamed Al Fayed to give evidence at the inquests of his son, Dodi, and
Diana, Princess of Wales. During a day in the witness box he implicated the
entire British and French Establishments with the sole exception of the
Queen, whom he regarded as an unimportant figure.
What he lacked was evidence. It all lay in the files of MI6, he said
repeatedly, and he was prevented by a steel wall from getting at it.
Having taken the oath in the name of Allah, he surprised the crowded court
immediately. “I make no allegations,” he said. He then spent the rest of the
day making them, beginning with the Duke of Edinburgh, who, he alleges, was
the mastermind behind the conspiracy to murder the Princess and Dodi.
The Prince of Wales had also participated in the plot, Mr Al Fayed claimed.
Ian Burnett, QC, for the coroner, asked him if anyone else in the Royal
Family had taken part. “They are the main two. I don’t think the Queen is
important. The Duke of Edinburgh runs the country behind the scenes; he is
the actual head of the Royal Family. He’s a racist; he grew up with Nazis,”
Mr Al Fayed maintained, adding for good measure that one of the Duke’s aunts
had married one of Hitler’s generals.
“And beneath the surface he has a German name – Frankenstein. Well, it sounds
like Frankenstein.” The Duke is a member of the Danish-German aristocratic
House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg.
As a former sponsor of the Royal Windsor Horse Show, Mr Al Fayed said that he
had enjoyed good relations with the Royal Family before the crash. “I even
gave a dinner for Prince Philip and his Nazi German relatives. Now I am
insulted, humiliated.”
He began to read from a typed script, the thrust of which was that Lords
Condon and Stevens of Kirkwhelpington, successive Metropolitan Police
commissioners, had failed immediately to give the previous coroner a note
written by the Princess expressing fears for her safety. He failed to say
that the note had been handed to the present coroner when the inquest
finally opened.
Lord Stevens, who prepared an 800-page report on the deaths, concluding that
they were the result of an accident, had been corrupted and blackmailed into
drawing that conclusion, and the report had been written with the help of
MI6. Lord Stevens had also cleared Harrods out of its entire stock of
caviar.
“You are here to give evidence, and not to argue a case or give speeches,” Mr
Burnett cautioned the witness. Showing immense restraint Lord Justice Scott
Baker, the coroner, allowed Mr Al Fayed to finish reading his note to the
jury.
The list of participants in the conspiracy lengthened by the minute. By
lunchtime they included the Royal Family, Tony Blair, British and French
intelligence services, the Princess’s sister Lady Sarah McCorquodale, the
British Ambassador in Paris, the French police and medical services, and
even the ambulance that took the Princess to hospital; according to Mr Al
Fayed, it had MI6 agents on board. “There were a lot of people in this
plot,” the coroner observed drily.
In fact, MI6 was everywhere and had stooges in every walk of British life,
including the media and – a cheeky one to mention in the Royal Courts of
Justice – stooge lawyers.
The only matter in which Mr Al Fayed was able to give anything approaching
evidence was a telephone call that he claims to have had with Dodi and the
Princess an hour before the crash. It was then that he first learnt, he
said, that she was pregnant and that the couple were planning to announce
their engagement two days later.
There had been an avalanche of evidence to prove that the Princess had not
been pregnant, Mr Burnett said. “All these witnesses come and sit here and
say baloney things,” Mr Al Fayed replied.
Richard Horwell, QC, for the Metropolitan Police, asked Mr Al Fayed: “Why have
you not sued all these people for killing your son? Is the answer that there
is absolutely no evidence? You have unlimited funds; why have you not taken
to court a private prosecution for murder?”
Mr Al Fayed wagged a finger at him across the court. “I am trying to get the
evidence. And don’t bully me.”
Questioning turned to the mysterious white Fiat Uno in the Alma tunnel that Mr
Al Fayed believes was being driven by James Andanson, a freelance
photographer and trained MI6 assassin. “Can you explain why he took his dog
on this mission? And can you explain why the might of the Royal Family could
only afford a Fiat Uno for this murder plot?”
Mr Al Fayed said that the killer would have wanted to use his own car.
The hearings continue.
Although there is now a verdict by 12 good men and true of Unlawful Killing in the Diana case, Al Fayed is still waffling on about conspiracies.
This man should be made to forfeit all his assetts in this country and be deported to whence he came. He is not a British Citizen and after trying to trivialise British Justice,the likelihood of him ever becoming one is even more diminished.
Derek Noel Davies, Woburn Sands, UK
Bishop Terry
Fayed left the country to live in Switzerland when he was asked to pay taxes like every other person in the country. Prior to his leaving he had a special deal with the UK tax authorities which limited his tax to a very low amount.
John, LONDON,
Is Mr. Fayed paying the costs of this case?
If I were William and Harry I would pursue him for the damage he has caused to their wellbeing.
leila , manchester, uk
I feel so sorry for people who believe all these conspiracy theories - your lives must be pretty dull.
Gemima Fielding - The Queen is alleged to have referred to "dark forces" by Paul Burrell, and only Paul Burrell. You know - the man who appeared on video tape saying that he perjured himself....perhaps not a particularly reliable source, don't you agree?
Michael Brown - Its not slander it its the truth and said without malice. That's the law here, don't know about South Africa.
Bon - Yes, you are alone (save for the other nutters) in thinking that there is something fishy. The driver was drunk, neither Dodi Fayed nor Diana were wearing seatbelts and they ploughed into a wall when exceeding the speed limit. The only amazing thing is that someone survived.
Richard Mullens - the obstruction by the authorities was due to the fact that they knew it was a waste of time - but unfortunately some people (see above) are unable to see sense....
What a total waste of money.
Jo Price, Birmingham,
Question 21 - Why did they not fasten their seatbelts so we could avoid all this nonsense?
Simon Bee, Wokingham, UK
Obviously, from reading a number of the comments here, there were quite a number of others in the car with Dodi and Diana, and now suffering the effects of severe head injuries. I don't watch reality TV and Soaps, and I don't see bogeymen behind every lamp post. A dear friend of mine, who use to write for the "NY Times", had a marvelous line that fits here so appropriately. "Your mind is made up, so I shouldn't try and confuse you with the facts."
John McIlray, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
Although I feel pity for Fayeds loss i feel that whatever the decision I believe he wont accept it and so it will underline even more so that the whole thing is a waste of money.
I really think he needs help or something to aid him in gaining proper closure and acceptance that it was indeed a tragic accident. As surely if he listened back to what he said regarding the shere number of people apparently invovled to pull of such a stunt and cover it up he would realise how ridiculus and unlikely it sounds
Rich Mathews, Edinburgh, Lothian
According to the conspiracy theory Diana and Dodi must also be in the conspiracy - for they chose not to wear seatbelts, which would have saved their lives had they been worn. Therefore they chose to ensure that the plot would be successful, and so must have been in on it!
Or maybe there isn't a plot?
dominic, Teddington, Middlesex,
Any more lies and they'll all resemble PINNOCHIO !!!
Ian Payne, WALSALL,
How can this man get away with saying what he does. As I understand he does not yet have British citezenship, he may be the owner of a swanky store but how and why is he still in this country that he continues to run down. The word heratic springs to my mind.
Dave, Oxford,
Mr. Al Fayad is to be pitied. The only lesson I took from the tragedy is to wear my seat belt. She would have survived with one and might have walked away.
D.W. Hobbs, Phoenix, Arizona
If there were no loose ends; no unanwerable questions; no complete evidenciary chain, then I would be highly suspicious. Real life and real death is not that tidy. I see nothing here that is not common and usual in any similar tragic event - it is only the prominence of the deceased that makes for a good conspiracy theory. It is unfortunate that Al Fayed has earned the scorn of the public rather than its sympathy.
Jonathan Mills, Brighton,
The most shocking thing reading these comments is that there are still people out there who are deluded enough to STILL believe there was some sort of conspiricy.
This is the sorry state of our world we now live in, where dullards roam free!
Pete, St Albans, England
Ricardo Rose
Fayed claimed that he received a phone call from Paris informing him that Diana was pregnant. Fayed tapes all his telephone conversations so that if his claim was true he would have simply produced the tape of the conversation.
John, LONDON,
It doesn't really matter what the jury say. There will still be spavined lunatics, several of whom I see are posting here already, who are determined to ignore the evidence and wallow along in their fantasy world of Spooks and Conspiracy Theories.
Wish I had some green ink to post with.
Jonathan Wilton, Singapore,
Diana died en route from a Fayed hotel to a Fayed apartment. She was in a Fayed car driven by a Fayed employee and accompanied by Dodi Fayed, with Fayed security.
So that would be MI6's fault then.
john r, london,
To Ricardo Rose
1. If she was pregnant why didnt anyone else know? You tell your unmarried fiance's father and dont tell your best friend? Give me a break !!
2. He has every reason to lie to create a motive for his outrageous allegations. These would prove he wasnt at fault (which he was) and also that his family were SO important to be worth assassinating (which they aren't).
3. Paul Burrell is an attention seeker who craves the limelight (see his terrible TV show if you dont believe me)
4. Before Diana's death I remember that she was quite unpopular in the press, following her TV interview and the story that she was seeing a medium.
5. If it was the security services, they want sacking for incompetence, much cleaner to blow up a boat or aeroplane (see IRA and Lord Mountabatten).
6. Could have seen your arguments about the ambulance etc if they had been wearing a seat belt.
Carol, Leicester, UK
Al-Fayed really should pay for the inquest
Andy Iddon, London, UK
Is this the end of it? Or will there be yet another investigation and/or inquest? Its nice to know that while I have elderly relatives in care, who are having to use their own savings and equity to pay for it , that we as a country can waste countless tens of millions of pounds investigating a car crash caused by a drunk driver. It truely beggars belief.
Steve Rudland, Newcastle,
Chris Fry, al Fayed doesn't have British citizenship. This has been consistently refused by governments of different colours. One of the few things Labour has got right.
David Leslie, Perth, Scotland
Can we finally have Fayed stripped of his citizenship and removed from the Uk?
Chris Fry, Bozen, Italy
Ricardo Rose, you have evidently not listened to or read any of the proceedings ate the inquest, otherwise you would realise that all of your questions have been answered. I realise, of course, that the answers do not fit in with al Fayeds (and yours) wild supsicions, but hey, that's what conspiracy theorys are all about. Both of you should get on with whatever your eveidently very sad lives have got going for them, let Diana, Dodi and Henri Paul rest in peace, and stop badgering the rest of the world with your implausible fantasies.
David Leslie, Perth, Scotland
Questions the coroner missed:
Whether a shot came from the Grassy Knoll
Whether pigs have wings
Whether the Moon is made of green cheese
Frank Upton, Solihull,
Our Military intelligence services and special forces are well capable of these acts, if they are not then they should all be sacked. Fayed and anyone who has worked or has had dealings with governments at these levels know what goes on while the reality TV and Soap watchers have their head not in sand but in some minor deluded world fed to them by the Media
Mark, Newcastle, uk
Mr. Al Fayed has stated from the very beginning that Princess Diana was pregnant. He has No . . . reason to lie! Also, how come the best police forces in the world (British & French) could not acquire more definitive information about the Fiat Uno and it's driver? Also, why did it take so long for the ambulances to arrive and why did it take an hour or more to get Princess Dianan to the hospital? Additionally, why does the butler insist that Diana loved someone else, when in fact she was apprently in love with Dodi Al Fayed? Why would he be so doggmatic about their relationship? These are some of the unanswered questions that makes this entire tragedy look planned!!! On the other hand . . . Mr. Al Fayed is rightly pursuing these open-ended-issues to find real answers. If it so happen's there aren't any answer's that will materialize in time. Let's be candid . . . there are a lot of secrets all over the place. Should any of them get to light then people everywhere will know the Truth!
Ricardo Rose, Philadelphia, USA
Al Fayed is just making more cheap publicity for his Harrods store.
Alia gargum, Essex, United Kingdom
I fail to undersand why this comedy is receiving so many comments. I enjoyed "On the Busses" and the "Two Ronnies" much more. Please lobby the BBC to bring them back.
Harry Greenwood, West Vancouver, BC, Canada
He's a grieving father who's unable to control his anger at his loss. It's a shame that he couldn't remain calm. However thank goodness someone has the guts to take on 'the establishment'. There are far too many loose ends, unanswered questions, downright brushing under the carpet of details and manipulation of time for this 'accident' to be explained away as it has been. Try reading up on some of the news stories we have blithely taken for granted as truthful - you may be unpleasantly surprised. We need to wake up and be aware of how we are being manipulated and herded. If we behave like sheep, then I guess we deserve it.
Jasper's Carrots, London,
this man is a genius. he's the funniest thing i've seen in years. what's so horrible about it though is it results from two ghastly deaths and a lot of pain for those left behind, which he must be contributing to. so maybe he shouln't get his own tv show but be put in the tower
robin, london,
Mr Fayed called for this circus. I believe he should be asked to make a full contribution to the costs.
Why should the taxpayer be lumbered.
At the very least his residence status should be revoked.
No doubt I will be accused of being a member of MI6.
Calum McNeill, Portsoy, Scotland
The man ought to be marched out of the country!
Bishop Terry (USA)
Dr Terence Kelshaw, Albuquerque, USA
How did this man get into the UK? It proves that the Brits are a very tolerant lot. As others have pointed out, if he abused the head of state in a Moslem State, he would have been dealt with under sharia law - and had his head removed. Maybe we should bring in some sharia law!
M. Cawdery, Portadown, UK
Sirs,
I wish the fantasy world I lived in was as complex and entertaining as Mr Al-Fayed's.
Kev Crum, Crewe, Cheshire
This inquest is not about Diana and Dodi at all, it is all about poor disillusioned Mohamed Al Fayed , who saw his chances of playing the role of surrogate grandfather to the future king of England prince William destroyed.
Bettina Stutterhei, Emmen, The Netherlands
daphne kenward, coroners inquests are not held where it can be shown who a person is and how they died, as that is all the inquest will find. In this case Diana, Princess of Wales, was easily identifiable, as was the caus of her death (injuries received as the result of a high speed car crash, when not wearing a seat belt). Al Fayed has forced this inquest and the taxpayer is picking up the tab.
David Leslie, Perth, Scotland
It seems to me that the white Fiat Uno is the key link in this story. The Prince of Wales, with his environmental concerns, would have insisted on a low emissions vehicle.
Stuart, Southwell,
Why has this silly, deluded man been permitted to waste so much of our taxpayers' money?
Sue B, Pontypridd, Wales
Did he remember to blame the Corgis?
LT, Warminster, UK
It amazes me that Al Fayed is still allowed to live in England. He should be deported for slander.
Pam, seattle, usa
I think that to call Prince Philip a nazi is the height of bad taste. Philip as a naval officer in World War 2 risked his life fighting to against these very principleas and defending our freedom. Any sympathy I had for Al Fayed as a father who tragically lost his son has been wiped out. I would suggest that if he thinks so poorly of this country to describe one of our royal family as nazi he should leave and never set foot on British soil again. Why would he ever want to be a British citizen if he thinks so lowly of our government.
Andrew Davidson, Chale, Isle of Wight
what if a foriegn person made such alegations about the royal
family of an islamic country? beheading maybe?
ken, shrewsbury, shopshire
The thinig about Al-Fayed, he forced an inquest that would never have been, something that is afforded to even the poorest British Citizens, without him Diana Princess of Wales would have died as less than a commoner, afforded less than a Commoner, any poor person who died in an accident on Holiday in Spain as example would have had an inquest. Diana was seen in many Photos in every News Paper in the World, with Dodi Al-Fayed she seemed to have found Happiness for the first time in her life, I find it strange how people forget the images, forget ther last words, I have an announcement that will shock the world, I remember it, many choose to forget, that announcement was to be addressed on her return from her Holidays. The queen, as I read in the paper said Diana should be more careful who she associate with, indicating Diana association with Dodi Fayed was not acceptable. He was not acceptable because he was Muslim, she was prevented from returning to make that anouncement.
daphne kenward, Cambridge, UK
The writer may scoff - but there was a motive,
there has been obstruction by the authorities both English and French, there has been involvement of UK, French and US secret services, and in the execution of inquiries much incompetence.
It is no wonder that suspicions remain.
richard mullens, London, Europe
This man is trying desperately to assuage the guilt he feels for his drunk employee driver crashing and killing his son.
Shaz, Bristol,
Why is my tax being used to fund this man's crazy, delusional paranoia?
Whilst he is doing the absolute best job of undermining his own credibility, I can think of cheaper ways to allow Al-Fayed to humiliate himself. At least he paid for the waxwork figure of himself in Harrods!
I am BEGGING Lord Justice Scott Baker to put an end to this lunacy as soon as possible. It is like paying someone to pull out my fingernails.....
Victoria, London, UK
My only disappointment was that the football was cancelled when Diana died.
MC, Bradford,
Clearly the best time to bump off a Princess is when the paps are following the target at high speed ... I love a conspiracy theory, but really , this defies all logic and facts . Move on . There is nothing to see here .
Benzo, Nr Chelmsford,
When is this going to stop? Enough already!! I just don't care! Can we please just get on with our lives? Why is this crazy man getting all this publicity?
GK, Calgary, Canada
Bon, London - "And how come Trevor Rees has conveniently lost his memory?"
Unfortunately Mr Rees was in a 90mph crash with a concrete pillar. Luckily for him he was wearing a seat belt, unlike the others in the car. As an experiment, why don't you try a quick dose of blunt trauma to the head and see if it has any ill effects?
Sadly, given that you clearly buy into Mr Fayed's nonsense, I suspect there would be little to no impact on your mental faculties.
Ben , London, UK
There still remain some unanswered questions, and never under-estimate the power of the "Establishment".
Gerry Watts, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Fabulous! Comedy on TV in this country has been getting really poor lately. I mean, Catherine Tate just isn't funny. I say we give Al Fayed his own show - it would be the funniest thing on telly!
Anne, London,
The FBI, CIA, Royal Family, Media, German Nazis, Royal Entourage, French Secret Service and the Cincinnati Highland Dancers...
Well I'm convinced.
Remind me again why we are paying for this circus?
Michael, Liverpool,
Its about about time we had a referendum in this country for people who want the monachy.
If you vote no, you find a new country to live in .
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
Oi! The Spotters, St Albans, England
Uh-oh!!! There goes Harrod's last (and only really important) warrant!!!
Dear me... now I'm stuck with Netto!!!
Osei K., London,
Is it just me who thinks that there was something suspicious that happened? Why was her body embalmed? Why was the Fiat driver found dead 2 years later? And how come Trevor Rees has conveniently lost his memory? Why was the box with Diana's papers never found? No wonder Al Fayed sounds out of control because he knows something was fishy but hits brick walls when he tries to prove it. Terribly sad.
Bon, London,
If there are so many people worried along with the judiciary regarding the expenses on this particular case - is there no possibility that it could be solved quickly or completely shutting the case. Some people find it to be interesting like a novel and others think it is of no use.
Even if we get clinching evidence that Dodi and diana were really murdered at the pretext of the members of the royal family - they will still be immune to any punishments. So is there any point in continuing this case.
Imran Sheikh, Manchester,
why do people perpetuate the myth of calling him 'Al' Fayed, he is simply Mr Fayed, His own countrymen laugh at him for his use of this self applied title which he has neither earned or had bestowed upon him
Tim Allsopp, Rotherham, South Yorkshire
For heavens sake let the woman die, God, it's been ten years now and we have had her name dragged through the mud by everybody and their cat, just leave her to rest in peace.
No conspiracy, no plot, no evil 'new world order' master plan, just a tragic accident. Now let it be.
i Johnson, Ramsgate, UK
If we all took the word of the government, we'd still be looking for WMD in Iraq.
Arthur, Newcastle,
I hope the government plans to sue him to cover the costs of the inquest. Complete waste of tax payers' money just to satisfy the ego of a pretender.
Andrew, London,
And all this from a man who was pleased to admit bribing MPs. The only reason he has been allowed to continue with this rant is because he says more about himself than others in what he says.
Chris, London,
Under the circumstances I don't suppose it would implausible to suggest she was killed by Muslim extremists on his instuction, would it? I mean everyone else had a hand in it - why not him?
By now I hope the writs are being scanned for 'typos' and awaiting delivery - Harrods may yet become a Brtish-owned Emporium if all the people he slandered sue!
K Dobson, Cheshire, UK
Mr. Fayed needs to ask himself one question - who made Di and Dodi not wear their seatbelts. If he can come up with a theory for that I shall go to Harrods to buy a hat to take off to him!
Simon, Wokingham, UK
Everyone is ranting about Mr Al Fayed beliefs and nuttiness. How incredibly short sighted!
History provides various examples of how foreign monarchies have been attacked and brought down along with the reasons and the people responsible. History should be considered in this situation.
The Queen has mentioned Dark Forces are at work in GB. She still hasn't told her subjects whether these Dark Forces are intent on protecting or destroying the monarchy.
We know Al Fayed is clearly opposed to the establishment/monarchy. Yesterday, he used all his Egyptian charm to demonstrate how strong his feelings are. This does not mean he is a fantasist and he needs a psychiatrist and medicine.
Gemima Fielding, Aberdeen,
What on earth is the coroner thinking of allowing such
indiscriminate slander which is a gross abuse of judicial privilege ! The fact that most people will take his ludicrous allegations whence they come is no excuse.
Michael Brown, Hilton, South Africa
Regarding Watts Taylor, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Prince Phillip has made a series of highly unacceptable and divisive remarks in this country .
In addition, any ''charity works'' by him are like droppings from a rich man's table. Anyone can do charity if they are vastly and freely sponsored.
Also, you should remember as you say yourself, his mother did these deeds, not him. Hitler's mum may have done good deeds that does not make Hitler a good man. Where is your logic?
K Urban, London`, UK
Poor man.
It just goes to prove that money isn't everything.
Peace of mind and sanity cannot be bought.
Annie, Bath, UK
To Graeme Gibosn,
i live in Paris and I use the tunnel almost every day. It is straight, not particularly long, rellay there is no particular danger. The speed maximum aloud is 50 km/h, although you can drive a little bit faster. But a driver under influence, in a huge and havy car at hogh speed- this is something the city council of Paris can really not be made responsible for. The first responsibility therefore lies to my point of view by the employer who allowed that he took the wheel.
Andrea Linne, Le Chesnay, Paris, France
This whole unsavoury and undignified farce has come about more because of al Fayads undoubted guilt about the whole affair. Who called off security? Whose hotel were they staying in? Who pushed his son to pursue an indifferent Diana? Who is alleged to have really bugged her phones. And who's employee/driver was as drunk as a skunk according to the evidence? Had these things not happened, then they might all still be alive and Mr al Fayad would not be mired in monumental tragedy and self inflicted pain like a latter day King Lear. And the princes might still have their mother in their lives.
Richard Martin, Hereford, UK
The inquest gets more and more entertaining by the day as the soap continues!!!! Unfortunately, the real tragedy is, the memory of a very troubled, delightful and humane lady is not allowed to rest with dignity.
Marian R., Brisbane, Australia
No one notices much... but much of the real blame for the deaths lies with the negligence the Paris city council for not having armour guard railing in the tunnel to stop cars from hitting the centre pillars. I wonder if the court will look at this.?Armour guard is standard in most places where risk to life might occur.
Graeme Gibson, Sydney, Australia
Triffic!
Steve Evans, Hong Kong,
Prince Philip also served this country and has been an outstanding consort to our Queen. He fiought for the very freedoms Mr Fayed enjoys today - including freedom of speech.
It is tragic that three lives were lost on that August night so long ago and we have had more than enough time to grieve for them.
Let us respect the feelings of those families left bereft and move on. The obscene amount of money being spent on this case, would I am sure from Proncess Diana's point of view, been better spent doing good elsewhere.
Nothing from the outcome will satisfy Mr Fayed and I do not think he will get the 'By Royal Appointment' back on Harrods.
Annie, Warminster, UK
That's the funniest thing I have read for a long time! Prince Phillip will be laughing his Gieves and Hawkes socks off.
It's ironic that Al Fayed continually knocks the system that allows him to exercise his freedom of speech - in many countries he would be deported or locked up for insulting the Monarchy like that.
I look forward to reading the next instalment.
Richard, Tokyo, Nihon
The poor guy has lost the plot. Maybe he should get together with Heather McCartney.
Bill Smith, Singapore, Singapore
Did Karl Pilkington write the script for Al Fayed?
Hugh, Tokyo, Japan
Fayed ought to be charged for racial defamation regarding all of the Royal Family but also all of the security services. On top of that, does he honestly believe Diana would tell him of pregnancy/engagement to Dodi (seeing he's a good Moslim and they don't have sex before marriage) before telling her sons? NO WAY!
He is in his own fairytale world. I do not believe he will ever come to grips with the fact that Diana was someone on the rebound and quite unhappy with the too full on approach by Dodi when the ACCIDENT happened. Yes, it's sad - but it's a damn sight worse that we, tax payers, have to forke out for yet another enquiry which will not prove anything.
Mohammed Al-Fayed is tremendously rich - he can fund enquiries till the cows come home and they will still not come to the right conclusion for him. The way his first and second-borns reached their end is tragic, but please stop taking it out on Diana's children or us, tax payers. Accept and Believe Mohammed
LT, Warminster, UK
One has to give it to the man for staging this..
Any one with a minimum of interest in the history of the European monarchies will examine this case with stoichal reservation of the accounts of both sides.
Along with that in perspective, people of a minimum of intellect will rationally question the logic in preserving the monarchy - an achaic structure of a formal elite-ruling "class" with bloodlines connected to almost all other european royal houses, and most importantly keeping all constitutional rights in cases of force majoure like e.g. a "terrorist attacks" destabilising security in society.
R.Hanson, London, England
I am saddened by the disgraceful undignified outburst of Mr. Mohamad Al-Fayed who hasd failed to produce any tangible evidence to substantiate his allegations. No matter what happens, this man will not be convinced and will go to his grave believing that a conspiracy of some kind was concocted by the Royal Family, MI6 and the establishment. Therefore I believe this inquest is a waste of time and money and is an insult to the memory of Princess Diana.
nehad ismail, camberley, surrey england
If Prince Phillip has such powers, Al Fayed would long have been deported. His statement is court is outrages and clearly shows why he did not get a British passport.
george, london, uk
After this, do we presume that reinstatement of the Harrods "By Royal Appointment" status is out of the question?
MikeM, St. Albans, England
What a dreadful little man! Yes, Prince Philip has German connections. So what? He also had a mother who sheltered Jewish refugess in her own home in order to save them from the Holocaust. Princess Alice was recognised as "Righteous Among the Nations" at Yad Vashem. It is time that that Mr. Al Fayed stops impugning the dignity of the Royal Family.
The only mystery about all this is that British have not deported Mr. Al Fayed.
Watts Taylor, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Brilliant, like a Tom Sharpe novel, I can't wait for the next instalment.
David Ellis, China,