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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Scarlett O'Toole

'Princess Diana would be alive today if I was in charge', claims ex- royal security cop

Princess Diana died 25 years ago today, with a former police officer claiming she would still be alive if he had been in charge on that fateful night in Paris.

Diana passed away in a car crash in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel in Paris, while the driver of her car was fleeing paparazzi. She was just 36 years old at the time of her death.

The accident also resulted in the deaths of her companion Dodi Fayed and the driver, Henri Paul. Trevor Rees-Jones, who was employed as a bodyguard by Dodi's father, survived the crash.

Diana's funeral was televised, with millions watching the event around the world.

Dai Davies, a former head of royal security in the Metropolitan Police, has said Diana was an inspiration and claimed he could have helped prevent her death.

Dai has paid tribute to Diana (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Diana passed away more than two decades ago (UK Press via Getty Images)

"I had the privilege and pleasure of knowing Princess Diana, an amazing woman.

"I don't think in my lifetime I can think of any other woman who has such international fame," Dai told GB News.

He added: "There are many thoughts that go through my head as we approach the anniversary. The first one is that if my officers had been looking after her in Paris, this would never ever have happened."

Dai also said he raised concerns about Diana going to France in the lead-up to her death.

25 years have passed since Diana died in Paris (PA)

The former policeman said he had "grave concerns" about the itinerary of the trip, but didn't wish to go into more detail.

Speaking to Eamonn Holmes and Isabel Webster, he added: "I have to say it would never have happened if seatbelts had been worn."

Dai gave evidence at the inquest into Diana's death and said he "100% supports" the findings.

Princess Diana was beloved and millions mourned her death in 1997 (Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

"I agree with the judge in France, or two judges’ in France ruling. I gave evidence at the inquest, and I 100% support the findings.

"Of the inquest, that there was simply no evidence, this nonsense. Everything around it should never have happened. This was an accident."

He added that people should remember Diana "for what she achieved, for what she stood for" and said she changed the royal family for good.

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