Diana’s last words emphasise how tragic that fateful night was. Here’s what we know.
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Princess Diana was just 36 years old when she diedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
What were Princess Diana’s last words?
A firefighter on the scene of Princess Diana’s accident revealed the last words she spoke before her death in an interview with The Sun.
Xavier Gourmelon said he thought he had saved her life by giving her CPR moments after her fatal Paris car crash.
The princess was conscious and had her eyes open as he pulled her from the wreckage — only to suffer a cardiac arrest as she was placed gently on a stretcher.
Before she was taken out of the car, he held her hand and comforted her.
He told the Sun: “When I arrived her eyes were open and she was conscious.
In what were reportedly her final words, Diana asked him: “My God, what’s happened?”
The firefighter added: “I massaged her heart and a few seconds later she started breathing again.
“It was a relief of course because, as a first responder, you want to save lives – and that’s what I thought I had done.
“To be honest I thought she would live.
“As far as I knew when she was in the ambulance she was alive and I expected her to live.
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“But I found out later she had died in hospital. It was very upsetting.”
It was only when Diana was put in an ambulance that a fellow paramedic told Gourmelon who the victim was.
He said: “I was so shocked. I knew who she was, but don’t follow British royalty closely.
“I went to the ambulance and looked in and that’s when I recognised her.”
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Diana had two children – Prince William and Prince HarryCredit: Getty
When did Princess Diana die?
Princess Diana died from injuries sustained in a car accident that occurred near midnight on August 31, 1997.
She was 36 years old when she died.
Her driver, Henri Paul, was under the influence and speeding at nearly twice the posted limit in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris.
Paul lost control of the vehicle carrying Diana and her boyfriend Dodi Fayed and their bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones and crashed into the wall of the tunnel.
Fayed and Paul were killed instantly.
Diana was still alive when emergency services arrived at the scene but ultimately succumbed to her injuries at 4.53am.
According to United Press International, initial reports said she had a concussion, a broken arm and a cut to her thigh.
She also suffered severe chest wounds.
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Xavier Gourmelon was at the scene of the crashCredit: Chris Eades – The Sun
The Princess left behind her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, aged 15 and 12 respectively at the time.
Trevor was the only survivor of the crash and the only passenger who wore a seat belt, although he suffered serious injuries.
Where is Princess Diana buried?
The burial took place privately, after a public funeral on Saturday, September 6, 1997.
Princess Diana’s final resting place is on the grounds of Althorp Park, her family home.
Nothing brings me more happiness than trying to help the most vulnerable people in society.
Princess Diana
She was reportedly laid to rest in the centre of The Oval Lake.
The memorial temple features a black-and-white marble plaque of Diana, with her name engraved across the top.
It also bears a Princess Diana quote which reads: “Nothing brings me more happiness than trying to help the most vulnerable people in society. It is a goal and an essential part of my life.
“A kind of destiny. Whoever is in distress can call on me. I will come running wherever they are.”
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The public can visit Diana’s memorial
The original plan was for the Princess to be laid to rest at the nearby Great Brington church.
Several Spencer family members including Diana’s father are buried there in the Spencer Family Vault.
However, this plan was later abandoned, with the family concerned about the safety and security of her grave.
Diana’s grave is not publicly accessible, though visitors to the Althorp Estate can pay their respects at a dedicated memorial.
