In the years following Princess Diana's tragic death in 1997, those closest to her have gradually opened up about her final days. One of the most poignant accounts comes from Trevor Rees-Jones, her bodyguard and the sole survivor of the fatal car crash in Paris.
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Trevor Rees-Jones, born in 1968, served in the British Parachute Regiment before transitioning to private security. In 1995, he began working for Mohamed Al-Fayed, whose son, Dodi, was romantically involved with Princess Diana. On August 31, 1997, Rees-Jones was accompanying Diana and Dodi in a Mercedes S280 when it crashed in the Pont d'Alma tunnel in Paris. The driver, Henri Paul, also perished, while Rees-Jones sustained severe head injuries, resulting in amnesia regarding the crash
The Final Summer: A Glimpse into Diana's Life
In the months leading up to the accident, Diana's life was marked by both public engagements and private struggles. Her bodyguard, Lee Sansum, who was assigned to her during her travels in the summer of 1997, later reflected on this period. Sansum described Diana as both a client and a confidant, noting her openness about her personal challenges. She confided in him about her tumultuous marriage to Prince Charles, her feelings of isolation, and her ongoing battle with bulimia.
A Day in Paris: The Fateful Decision
On the day of the crash, Diana and Dodi had spent time at the Ritz Hotel. To evade paparazzi, Henri Paul devised a plan to use a decoy vehicle, with Rees-Jones and another bodyguard, Kez Wingfield, in one car, and Diana and Dodi in the Mercedes. Rees-Jones later expressed concerns about this strategy, feeling uneasy about the potential risks involved.
The Aftermath: Silence and Reflection
Following the crash, Rees-Jones underwent multiple surgeries to reconstruct his face, using approximately 150 pieces of titanium. He spent over a month in the hospital and faced a long recovery. During this time, he grappled with the loss of Diana and Dodi, both personally and professionally. In 2000, he published "The Bodyguard's Story: Diana, the Crash, and the Sole Survivor," offering insights into that tragic night and his life thereafter.
Reflections on Princess Diana's Legacy
Trevor Rees-Jones's account provides a unique perspective on Princess Diana's final days, shedding light on her personal struggles, the dynamics of her security team, and the events leading up to her untimely death. His reflections contribute to the broader understanding of Diana's life beyond the public eye, highlighting her resilience, vulnerabilities, and the profound impact she had on those around her.