Conspiracy Theories

Famous people meeting tragic ends are a phenomenon that seems to bring out conspiracy theories. The death of Diana is no exception. Discussions on how Princess Diana died haven't wained since her death. The incredible scale of speculation is in evidence on the internet, where there are an estimated 36,000 Diana conspiracy theories. Here are the most popular theories so far:

Faked Death
One theory says the deaths were staged to enable Diana and Dodi to start a new life, away from the prying eyes of the media. Security forces apparently colluded to ensure that the press did not find out and a staged video of the crash was filmed. Reports that Diana could still be alive are fuelled by the fact that she had no post mortem prior to burial at Althorp. Victims of sudden death require a post mortem by law in the UK. Some even suggest that, with plastic surgery, the princess could return unnoticed to look after her sons.

Who was Henri Paul?
Mystery surrounds Henri Paul, the security officer who stepped in at the last minute to drive the Mercedes. Co-workers at the Ritz Hotel say he kept himself to himself and never socialised with them.

Was he really drunk?
It's said that he had two drinks at the Ritz. The medical results from his blood test showed a very high level of carbon monoxide in his blood. Experts say this would have incapacitated him before his set off on his fatal journey - and yet the video evidence shows him walking around normally. Paul has also been accused of being an alcoholic, but he passed a health check just two days before the accident. His liver showed no signs of abuse on post mortem. There is also the question of the multiple bank accounts Paul held, with balances far exceeding his salary as acting head of security at the Ritz. One possible explanation for this is that he was an agent for the French secret service agency.

MI6 Killed Diana
Rogue elements in the British secret service decided that Diana was a threat to the throne and the stability of the state. Therefore she needed to be eliminated. It's not inconceivable, as it's been revealed that agents had files on Jack Straw, peace campaigners and union officials and once tried to destabilise the Labour government in the 1970s. MI6 is suspected of bugging Diana throughout her years in the Royal Family. Many believe they were behind the leaking of the 'Squidgygate' phone-tapping tapes, which damaged her image.

Other establishment figures have also been accused. An Egyptian lawyer attempted to sue the Queen and Prime Minister Tony Blair for damages, of $170,000 alleging they conspired to kill Diana because she was in love with Dodi, a Muslim. Nabih Alwahsi says the British establishment was determined to prevent a Muslim from becoming stepfather to the future King of England.

Target Dodi
Business enemies of Dodi, and his father Mohammed Al Fayed, allegedly assassinated Dodi, with the death of Diana a magnificent cover for their operation. Al Fayed has not got to the top without making some serious enemies along the way. The owner of Harrods fought a bitter battle for the top London store some years ago and has also been denied British nationality, after question marks were raised about his business practice. As his oldest son and heir, Dodi would be an obvious target for anyone wanting to settle a score with Al Fayed.