This is what has happened since the speeding Mercedes crashed on August 31, 1997, killing the princess, her friend Dodi Fayed, and driver Henri Paul:

1997

31 August: Interrogation of witnesses to the crash in the underpass at the Pont de l'Alma. Six photographers and a press motorcyclist are held for questioning.

1 September: Analysis of blood samples indicates the driver, Henri Paul, was drunk.

2 September: Opening of inquiry. The six photographers and the despatch-rider are placed under investigation for manslaughter and injury and for failing to assist persons in danger, and released.

4 September: Three other photographers sought by police present themselves voluntarily for questioning. They too are placed under investigation.

9 September: Further analysis of blood samples confirm that Paul had been drinking heavily and taking anti-depression drugs.

17 September: Examination of debris found at the scene of the crash suggests the involvement of a white Fiat Uno. Identity checks are carried out on 40,000 Fiat Uno owners.

19 September: Bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones, who survived the crash, says he is unable to remember the circumstances.

1998

12 March: Mohamed al-Fayed, father of Diana's companion Dodi, tells investigators he believes the crash was the result of a plot, and blames press photographers.

3 July: Questioning of Diana's second bodyguard, Alexander Wingfield.

27 July: Olivier Lafaye, the usual driver of the Mercedes, tells an examining magistrate that the car's brakes were defective.

25 August: Magistrates quiz the managers of Mr al-Fayed's Ritz Hotel after allegations of security lapses.

2 November: A report says the Mercedes was travelling at at least 73mph.

18 November: An expert says Henri Paul may have made a driving error by putting the car in neutral while attempting to change down into a lower gear to reduce speed. A French expert concludes that Diana was properly treated and could not have survived her injuries.

11 December: Mohamed al-Fayed asks the French judge to consider claims the couple had been tailed by the CIA.

1999

2 July: The Paris court of appeal throws out a petition by Mohamed al-Fayed contending that Diana's death was the work of British intelligence.

5 July: The probe is officially closed, the results of the inquiry being handed to the Paris prosecutor's office.

17 August: The prosecutor's office announces that no further action will be taken against the photographers.

3 September: The two investigating magistrates also announce they would not press charges. Mohamed al-Fayed says he will take the case to the Paris Appeals Court.