The inquiry took so long because the accident led to many different theories, all of which had to be considered.

It was also delayed by a number of appeals and requests by civil parties to the case, many of which came from Dodi's father, the Harrods and Ritz Hotel owner Mohamed al-Fayed.

Among the crucial witnesses who returned to Paris to give evidence to the judge was Trevor Rees-Jones, the bodyguard who was the sole survivor of the crash.

Later, after leaving his job to pursue his own legal action, he spoke briefly to the media: "I would firstly like to extend my sympathy to the family and friends of those who were tragically killed in the accident.

"I have co-operated fully with the judge who is investigating the accident and I have told him all that I know up to this present time."

Immediately after the accident, suspicion fell on the press photographers who were pursuing the limousine.

When Mr al-Fayed travelled to Paris to give evidence, he felt it was this group who should be held directly responsible for the loss of his son, the princess and his driver.

"The paparazzi are the main cause" he said. "The paparazzi are the criminals who have created the atmosphere, anyone would hurt my son and Diana, they had all the chances."

But the final decision over whether to charge anyone or close the case always rested with Herve Stephan, the senior investigating magistrate.

Two years ago a UK inquest into the death of one of the world's most famous women was opened and then adjourned.

With the formal interest of the French state judicial system now at an end, the way is open for that inquest to resume.

And with any appeals against the French report likely to take several months, it is certain that the world has not heard the last of what happened that fateful night two years ago.

Relevant Stories

Profile: Mohamed al-Fayed (03 Sep 99 | UK)
Mixed feelings about Diana report (03 Sep 99 | UK)
Text of the Diana report (03 Sep 99 | UK)
Diana report - what next? (03 Sep 99 | UK)
Crowds remember Diana (31 Aug 99 | UK)
Diana's letters 'won't feature in Hewitt book' (29 Aug 99 | UK)
Diana crash charges 'dropped' (16 Aug 99 | UK)
Diana fund's £3m handout (02 Aug 99 | UK)
Legal battle over Diana trademark (20 Jun 99 | UK)

Internet Links

Monarchy Website: Diana, Princess of Wales
BBC - Diana One Year On

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

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