Princess Diana’s Former Bodyguard Reflects on Her Legacy and the Moments That Defined Her
Nearly 30 years after Princess Diana’s tragic passing, the world continues to mourn the loss of an icon, a devoted humanitarian, and a loving mother. Her absence is deeply felt, especially by her two sons, who lost not just a royal figure but their guiding light. Many still wonder what her life might have looked like today—how she would have aged, the roles she would have embraced, and the lasting impact she would have had on the world.
A Privileged Role in Diana’s Life
Ken Wharfe, who served as Diana’s personal bodyguard for six years, remembers her not only as a public figure but as a warm and down-to-earth individual. Reflecting on his time with her, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of her life, highlighting her sharp wit and genuine nature.
“I felt incredibly privileged to have worked with her,” Wharfe shared, noting that Diana’s humor and kindness set her apart from anyone he had ever met.
First Impressions: A Glimpse Into Diana’s Personality
From the very first time he met her, Wharfe witnessed Diana’s playful and unpretentious spirit. Recalling that moment, he described how she immediately put him at ease with her candid humor.
“As I walked into the room, I was introduced, and Diana said, ‘I don’t envy you, Ken, looking after my kids. They can be a bloody nuisance,’” Wharfe told The Sun.
At that exact moment, young Prince William, who had been attempting to play the piano, turned around in protest. “No, we’re not a bloody nuisance!” he insisted. Just as he spoke, Prince Harry, ever the mischievous younger brother, lost his balance and tumbled off a nearby table.
That moment, full of laughter and authenticity, was a perfect representation of Diana’s life as both a global icon and a devoted mother—one who embraced the chaos and joy of raising her two boys.
As the years pass, her legacy remains strong, reminding the world of her kindness, compassion, and the deep love she had for her children.
Princess Diana’s Former Bodyguard Reflects on Her Warmth, Motherhood, and the Tragic Mistakes That Led to Her Death
Ken Wharfe, Princess Diana’s personal protection officer from 1987 to 1993, recalls moments that truly captured her spirit—her warmth, humor, and deep love for her children. One such moment during their first meeting left a lasting impression.
As young Princes William and Harry played around, Diana, exasperated yet amused, called them over. “Come here, both of you!” she said, chasing them out of the room. Wharfe hadn’t even had a chance to introduce himself. Moments later, she returned, shaking her head.
“You see what I mean, Ken?” she said with a smile.
That simple exchange changed everything for Wharfe.
“Suddenly, instead of talking to a royal, you were speaking to a parent—a young mother, someone you could truly relate to,” he reflected.
And that, he said, was Diana in a nutshell—full of laughter, warmth, and, at times, deep sadness.
The Fatal Mistakes That Led to Diana’s Death
Despite her radiant public presence, Diana’s life was marked by intense media scrutiny and personal struggles. And according to Wharfe, the tragic events of August 31, 1997, could have been avoided if key decisions had been made differently.
One of the most critical errors, he believes, was allowing Henri Paul, the security chief at the Ritz Hotel, to drive the car that fateful night.
Diana was traveling with her boyfriend, Egyptian film producer Dodi Fayed, along with Paul and Dodi’s bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones—the only survivor of the crash. Paul, who had been drinking, lost control of the vehicle while trying to evade paparazzi, leading to the fatal accident in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris.
Wharfe has since expressed his belief that proper security protocols were ignored, contributing to the devastating outcome.
Nearly three decades later, the world still mourns the loss of the People’s Princess, remembering her for the love, kindness, and compassion that defined her too-short life.
Princess Diana’s Bodyguard Reflects on the Fatal Mistakes That Led to Her Tragic Death
The world continues to mourn the loss of Princess Diana, whose life was cut short in a devastating car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997. Her former bodyguard, Ken Wharfe, believes that key decisions made that night contributed to the tragedy—mistakes that, if avoided, might have saved her life.
A Dangerous Driver Behind the Wheel
Henri Paul, the security chief at the Ritz Hotel, had been drinking before getting behind the wheel of the black Mercedes carrying Diana and her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed. In an attempt to evade the paparazzi, Paul drove at dangerously high speeds, ultimately crashing into the 13th pillar of the Pont de l’Alma tunnel.
Wharfe remains convinced that Diana could have survived had a more qualified driver been at the wheel.
“The one thing that would have saved Diana’s life that night would have been if they’d kicked out the chauffeur and let Rees-Jones drive,” he said, referring to Dodi’s bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones—the only survivor of the crash.
“But he couldn’t do that because he couldn’t speak to Dodi Fayed—Dodi gave the orders. And that’s a shame, because had Rees-Jones taken charge and removed Henri Paul from the driver’s seat, you and I would not be having this discussion.”
A Failed Attempt to Evade the Paparazzi
Diana and Dodi originally planned to travel just a short distance from the Ritz Hotel to an apartment near the Champs-Élysées. However, instead of coordinating with local police to ensure a safe journey, they chose a risky plan to deceive the press.
A decoy Range Rover was placed at the front of the Ritz, while Diana and Dodi quietly slipped out through the back and into a black armored Mercedes driven by Paul—who was later found to be four times over the legal alcohol limit in France.
The attempt to outmaneuver the paparazzi resulted in a deadly high-speed chase, ending in the tragic crash that shook the world.
The Absence of a Professional Security Team
Wharfe also believes that Diana’s decision to dismiss her Scotland Yard security team was one of the most critical missteps in her post-royal life. After her separation from Prince Charles in 1992, she chose to forgo the professional protection she had relied on for years.
Just weeks before her death, Wharfe recalls a conversation in which Diana asked for his advice.
“She said, ‘You’ve always been great with advice. If there’s one piece of advice you’d give me, what would it be?’”
His answer was simple: “Bring back your security.”
Sadly, she never did.
A Tragedy That Could Have Been Prevented
Nearly three decades later, the circumstances of Diana’s death remain a painful reminder of how small decisions can have devastating consequences. Her loss was not only a personal tragedy for her family but a heartbreaking moment for millions around the world.
Though we will never know what might have been, one thing remains clear—her legacy of kindness, compassion, and dedication to others will never be forgotten.
Princess Diana’s Former Bodyguard Claims Three Fatal Mistakes Led to Her Tragic Death
Nearly 30 years after Princess Diana’s shocking death, her former bodyguard, Ken Wharfe, believes three crucial security failures sealed her fate.
Diana was more than a royal—she was a global icon, a humanitarian, and a devoted mother. Wharfe, who protected her for six years, remembers her warmth, humor, and down-to-earth nature. He recalls their first meeting when Diana playfully warned him about her children’s mischief, instantly revealing her relatable personality.
However, when it came to her safety, Wharfe insists key decisions led to disaster. The first was the choice of driver on the night of August 31, 1997. Ritz security chief Henri Paul, who had been drinking, was allowed behind the wheel, leading to a high-speed crash in Paris. Wharfe argues that if bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones had taken control instead, Diana might still be alive.
The second mistake was the attempt to outmaneuver paparazzi. Instead of coordinating with local police, Diana and Dodi Fayed’s team devised a risky escape plan using decoy cars. Their decision to flee in a poorly planned, high-speed getaway proved fatal.
Finally, Wharfe points to Diana’s decision to dismiss her Scotland Yard security after her split from Prince Charles. He had urged her to reconsider, believing professional protection was vital. Had Queen Elizabeth insisted, he believes Diana may have agreed.
Diana’s death shook the world, and decades later, debate over what could have saved her continues. But for Wharfe, the answer is clear—three preventable mistakes led to the tragic loss of the People’s Princess.