Princes William and Harry have welcomed the jury’s verdict of unlawful killing at the end of the six-month inquest into their mother’s death. Jurors voted by nine-to-two majority that limo driver Henri Paul and the paparazzi were responsible for the deaths of the Princess and Dodi Fayed, after hearing from more than 240 witnesses. The Princes thanked the jury and said they agreed with their findings. “We should like to thank the members of the jury at the inquests into the deaths of our mother and Dodi Al Fayed for the thorough way in which they have considered the evidence,” their statement read. “We agree with their verdicts and are both hugely grateful to each and every one of them for the forbearance they have shown in accepting such significant disruption to their lives over the past six months. Both of us are much indebted to the coroner Lord Justice Scott Baker for his unfailing courtesy and for all the consideration shown by him and his staff, not only to us but to all those involved in this hearing. We are particularly grateful to Trevor Rees and to others who came forward to give evidence – in many cases reawakening their painful and personal memories. Finally, the two of us would like to express our most profound gratitude to all those who fought so desperately to save our mother's life on that tragic night.”
One person not so pleased with the inquest’s findings though is Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed. Reporters gathered outside the courts said he left with “a face of thunder” before saying, “The most important thing is it is murder.” In a statement he added, “I am disappointed. It comes as a blow to many people around the world who have supported my struggle. MI6 really know what happened.” Katherine Witty, Mr Al Fayed’s spokeswoman said it was “possible” the Harrods owner could challenge the verdict through a judicial review.
