Princess Diana’s bodyguard: ‘The crash could and should have been avoided’

Princess Diana’s bodyguard Ken Wharfe was one of her closest allies when they worked together. The former police protection officer has a new book, “Guarding Diana”, and appeared on the TODAY show to talk about his royal experiences.

Wharfe told Karl and Lisa that he believes the fateful crash in Paris which killed Diana, boyfriend Dodi and their driver could have been avoided - and would have, had he have been in charge of security that evening. 

“The two inquests that were held both concluded that Diana died in a tragic accident, which in my view could and should have been avoided,” he told Karl and Lisa.

“The security sadly didn't have the expertise that Scotland Yard had. There was some glaring errors in my judgement. 

“The local police weren't involved, the British embassy was never contacted. They allowed a man that had a drink problem to drive the car. If all the seat-belts were put on, all the basic instruments of what protection is all about were just not adhered to.”

Wharfe also spoke of his happier memories of working with Diana, and recalled one story in which a young Prince William spoke of his “granny”:

“What I remember first of all is in '86/87, she took William to his first school and the nannies weren't there. Unless she had a job in London or in the country or abroad, you know, she took him to school every day. The same with Harry.