Princess Diana died 20 years ago today (August 31), and as the public mourns her loss and celebrates her life, French firefighter Xavier Gourmelon is speaking out about the night she passed away in a car accident.
Gourmelon was on scene of the car crash that took Diana's life, and revealed her last words in a heartbreaking interview (opens in new tab) with ITV.
"Nobody knew it was her, nobody had recognized her," he said. "As I approached, there was a blonde person who was sitting on the floor. She regained consciousness she looked at me and said, 'Oh my God, what's happened?' A bit agitated. I tried to calm her down and tell her we would look after her but she fell into a coma again."
Diana died at 4 a.m. on Sunday, August 31, 1997. In the days leading up to the 20th anniversary of her death, Prince William and Harry have been seen visiting the gifts and tributes left by people paying their respects.
RELATED STORY
"I think it's never going to be easy for the two of us to talk about our mother," Harry said in a recent interview (opens in new tab). "But 20 years on seems like a good time to remind people of the difference that she made not just to the royal family but also to the world."
RELATED STORY
Follow Marie Claire on F (opens in new tab)acebook (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
The Best Rain Boots, According to Fashion EditorsStay dry *and* look cute!
-
Mexico City, A Vibrant Cultural Hot Spot, Is the Perfect Travel Destination
This epicenter of art, history, and food should be on every culture enthusiast's bucket list.
-
Can Light Therapy Get Rid of My Acne?
Blue and red light are where it’s at.
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
