Half of the British public believe Princess Diana's death was an accident, despite the coroner’s official verdict of unlawful killing, according to our new survey conducted just days after what would have been the Princess’s 50th birthday.
In contrast, over a third of people said it probably was not an accident, particularly those aged over 55 of whom nearly two out of five agreed. This opinion was again lowest among 18 to 24 year olds, with just over three in ten considering her death not to be an accident, while many of this age group simply say they aren’t sure.
- Half of British people (50%) think that Princess Diana’s death was probably an accident
- 55% of those aged 25 to 34 age group think the death was an accident
- 46% of the 18 to 24 year olds asked say the same
- However, over a third (36%) of people said it probably was not an accident
- While 39% of those aged 55 or older agree
- And 31% of 18-24 year olds say the same, although this youngest age group was also the most unsure (31%)
Unlawful killing
The survey was commissioned by the producers of broadcaster Keith Allen's new documentary film Unlawful Killing which investigates Diana’s death and explores the facts of the inquest that followed. The film, which had its first public screening at the Galway Film Festival on Wednesday this week (6th July), is not allowed to be shown in the UK for legal reasons.
‘This film was made in Britain but it cannot be shown in Britain,’ said Allen. ‘This has never happened before. The official verdict in the coroner’s court was unlawful killing,’ he continued, ‘not accidental death. And yet why is it people want to believe it was an accident?’
The actor, and father of pop star Lily Cooper (née Allen), has been warned that his film will remain on the banned list unless he makes a total of 87 cuts.
