Princess Diana’s tragic death in Paris shocked the world. Loved for her kindness and warmth, she left behind a lasting legacy.
Now, surgeon MonSef Dahman, who fought to save her life that night, has broken his silence. His account sheds new light on the heartbreaking final moments of the beloved princess.
The Surgeon Who Tried to Save Princess Diana Speaks Out
Dr. MonSef Dahman, the surgeon who fought to save Princess Diana’s life, has broken his silence.
On the night of the tragic crash, Dahman wasn’t even supposed to be working. His pregnant wife and he had planned a holiday, but they decided to stay in Paris. That choice led him to the operating room where he desperately tried to save the beloved princess.
What started as a routine shift quickly turned into a life-or-death battle.
At 2 a.m., Diana was rushed into the hospital—her condition was critical, and every second mattered.
The Moment of Realization
When Princess Diana arrived at the hospital, Dr. MonSef Dahman had no idea who she was.
Awoken by an urgent call, he was told only that a young woman in critical condition needed immediate care. Rushing into the emergency room, he was met with an unusual level of activity. That’s when he learned the truth—the patient on the stretcher was Princess Diana.
The gravity of the situation became clear. A quick X-ray revealed severe internal injuries, and she was given an emergency blood transfusion. Every second counted in the fight to save her life.
Her heart refused to beat again
Just 15 minutes after arriving at the hospital, Diana went into cardiac arrest once more. Dr. Dahman attempted an emergency surgical procedure, but her injuries were simply too severe.
Her heart just wouldn’t start beating again.
“We tried electric shocks, several times and, as I had done in the emergency room, cardiac massage,” Dahman recalled. “Professor Riou had administered adrenaline. But we could not get her heart beating again.”
Dahman and his team fought desperately to save Diana’s life. The hospital, Pitié-Salpêtrière, was renowned as one of France’s top emergency centers. Saving lives in such situations had always made him “happy and proud.”
At first, he had held onto hope. But in the end, there was nothing more they could do.
“We fought hard, we tried a lot, really an awful lot,” he said. “Frankly, when you are working in those conditions, you don’t notice the passage of time. The only thing that is important is that we do everything possible for this young woman.”
Despite their relentless efforts, Diana couldn’t be saved. “We could not save her. And that affected us very much.”
Recalls it like it was yesterday
Each August, Dr. MonSef Dahman is reminded of that tragic night in 1997. Now working in Antibes, he reflects on the moment that changed his life forever.
Though years have passed, the memories linger. Books about Diana’s death keep arriving at his doorstep—a collection he never asked for.
In the days after her passing, chaos erupted. Journalists, desperate for information, disguised themselves as hospital staff, pushing trolleys through the hallways. Security struggled to maintain order as the world demanded answers.
Princess Diana remains beloved worldwide, her legacy still shining decades after her passing.
In a 2021 documentary, royal expert Richard Kay revealed he was the last person to speak with Diana before the crash. “The police said that the last call she made was to me,” he recalled.
Before her tragic death, Diana was reportedly concerned that the Queen and Charles might separate her from William and Harry. Biographer Howard Hodgson noted that the Queen had the legal power to assume guardianship of the boys.
Despite these fears, Diana was in a good place. She was eager to start fresh, redefine her role, and, most importantly, reunite with her sons.
“The most mourned person who ever lived”
A 2021 documentary celebrated Princess Diana’s “remarkable life,” with Executive Producer David Glover calling it the perfect moment to reflect on her impact. “Despite the difficulties in her personal life, she used her connection with people to do huge amounts of good,” he said.
In 2017, Prince William and Prince Harry announced a new statue to honor their mother. Set in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, it was unveiled on July 1—what would have been Diana’s 60th birthday.
Harry attended the event, but Meghan Markle stayed behind in Montecito to care for their newborn, as reported by Harper’s Bazaar.
Harry & William Remember Their Mother
On the 20th anniversary of Diana’s passing in 2017, Prince Harry and Prince William shared heartfelt memories of their mother.
“All I can hear is her laugh,” Harry recalled. “She was one of the naughtiest parents, sneaking sweets into her socks and stuffing her shirt with candy when she took us to football matches.”
William expressed deep gratitude: “We felt incredibly loved by her, and that love is still there.”
Despite the privileges of royal life, Diana’s warmth and playful spirit made their childhood truly special.
Diana’s Heartfelt Letters Revealed
Recently discovered letters from Princess Diana offer a rare glimpse into William and Harry’s childhood bond.
In a 1985 letter, written just six months after Harry’s birth, Diana shared, “William adores his little brother and spends the entire time swamping Harry with an endless supply of hugs and kisses.”
The letter, addressed to Buckingham Palace steward Cyril Dickman, was auctioned in 2017. Other letters revealed Diana’s joy as a mother, Harry’s mischievous school days, and the personal struggles she faced in the years that followed.
Took William and Harry out for fast food
Princess Diana always prioritized giving William and Harry a normal childhood, despite their royal status. She often took them on fun outings and even sneaked them out of the palace for fast food.
Former royal chef Darren McGrady recalled, “She told me, ‘Cancel lunch for the boys, we’re going to McDonald’s.’ When I offered to make burgers, she laughed and said, ‘No, it’s the toy they want.’”
Diana’s warmth and kindness continue to inspire millions. Her legacy lives on, and we honor the efforts of those who tried to save her.