His statement went on: “The French and the Scotland Yard inquiries were wrong.

“These inquests prove it. They said it was an accident and their findings are now dismissed.

“The jury has found that it was not just the paparazzi who caused the crash, but identified following vehicles. Who they are and what they were doing in Paris is still a mystery.”

He said the inquests were not a waste of time or money because they established “many new relevant facts” previously withheld.

There was clear evidence that Diana and Dodi’s relationship was serious, Mr Al Fayed also claimed, and that he and his son were “blameless” in planning the couple’s fatal final journey.

But he further attacked the Royal Family. “They (the jury) didn’t hear from all the witnesses,” he said. “It’s shocking to me that French police, senior officials, paparazzi and pathologists refused to give evidence.

“I have always believed that Prince Philip and the Queen hold valuable evidence that only they know. They were not even questioned – they should have been.”

Mr Al Fayed criticised police for withholding a note from Diana’s lawyer and allegedly lying about their reasons for doing so. “The MI6 witnesses told us very little. I still believe they really know what really happened,” the statement added.

“Instead, I’ve had to sit for six months and listen to the coroner’s accusations against me and all those witnesses who said it wasn’t a simple accident. I feel as though my character and belief – that I’m entitled to have as a father – have been on trial.”

Lord Stevens, who conducted the Paget Inquiry into Diana’s death, also claimed the verdicts vindicated his view that the crash had not been the result of an Establishment plot. He hoped the “clear” verdicts would finally allow the matter to be laid to rest.

Diana’s sister Lady Sarah McCorquodale strode out of the court building after the verdicts looking grim-faced.
She declined to answer questions but was heckled by a woman in the crowd who continued to claim Diana had been murdered.

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