Diana was also one of the first royals to speak openly about her own mental health struggles and eating disorders on an international stage and quickly became known as the ‘People’s Princess’. Her tragic untimely death, however, has sparked continued interest for more than two decades, from countless documentaries, to books, media coverage and even a new opera. Now, a new HBO documentary, The Princess, explores Diana’s life in the public eye using archival recordings and video to provide insight into the toxic nature of her constant media exposure and the events leading up to her death. The documentary is expected to be released on August 13, around the 25th anniversary of her death. When the news broke that the beloved princess and young mother had died, it completely shocked the world. And while you’ve probably heard some things about her death, it’s been 25 years now and you may be fuzzy on the details. Here’s what you need to know.

When did Princess Diana die?

Princess Diana died on August 31, 1997. Diana, Princess of Wales, sits on the steps outside her country house, Highgrove. Tim Graham//Getty Images

How did he die;

Diana died in a high speed car accident.
Shortly after midnight, a Mercedes-Benz left the Ritz hotel in Paris carrying the princess and her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, an Egyptian film producer. (Diana and Charles had divorced in 1996 after four years of separation). The car, which was traveling at least 60 miles per hour, crashed into a pillar on an underpass over the Seine River, according to the BBC and Associated Press. This photo dated August 21, 1997 shows the wreckage of Princess Diana’s car in the Alma tunnel in Paris. PIERRE BOUSSEL//Getty Images Diana, Dodi and their driver, Henry Paul, all died as a result of the collision. Toxicology reports later showed Henri had a severely elevated blood alcohol level, according to CNN. Prior to the crash, paparazzi were also aggressively following the car, and the accident raised many questions about the price of celebrity and the extreme media exposure Diana endured while alive. Diana, Princess of Wales and Dodi Fayed, bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones (front, left) and driver Henri Paul, in their Mercedes-Benz S280 shortly before the fatal crash that killed Diana, Fayed and Paul, Paris, 31 August 1997. Langevin Jacques//Getty Images The paparazzi were blamed for the accident at first, but in 1999, a French judge said it was Paul’s fault due to his elevated blood alcohol level and prescription drugs in his system, according to Britannica.

Where did he die?

Princess Diana has died in Paris, according to CNN. The princess was still alive after the crash and was taken to Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries at 4:53 am. on August 31, according to the Independent.

Who else died in the car?

Diana’s boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, and their driver, Henri Paul, also died in the crash, according to CNN. The only survivor of the crash was Trevor Rees-Jones, who was Dodi’s bodyguard. He was in a coma for 10 days, but is now AstraZeneca’s global safety chief, according to the Daily Mail. While Dodi and Henri were killed instantly, Diana was alive when emergency services arrived at the scene, the BBC reported. He died the next morning in hospital.

How old was Diana when she died?

Diana was only 36 when she died. She is survived by her two sons, Prince William, 15, and Prince Harry, 12. Princess Diana, Princess of Wales with her sons Prince William and Prince Harry attend a service in Hyde Park on May 7, 1995 in London. Anwar Hussein//Getty Images

What was Diana’s official cause of death and what injuries did she have?

Diana was badly injured in the collision. She had a concussion, a broken arm and a cut on her thigh, according to United Press International. But her most fatal injuries were severe chest wounds. She had a tear in her left pulmonary vein which caused internal bleeding, the Independent reported. Her heart had stopped beating and despite surgery, it could not start again. A young fan of the late Diana, Princess of Wales outside the gates of Buckingham Palace, August 31, 1997. DAVE GAYWOOD//Getty Images

What were Diana’s last words?

French firefighter Xavier Gourmelon told the Sun that he and his colleagues were the first to arrive at the scene – and didn’t realize who was in the car at first. Before Diana got out of the car, Xavier claims he said, “Oh my God, what happened?” He then went into cardiac arrest on a stretcher. Xavier gave her CPR and said she seemed stable when the ambulance left.
Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamor and more. He has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.