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In the early hours of the morning on Aug. 31, 1997, Princess Diana was killed in the aftermath of a horrific car crash in Paris at the Pont de l’Alma tunnel. She was just 36 years old at the time and had finally been able to embrace a newfound sense of freedom after divorcing her husband of 15 years, Prince Charles. At the time of her death, the People’s Princess, as she was lovingly called, left behind two young sons, Prince William who was just 15 and Prince Harry who was only 12.

In the last days of her life, Princess Diana spent her time with Dodi Fayed, the son of Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al-Fayed, who was the longtime owner of Harrod’s department store. The pair had returned to Paris for one night before Princess Diana headed back to London. They’d been vacationing on Fayed’s yacht in the South of France. Though the pair had just started their whirlwind courtship that summer, according to reports, Fayed, who was a film producer had decided to propose to the princess that evening. Here’s what we know about the day she died.

1. 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 30, 1997: Arrival at the Ritz Hotel in Paris

July 14, 1997 shows Britain's Lady Diana spending holidays near the property of her friend Dodi Al-Fayed in Saint Tropez
July 14, 1997 shows Britain’s Lady Diana spending holidays near the property of her friend Dodi Al-Fayed in Saint Tropez | Patrick Hertzog/AFP/Getty Images

Sun-soaked and relaxed from their vacation, Princess Diana and Fayed arrived at the Ritz Hotel in Paris which was owned by Fayed’s father. Since the paparazzi had been stalking them throughout their entire vacation, the couple was trying to be as discreet as possible.

They decided to slip into the back door of the Ritz with their security in tow, and stay in the hotel’s Imperial Suite for the evening.

Next: The last conversation with her sons. 

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