Diana’s Loyal Chauffeur Breaks 29-Year Silence: ‘She Would Still Be Alive If I’d Been Driving That Night in Paris’
After nearly three decades of silence, Steve Davies, Princess Diana’s former personal chauffeur, has spoken publicly for the first time about his devastating dismissal and the enduring pain of her tragic death. Davies served the Princess of Wales faithfully from 1989 until late 1995, becoming one of her most trusted aides during some of the most turbulent years of her life. He drove Diana and her young sons, Princes William and Harry, on countless journeys, sharing both private moments and public duties with discretion and loyalty.
Everything changed abruptly after Christmas 1995. Davies was suddenly banned from driving Diana’s car and even from basic maintenance tasks. Despite remaining on the payroll for a period, he was relegated to sitting idle in the garage for full shifts before being formally made redundant in March 1996. The abrupt rejection left him heartbroken and humiliated, as the woman he deeply respected appeared to shun him without explanation.
Years later, while watching the Netflix series The Crown, Davies finally learned the shocking truth behind his fall from grace. Journalist Martin Bashir, in his efforts to secure the explosive 1995 Panorama interview, had allegedly spread false claims to Diana and her brother, Earl Spencer, that Davies was leaking information to the tabloid press. These fabricated allegations shattered the trust Diana had placed in her loyal driver. Davies later received substantial compensation from the BBC after the broadcaster acknowledged the damaging falsehood.
In his candid reflections, Davies expressed deep sorrow that Diana passed away in 1997 still believing he had betrayed her. “She died believing I had betrayed her and that’s something I can’t ever forget or forgive,” he shared. He described his service as more than a job — it was his life’s purpose, built on trust, discretion, and duty. The former chauffeur emphasized his unwavering respect for Diana, noting her mesmerizing presence and genuine warmth that transcended photographs.
Most poignantly, Davies believes the outcome of that fateful night in Paris on August 31, 1997, might have been different if he had remained at the wheel. He insisted he always took extraordinary precautions for her safety — insisting on seatbelts, meticulously checking conditions, and prioritizing her protection in every situation. “If I’d been driving Diana in Paris, she would still be here today because I would have kept her safe,” he stated firmly.
Davies’ revelations reopen old wounds surrounding the circumstances of Diana’s death and the manipulative tactics used to secure her Panorama interview. While the world continues to mourn the “People’s Princess,” his account adds a deeply personal layer to the legacy of a woman whose life and untimely passing still captivate global attention nearly 29 years later. His story serves as a reminder of the human cost behind royal scandals and media intrigues — and the lasting loyalty of those who served her with genuine devotion.
