Reputation of Ritz driver defended by family friend

A close family friend has broken silence in defence of Henri Paul, who drove Princess Diana to her death with his blood apparently…

A close family friend has broken silence in defence of Henri Paul, who drove Princess Diana to her death with his blood apparently full of alcohol and containing traces of drugs. Mr Dominique Melo, an old schoolfriend of the Ritz Hotel deputy security chief, said on behalf of Paul's family that they did not deny - nor could fully explain - the evidence about the car crash on August 31st. But he said suggestions in some media that Paul (41) who was also killed, was a drunk and a braggart were insults which his parents had at first felt unworthy of denial.

"We are revolted," he said yesterday. "But the things they say will fade away, because they are lies."

Mr Melo, a 40-year-old psychologist and university teacher, produced a faxed copy of a certificate dated three days before the Mercedes crashed in a Paris tunnel and said it was the result of an intensive official health and safety check that Paul underwent to maintain his private pilot's licence.

Meanwhile, British newspapers report today that Princess Diana's bodyguard, the only survivor of the Paris crash, has not yet been told of her death. Several newspapers said Mr Trevor Rees-Jones (29) had not been told of the deaths of the princess, Mr Dodi Fayed or Mr Paul because he is too weak to stand the shock.

READ MORE

Rachel Donnelly adds: London began the clear-up operation yesterday of the thousands of flowers placed outside the capital's royal palaces in tribute to Princess Diana.

Hundreds of volunteers from the Scouts, the Girl Guides and the Women's Royal Volunteer Service (WRVS) spent the day collecting bouquets, teddy bears, photographs and the many candles left by mourners outside the gates of St James's Palace, where Princess Diana's body lay for several days before her funeral.

One of the first children to receive Diana's flowers was Clodagh Roberts (6) from Cork, a patient at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Presented with a basket of carnations, roses, lilies and chrysanthemums collected outside Kensington Palace, she replied: "They're from Diana. They're very nice."

The singer Elton John, who created a unique tribute to Princess Diana by rewriting his song Candle in the Wind, has called on the public to bring their mourning to an end as a mark of respect for the princess. "Life has to go on," he said. "Princess Diana would not want this sadness to continue."