The Harrods owner insists that both Diana and Dodi were murdered in a plot by British secret service on the orders of Prince Philip because the Princess of Wales was expecting his son’s baby. “I’m certain of what happened. I know they been murdered,” al-Fayed said at the inquest.

In addition to the Coroner’s remarks about Diana’s alleged pregnancy, al-Fayed also made clear he objected to Lord Baker’s comments on the speed of the deathcrash Mercedes and comments its chauffeur Henri Paul is said to have made to photographers at the Ritz Hotel in Paris.

The inquest will examine the embalming of Diana’s body, post-mortem, suggestions she was engaged to Fayed, the alleged purchase of a ring, claims she was pregnant and bodyguards’ evidence.