Diana magistrate denies embalming order
A FRENCH magistrate yesterday denied any role in the controversial decision to embalm the body of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Maud Morel Coujard, who was a deputy public prosecutor in Paris in 1997, told the inquest into the princess’s death that she was not initially informed of the decision - contrary to claims by Mohamed al-Fayed.
Mr Fayed, whose son Dodi also died in the crash, is convinced the procedure was ordered by MI6 via the British ambassador to Paris, Sir Michael Jay, to conceal a pregnancy.
The Harrods owner believes that Diana was engaged to Dodi and was carrying his baby, but was murdered in an MI6 plot ordered by the Duke of Edinburgh to prevent the mother of the future king having a Muslim child.
Meanwhile, the coroner chairing the inquest last night said he was considering appealing against a High Court ruling over how crucial paparazzi evidence must be handled.
Two judges backed a legal challenge to Lord Justice Scott Baker’s decision to have statements from the photographers - who are refusing to give evidence in person and be cross- examined - read to the jury.
The ruling placed a question mark over how evidence from the paparazzi, who pursued Diana on the night of her death, could be heard.
The coroner revealed he had successfully applied for leave to appeal the judgment, which, he said, could “add materially to the length and cost of the inquest”.
