Why Princess Diana learned how to use a gun after 'fearing for her safety'
Royals have faced several security threats over the years
Princess Diana reportedly went to extreme lengths to ensure her own safety, including training how to use a gun.
The late Princess of Wales – mother to Prince William and Prince Harry – died in Paris in August 1997. The car she was travelling in crashed as it was pursued by paparazzi through the French capital. The smash also claimed the lives of her alleged Dodi Fayed, and driver Henri Paul. However, Princess Diana‘s bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones survived.
Over 20 years on, and amid her youngest son stepping away from royal duties, funding for the Sussexes’ armed police bodyguards is believed to have become a primary reason for the alleged distance between Prince Harry and his family. However, his mother took security so seriously, it is said she prepared for the very worst that could happen.
Princess Diana ‘safety precautions’
Since Princess Diana’s shocking death, conspiracy theories have continued to proliferate over the years.
While much outlandish speculation has been easily debunked, it seems she was acutely aware of dangers a royal could face.
Indeed, she would also have been familiar with how Princess Anne faced a terrifying kidnap attempt in 1974. The then-Prince Charles was also shot at with a starting pistol in 1994 during a visit to Sydney.
Incidents involving the Queen being targeted during the Trooping the Colour in 1981 – with six blank shots aimed in her direction – and Michael Fagan breaking into the monarch’s bedroom in 1982 will also have remained in the forefront of royals’ minds.
And the very real dangers royals could endure was also evidenced by the 1979 assassination of Lord Mountbatten. Prince Philip’s uncle was murdered by the IRA after a bomb was planted on his boat off the Irish coast.
‘A possible target’
According to claims in Andrew Morton’s biography Diana: Her True Story, the then-Princess of Wales decided to bear responsibility for her own wellbeing, as well as relying on those employed to protect her.
The author wrote: “The presence of a bodyguard was a constant reminder of the invisible veil which separated her from her family and friends.
He continued: “It was the awareness that she is now a possible target for an anonymous terrorist or an unknown madman.”
Additionally, Princess Diana is said to have referenced previous instances of security challenges for royals as “ample proof of the constant danger”.
Did Princess Diana receive weapons training?
Furthermore, Mr Morton detailed the training Princess Diana undertook as being provided by the military.
It is believed she learned basic techniques about how to handle a potential terrorist attack or kidnapping plot with Special Air Services in Hereford.
And as part of the experience, it is thought the royal’s car was pelt with thunderflashes and smoke bombs to recreate hazardous conditions.
Read more: Princess Diana’s former bodyguard reveals he’s haunted by single regret after crash
It is claimed: “On another occasion she went to Loughton, Essex, where officers from the Metropolitan Police receive weapons training.
“There she learned how to handle a .38 calibre Smith and Wesson revolver and a Hechler and Koch machine pistol.”
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