Posted Sunday, January 11, 2004; 15.48GMT
Why did Britain take more than six years to start the inquests into the deaths of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed? The inquests had to wait until the completion of lengthy French police investigations and judicial proceedings, which were delayed, among other things, by the many appeals filed by Dodi's father, Mohammed al Fayed.
Why are there separate inquests for Diana and Dodi? Under English law, inquests into unexpected deaths are conducted by a coroner appointed by the county in which the victim dies or is buried. For deaths within the extended Windsor family, inquests are conducted by the royal coroner. Michael Burgess, the coroner for Surrey, where Dodi is buried, just happens also to be coroner of the Queen's Household, and is therefore responsible for the Diana inquest. He may yet merge the two.
What is Burgess looking for? The inquests are not public inquiries, but aim to establish how, when and where a death occurred. An inquest does not apportion guilt, but evidence thrown up by an inquest can lead to actions in civil or criminal courts.
But why did Burgess call in the police? He said he was aware that there was speculation about the cause of the deaths, and felt that police findings would help him decide on whether the inquest should investigate these rumors.
But wouldn't such an investigation be beyond the scope of an inquest? No, the coroner must ensure the causes and circumstances of these deaths are thoroughly investigated.
What is Burgess's timetable? He has adjourned for 12 to 15 months, to examine the results of the French proceedings. He will then hear witnesses and could record the verdict himself, if he decides against summoning juries.
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