Operational note

Coroner's inquests into the deaths of Diana, Princess of Wales, and Dodi Al Fayed
An inquest into the death of Diana, Princess of Wales will be opened by Mr Michael Burgess, as Coroner of The Queen’s Household, at 10.30 am on Tuesday 6 January 2004 at the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre, London.

An inquest into the death of Dodi Al Fayed will be opened by Mr Michael Burgess, as H.M. Coroner for Surrey, at 3.00 pm on Tuesday 6 January 2004 at Wray Park, Reigate.

At each of the hearings, the coroner will not be receiving any evidence from witnesses attending in person. He will be making a statement which will cover such matters as the purpose of the inquest, how it is expected to be conducted, the nature and scope of evidence that he expects to receive and will address some procedural issues.

Media arrangements
We plan to provide the media with a professional facility during these openings as well as during subsequent stages of the Inquests.

Photography, filming and recording will not be allowed in the court room or at subsequent hearing in any other venue but facilities will be provided to enable the media to follow the proceedings.

Photocall
A photocall and filming opportunity with the Coroner will be held at 9.30am on Tuesday 6 January 2004 at the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre.

The photocall will be for filming and photographic purposes only. The Coroner will not take questions.

Media accreditation
You are invited to attend or be represented at the opening hearings and photocall. For the hearings and the photocall you will need accreditation

This means we need to be notified as soon as possible – but by no later than Tuesday 23 December – by all media organisations wishing to send representatives to attend the opening hearings and/or photocall.

Please note that media spaces may be limited and we can not guarantee to provide facilities for organisations that fail to respond.

Enquiries: Louise Footner 0208 541 9624 or Abigail Bradbeer 0208 541 9924.