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Fayed bid to summon Philip fails | Fayed bid to summon Philip fails |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Mohamed Al Fayed's bid to compel the Queen and Prince Philip to give evidence at the inquest into the death of Princess Diana has failed. | Mohamed Al Fayed's bid to compel the Queen and Prince Philip to give evidence at the inquest into the death of Princess Diana has failed. |
The Harrods owner's legal team argued that the Royal couple had information which would shed light on the death. | The Harrods owner's legal team argued that the Royal couple had information which would shed light on the death. |
He has accused the Royal family of having the princess murdered because he said they disapproved of her relationship with his son, Dodi. | He has accused the Royal family of having the princess murdered because he said they disapproved of her relationship with his son, Dodi. |
The inquest itself has finished calling witnesses after five and a half months. | |
'Delaying tactic' | 'Delaying tactic' |
Mr Al Fayed's lawyers had sought a judicial review of a decision earlier this month that Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh should not be called to the hearing. | Mr Al Fayed's lawyers had sought a judicial review of a decision earlier this month that Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh should not be called to the hearing. |
I would like an apology. It is not acceptable to call me a liar in front of the jury Mohamed Al Fayed Tuesday's witness statements | |
The tycoon's barristers denied it was a delaying tactic, arguing that the Royal couple had information which they alone could provide. | The tycoon's barristers denied it was a delaying tactic, arguing that the Royal couple had information which they alone could provide. |
The BBC Royal correspondent, Daniela Relph, said that the substance of the legal arguments has been made the subject of a gagging order. | The BBC Royal correspondent, Daniela Relph, said that the substance of the legal arguments has been made the subject of a gagging order. |
They were made before a panel of judges at the High Court as the coroner's inquest proceeded in a separate courtroom. | |
The contents will be revealed once the jury has returned a verdict. | The contents will be revealed once the jury has returned a verdict. |
Al Fayed outburst | |
Meanwhile, Mohamed Al Fayed was himself recalled to clarify sworn testimony he gave to the coroner on 18 February. | |
In that initial appearance, he claimed to have won a court case, when in fact he had only won the right to appeal. | |
Following questioning from Nicholas Hilliard, for the coroner, Mr Al Fayed exclaimed : "I would like an apology. It is not acceptable to call me a liar in front of the jury." | |
Coroner Lord Justice Scott-Baker responded: "It is for the jury to decide whether you told the truth or not and they can make up their own minds about your explanation." | |
The inquest, which began on 2 October 2007, has heard from more than 240 witnesses, who appeared in person, via videolink or by written statements. | The inquest, which began on 2 October 2007, has heard from more than 240 witnesses, who appeared in person, via videolink or by written statements. |
Coroner Lord Justice Scott-Baker will begin summing up on 31 March. | Coroner Lord Justice Scott-Baker will begin summing up on 31 March. |