Confronted

An unnamed photographer «spotted» the Princess with friends in a Kensington mews. He took some pictures but handed over his film

when allegedly being confronted by a royal detective with Diana herself intervening. She was claimed to have «begged» for the film.

Yard chiefs studied a report on the incident which highlighted the fears of the Royalty Protection Squad about freelance photo­graphers who hounded Diana day and night.

Quite apart from the distress they were causing the Princess, their continued presence was becoming a security nightmare.

Whenever Diana moved from her London home at Kensington Palace the paparazzi went too. They pooled their resources and watched every exit. They knew every royal limousine and when Di­ana was seen they made their move.

Linked by walkie-talkies and on powerful motor bikes to weave through London's traffic, they had no difficulty in keeping up.

They had a detailed knowledge of Diana's «off-duty» habits, her favourite restaurants and shops and homes of friends and confi­dantes.

In the most public gilded cage in the world Diana found it a har­rowing existence.

(Richard Kay, Daily Mail)

Answer the following questions:

1. What was causing Diana distress?

2. What is your view about what was happening to Diana?

3. Was this the price she paid for being famous?