Longtime Aide Blames Martin Bashir’s Lies for Ruining His Royal Career
Princess Diana’s former chauffeur, Steve Davies, has broken his silence after 30 years, sharing explosive claims about his time serving the royal family in a candid interview with The Mail on Sunday.
Davies, who was one of the royal family's most trusted drivers, alleged that his career was cut short due to lies spread by journalist Martin Bashir, which he believes “poisoned the Princess against him.”
The former chauffeur was suddenly made redundant in March 1996, without any explanation, after eight years of service, including four as Princess Diana’s personal driver. He expressed deep regret, revealing that Diana died believing he had betrayed her.
“If I had been with her in Paris, Diana would still be here today,” Davies claimed, reflecting on the tragic car crash in August 1997 that took the Princess's life. “I was forced out of a job that I wanted to be my life's work. Royal service is about trust, loyalty, and discretion.”
Davies accused Bashir of tarnishing his reputation, stating, “Your good name is everything. Martin Bashir robbed me of mine by spreading false allegations to Diana.”
Although he maintains that he is not a man to harbor bitterness, Davies admitted, “She died thinking I had betrayed her, and that’s something I will never be able to forgive or forget.”
The former soldier, who began his service to the royals in 1988, became a key figure in Diana’s inner circle after her separation from Prince Charles. Reflecting on his time with the Princess, Davies shared, “I would have taken a bullet for Diana. My job was my life. I was always there for her.”
This is the first time Steve Davies has spoken publicly about his experiences, offering a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes turmoil that shaped the final years of Princess Diana’s life.
