Vanity Fair Explores the True Identity Behind the Paparazzo Hired to Capture Diana and Dodi in 'The Crown'

Article by Chris Murphy

In the latest edition of the podcast 'Still Watching', co-hosts Hillary Busis, Richard Lawson, and Chris Murphy provide a comprehensive review of the second episode of the first part of the sixth season of The Crown titled "Two Photographs". They are joined by Erin Vanderhoof, a staff writer and royals expert at Vanity Fair.

Vanderhoof, being a dedicated anglophile, differentiates between the fact and fiction presented in the second episode of The Crown's sixth season. The episode primarily centers on the photographs of Diana and Charles snapped by two distinct photographers. Vanderhoof expresses surprise at the show’s implication that Mohamed Al-Fayed played a hand in arranging notorious paparazzo Mario Brenna's iconic photoshoot of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed on a yacht. These photos triggered a sensation in the tabloid press.

"The decision-maker behind Brenna's assignment is a much-discussed topic," Vanderhoof states. She then presents Tina Brown, former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair and author of The Diana Chronicles', guess. Tina believes it was Diana herself who contacted Brenna for the shoot to incite jealousy in her ex-boyfriend, Hasnat Khan. "Debatable as the source of the command could be someone close to Dodi or Diana. However, it is implausible to definitively verify this," explains Vanderhoof.

She also narrates a follow-up of what transpired in Mohamed Al-Fayed's life in the aftermath of Diana and Dodi's untimely passing. Vanderhoof informs, "His son's death left him heartbroken. His life was shaped around his grief and he endorsed every conspiracy theory regarding their deaths. This tragedy indeed devastated him." Vanderhoof also explains the dynamics between royals and their photographers and shares her personal encounter with Prince William during a press boat run.

"When the boat turns, your position relative to William shifts, causing all photographers to scramble to the other side to maintain a balance and prevent it from tipping over. We had to follow suit to keep the boat steady. It felt like we were performing cardio," Vanderhoof shares amusingly.