LONDON - Princess Diana's sons spoke out on Friday to protect the memory of their mother, condemning the decision of an Italian magazine to print a photograph taken moments after the car crash that claimed her life.


The black-and-white photo in Milan-based Chi magazine showed the princess receiving oxygen in the wreckage of the car crash that killed her on Aug. 31, 1997. The picture was excerpted from "Lady Diana: The Criminal Investigation," a new book by French author Jean-Michel Caradec'h.

"We feel deeply saddened that such a low has been reached," princes William and Harry said in a statement released Friday by their father's office, Clarence House. "Despite the support shown to us and our mother's memory by so many people over the last eight years, we feel that as her sons we would be failing in our duty to her now if we did not protect her as she once did us."

The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund said the photos were in poor taste.

"A lot of people are appalled by the decision," said Mitali Atal, a fund spokeswoman. "The editor hasn't thought about the effect the photos would have on her family. It is completely unnecessary."

The Daily Express called the image "grotesque" and swore not to reprint it. The Daily Mirror said the magazine's editor acted "shamelessly."

"Shame on you," scolded the tabloid Sun.

Harrods department store boss Mohamed al Fayed, whose son Dodi also died in the crash, said he was angered by the publication.

"This heartless pursuit of money brings shame on those responsible for producing such a vile publication," al Fayed said in a statement Thursday. "The editor and the author, who probably have families of their own, have no thought for the feelings of those who loved the princess, first and foremost her sons, the Princes William and Harry."

The magazine's editor, Umberto Brindani, defended the publication of the photos on Friday calling them "touching" and "tender," and fired back at the tabloids.

"It is astonishing that the same British tabloids who scream about the scandal are the very ones that, before and after the princess's death, did not hesitate to sling mud at her," the editor said in a statement.

Good for them.

let her rest in peace

Diana was one of the hottest blondes of all time.

Can't leave her alone after all these years. She was a beautiful woman who deserved better.

R.I.P. Diana

Mach said:[quote]

The Daily Express called the image "grotesque" and swore not to reprint it. The Daily Mirror said the magazine's editor acted "shamelessly."

"Shame on you," scolded the tabloid Sun.

Yes and both of these fine publications know all bout being shameless.


Kettle met Pot, Pot This Is Kettle.
[Edited 7/14/06 23:44pm]

I think all pictures r deceptive at time.. we just get rid of a few & start over with a new state of mind