Diana 1961-1997: The paparazzi - 'The most frightening feeling in the world'

The underpass where Diana and Dodi met their deaths is notorious amongst celebrities visiting Paris. For those staying or dining at the Ritz, it's the main route away from the hotel, and hence a favoured hunting ground for seasoned paparazzi photographers.

Earlier this week, Tom Cruise spoke to CNN television about his own experiences in the same spot. "I have been in that same tunnel being chased by the paparazzi. They run red lights and speed along to chase and harass you. It's a tragedy, what's happened. These people put price tags on people's heads."

Other famous faces have also testified to the fear the paparazzi cause. Elizabeth Taylor broke down in tears on American television. "I know what it's like to be chased in a car by the paparazzi," she said. "It is one of the most frightening feelings in the world. You are in a car, going faster, faster to try to get away. They can shoot through darkened windows and you hide in the darkened corners of the car. She must have known such fear and it makes me so angry."

Madonna, interviewed in the Times, said: "Anyone who has ever been chased like that and who has had to live that sort of life, hit the wall with her. When I came to promote Evita, I was in Rome and the paparazzi didn't even give me time to strap my baby into the car. We were driving at about 90mph and we were being followed and flanked and surrounded."

Other stars who have fallen foul of photographers include George Clooney, who was angered at suggestions that intrusion and fame go hand- in-hand. "I really don't mind giving interviews and getting photographed at public events. But don't you think that even a highly paid actor has the right not to be stalked by paparazzi day and night?"

Alec Baldwin was cleared last year of assaulting a photographer who tried to snap his wife Kim Basinger and their baby daughter. Elizabeth Hurley told American television: "I can't even walk to my greenhouse to water my tomato plants without some jerk at the end of the garden with a camera on me."

Max Clifford, who has worked in PR for three decades, believes there has been a radical change over the last five years in the relationship between photographers and celebrities. "Before, everyone played the game," he says. "If Diana was on holiday, she would pose for all the well-known photographers, mainly staffers, and then they would let her be, more or less.

"Now there is a totally different breed, a law unto themselves. Many of them have no professional background, no journalistic background - they keep their ears to the ground and are only interested in money. They have introduced a whole new set of rules when it comes to celebrity clients. These people should never have been allowed to treat Diana the way they did - they completely overstepped the mark. It beggars belief."

He believes, however, that the paparazzi's rule of fear may be on the wane. "All this talk about curbing them is too late - their main target was Princess Di. Hollywood stars come and go - there isn't the same interest, the only person who was good for 12 months of the year was Diana. The tragic irony is that by playing their part in her destruction, they have killed the goose that laid the golden eggs."