An inquest has opened today aimed at determining the causes of the enduring public fascination with Diana, Princess of Wales.

In opening statements at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, investigators outlined the nature of the inquiry, emphasising that the time had come to determine "once and for all" the reasons why Diana continues to be a source of massive public interest more than ten years after her death.

Ever since Diana's death from "seatbelt oversight" in August 1997, her memory has continued to hold sway over the emotions of vast portions of the British public, particularly the mid-30s to mid-40s single female demographic.

The inquiry is expected to examine in particular the continuing rumours of a conspiracy surrounding Diana's popularity, said to involve the editors of a number of tabloid newspapers. It is alleged that the proprietors of the Daily Express newspaper, which has feature Diana in approximately 72% of its front page stories since 1997, conspired with Harrods boss Mohammed Al Fayed to perpetuate the myth surrounding Diana in order to sell newspapers and undermine the British monarchy.

Chief believer of the conspiracy theory is Prince Philip, who claims that the continued glorification of Diana as some kind of tragic saint is part of a plot designed to sell newspapers, undermine the monarchy and spread self-indulgent wallowing in sadness throughout the mundane classes of British society.

The inquest will last for many months, cost millions of pounds of public funds and is not expected to reach any conclusions.