Latest Princess Diana crash allegations being taken "seriously"

(CBS News) New allegations are once again fueling conspiracy theories in the death of Princess Diana. Investigators are looking at possible new information related to the Aug. 31, 1997 car crash that killed the royal.

New Princess Diana death information being checked by British police
New Princess Diana death information being checked by British police

The latest theory, which has come to light courtesy of a nasty military divorce, suggests the crash that killed Diana may not have been an accident. Police at Scotland Yard are saying they're not reopening the case, but this is Diana and they're taking the allegation "seriously," CBS News' Mark Phillips reported on "CBS This Morning."

It may be the most investigated car cash in history, but police are looking at it again. The reason: a letter from a British soldier's family claiming that the British Army commando unit was involved in the death. The allegation comes in a letter to the police from the family of a woman involved in a divorce from a soldier, saying he made the claim to the scorned wife.

Scotland Yard issued a statement saying, "The Metropolitan Police Service is scoping information that has recently been received in relation to the deaths and assessing its relevance and credibility."

The deaths of Princess Diana and Dodi al Fayed were investigated in exhaustive inquiries at least three times by both British and French authorities. The verdict is they died because their driver was drunk as he tried to speed away from chasing photographers. And Diana and al Fayed weren't wearing seat belts.

During the national outpouring of shock and grief that followed, conspiracy theories were as plentiful as tribute flowers. Mohamed al Fayed -- Dodi al Fayed's father -- insisted the couple were killed because the British establishment couldn't accept that Diana was going out with a foreigner, let alone a Muslim. But there was never any evidence to support that -- or any other allegation -- including this latest one.

Dai Davies, former head of royal protection with the Metropolitan Police Service said, "This should be kicked into the long grass like every other conspiratorial allegations. And I'm really saddened that yet again, two princes have to face yet another nonsensical allegation, and I'll bet anything I have that this is sheer nonsense."

There's been no comment from Princes William or Harry. In fact, Phillips reported, some people are suggesting that just the fact that Scotland Yard has commented on these allegations has given them a legitimacy they don't deserve.

Watch Mark Phillips' report above.