Princess Diana was being pursued by paparazzi when she died
The coroner in the Diana, Princess of Wales, inquest has said that a decision has been taken in France not to force paparazzi to give evidence.
Lord Justice Scott Baker said the apparent change in the French position had happened in the past week.
It had previously been expected that French laws would be used to compel witnesses in that country to attend a video link with the court in London.
The coroner said the decision had been taken at a "very high level".
Lord Justice Scott Baker also said the French authorities had expressed concerns over the aggressive nature of British cross-examination.
It has also emerged that French legal authorities were citing fears for "public order" should the British court continue insisting on the paparazzi facing cross-examination by video link, rather than having their previous statements read out.
The situation came to light during a legal argument over how the inquest is to proceed in the light of paparazzi refusing to give evidence.
The court also heard that while some paparazzi could not be traced, at least six whose whereabouts were known had not been issued with summonses.
This was despite earlier assurances to lawyers that this had taken place some time ago.
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