Mohamed Al-Fayed's death: A look into his close relationship with Princess Diana

Mohamed Al-Fayed sadly passed away at the age of 94, the day before the 26th anniversary of his son and Princess Diana’s death in the fateful car crash in France in 1997. The Egyptian businessman used to own the famous department store Harrods and owned the Hôtel Ritz Paris. He also ventured into football by owning the Fulham Football Club.

Al-Fayed is also known for the close relationship he shared with the late Princess Diana. However, it may come as a surprise to know that the pair had been friends before Diana started dating his oldest son, Dodi. Let’s take a look at the bond the two shared.

Mohamed Al-Fayed and Princess Diana met while she was married

As reported by Express, Princess Diana and Mohamed Al-Fayed while the former was married to then-Prince Charles. Even though Diana often frequented Harrods in the 1980s, the two did not meet until 1986.

Charles and Diana met Mohamed and Dodi when Harrods sponsored a polo tournament. After their initial meeting, Mohamed and Diana kept in touch. In fact, Michael Cole, the former director of public affairs at Harrods told Vanity Fair in 1995:

Diana is so easy-going with Mohamed. Mohamed is not one of those who's overwhelmed by her. They spark off each other very well.

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Mohamed Al-Fayed was there for Diana after her divorce

Surprisingly, when Diana and Charles divorced in 1996, it was Mohamed who offered shelter for Diana and her two young children, Princes William and Harry.

Al-Fayed had offered for Diana, William and Harry to join him and his family on his yacht for the summer of 1997. According to Express, Mohamed had bought the yacht, which was 195ft, specifically for the occasion. Shortly after this holiday, Diana and Dodi became romantically involved, it was Diana's 'first serious romance' since the divorce.

Mohamed Al-Fayed after Diana and his son’s death

After Diana and Dodi’s deaths in 1997, Mohamed claimed the two were killed by security guards. Due to this allegation, Harrods was stripped of its four royal warrants, which gave the department store the right to declare that the company supplied goods by appointment to the Royal Family.

Mohamed also funded a bronze statue in honour of his son and Diana. The statue depicts the pair dancing and was seen in Harrods until 2018, when it was returned to Mohamed.

Sources used:

Express: ‘Mohamed Al-Fayed's surprisingly close relationship with Princess Diana as he dies aged 94’