Billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed Laid to Rest Next to Son Dodi in London Funeral
London bid farewell to former Harrods owner and billionaire, Mohamed Al Fayed, who was laid to rest beside his late son, Dodi, after a funeral in the heart of the city. The Egyptian businessman, who passed away at the age of 94, received numerous tributes from around the world.
The passing of Mohamed Al Fayed occurred nearly 26 years after the tragic car crash in Paris that claimed the lives of his eldest son, Dodi, and Princess Diana on August 31, 1997.
After prayers held at Regent’s Park Mosque, Al Fayed’s funeral procession led to Barrow Green Court in Surrey, where his family estate spans 226 acres. He was interred at the family mausoleum next to his son Dodi, who was initially laid to rest in Brookwood Cemetery but later re-interred on the estate grounds in 1997.
Photos captured the poignant moment as a hearse carried Mohamed Al Fayed’s coffin through central London. Beyond his business achievements, Al Fayed was also the chairman of Fulham Football Club, a Premier League team. The club paid tribute to his legacy by placing a scarf on their stadium gates – a gesture reminiscent of Al Fayed’s iconic habit of twirling his scarf while walking the pitch.
In a statement from his family, it was confirmed that Mohamed Al Fayed had peacefully passed away of old age, surrounded by loved ones. The family requested privacy during this time of mourning.
Shahid Khan, who assumed ownership of Fulham FC in 2013, extended his condolences, acknowledging Al Fayed’s significant impact on the club. Lord Alan Sugar also paid tribute, fondly recalling interactions with the businessman.
Mohamed Al Fayed, depicted by Salim Daw in The Crown, often asserted that his son and Princess Diana were victims of a conspiracy by the British establishment. Born in Egypt, Al Fayed arrived in London in the 1960s and later gained control of Harrods in 1985, selling it to Qatar’s royal family in 2010. He also acquired the Ritz hotel in Paris in 1979.
His pursuit of British citizenship faced challenges, and he was denied a passport by then-Home Secretary Jack Straw. Despite legal efforts, Al Fayed’s bid for citizenship was unsuccessful. His life was not without moments of humor, as demonstrated by his appearance alongside comedian Sacha Baron Cohen on Da Ali G Show in 2000.
As per the 2021 Sunday Times Rich List, Mohamed Al-Fayed and his family possessed an estimated net worth of £1.7 billion. His impact extended beyond business, marking a chapter in Fulham’s history and leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of many.