King Charles in tears by Prince William’s surprising comment about future

In a poignant moment that reportedly brought King Charles to tears, Prince William delivered a surprising comment about the future during a recent family gathering. The Duke of Cambridge’s heartfelt words not only illuminated the profound bond between father and son but also offered a glimpse into their relationship and the monarchy’s future trajectory.

As reported by the Daily Express, this emotional revelation unfolded during a private family event, where Prince William expressed his unwavering commitment to continuing his father’s legacy and ensuring a seamless transition when King Charles ascends the throne. Sources close to the royal family revealed that Prince William’s unexpected remark deeply resonated with King Charles, eliciting a strong emotional response.

According to insiders, Prince William’s words underscored the significance of continuity within the monarchy and his determination to uphold the values and principles instilled by his father. The heartfelt exchange emphasized Prince William’s reverence for the institution of the monarchy and his steadfast dedication to serving the crown with integrity and purpose.

What makes Prince William’s gesture particularly poignant is its acknowledgment of the weighty responsibilities that await him as the future king. By openly expressing his commitment to supporting King Charles and preserving the monarchy’s stability, Prince William demonstrated his readiness to assume leadership roles within the royal family.

This tender moment between father and son not only highlights the strong bond they share but also suggests a relationship characterized by closeness and mutual support that transcends their roles as royals. As the heir apparent, Prince William’s reassurance and loyalty are pivotal in ensuring a smooth transition of power and maintaining the monarchy’s continuity.

The reported reaction of King Charles, who was moved to tears by Prince William’s heartfelt comment, speaks volumes about the emotional significance of their exchange. It reflects the depth of King Charles’ paternal pride and the profound impact of Prince William’s words on their relationship and the future of the monarchy.

This touching interaction between King Charles and Prince William offers a rare glimpse into the personal dynamics within the royal family and the emotional complexities inherent in their roles as public figures. It underscores the importance of familial support and unity in navigating the challenges and responsibilities associated with royal duties.

As King Charles prepares to assume the throne, Prince William’s steadfast commitment and unwavering support serve as a source of strength and reassurance. Their shared vision for the future of the monarchy reaffirms the royal family’s dedication to serving the British people with dignity, compassion, and integrity.

Prince William’s surprise comment about the future during a recent family gathering moved King Charles to tears, underscoring the deep bond between father and son and their shared commitment to the monarchy’s continuity. This emotional exchange not only sheds light on the personal dynamics within the royal family but also emphasizes the importance of familial support and unity in fulfilling their roles as public servants.

Express.co.uk readers were asked about their thoughts on a statement made by the Sussexes urging people to vote in the upcoming US election.

Harry and Meghan did cross the line when it came to their political statement according to readers. (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did cross the line when urging people to vote in the US election in a recent statement, according to a new poll.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex issued a rare statement on the upcoming US election, telling people to exercise their right to vote. The couple published the statement via their Archewell Foundation, but did not publicly endorse either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris.

The statement read: “Voting is not just a right; it’s a fundamental way to influence the fate of our communities. At The Archewell Foundation, we recognize that civic engagement, no matter one’s political party, is at the heart of a more just and equitable world.

“By participating in initiatives like this, we aim to amplify the message that every voice matters. Together, let’s make sure every eligible voter is informed and empowered to participate in shaping America’s future.”

Express.co.uk asked readers if they thought that the pair had overstepped the mark by issuing the plea – and the results overwhelmingly were that they did.

It was a rare statement for royals to issue. (Image: Getty)

The question asked was ‘Have Prince Harry and Meghan Markle crossed a line in American politics?’ There was a conclusive vote for ‘Yes’ with 2,960 readers thinking that they did. Only 193 thought ‘No’ they did not and 55 readers clicked ‘Don’t know’ on the online poll.

The Sussexes have received backlash for their statement, with some critics calling on them to stay out of politics. Some social media users have criticised the statement, telling the pair to stay out of US politics.

 

X user MissDivakitty09 said: “Harry & Meghan have no business being involved with American politics.”

ButtersRog65689 wrote: “Go away Harry and Meghan. And stay out if [sic] us politics.”

 

The Sussexes were also slammed by Republicans with Greg Swenso – a London-based financier and Chairman of Republicans Overseas UK – telling MailOnline: “They can’t help themselves. By encouraging people to vote they are essentially ballot harvesting for Kamala.

“You don’t have to say it. Like the man sitting in his car, alone, with a Covid mask on – you don’t need a bumper sticker, we know who you voted for”.

However, the couple are reportedly remaining publicly neutral when it comes to the November 2024 US election, according to reports in the Telegraph. Neither Harry or Meghan are set to endorse a candidate.

In 2020, Meghan praised Kamala Harris, saying how “excited” she was to see a woman of colour becoming Vice President.

As working members of the Royal Family, the couple were required to stay politically neutral – but since they stepped down in 2020, they are no longer bound by that rule.

The 9th Earl Spencer makes a rare comment on his nephews’ ongoing rift.

Charles Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother, made a rare comment regarding his nephews, Prince William and Prince Harry’s ongoing rift during his latest appearance.

The 9th Earl Spencer opened the gates of the late Princess of Wales’s childhood home, Althorp House, on Friday to welcome members of Rock Choir – the world’s largest contemporary choir.

The choir recorded a new single due to be released in October with the aim to raise funds for the Diana Award to honour the launch of the charity 25 years ago.

Diana’s brother attended the rehearsals and spoke about how proud he is of his sister’s “lasting influence on young people, even years after her death”.

He also commented on William and Harry’s ongoing rift saying that their support for the charity and their mother’s legacy “is all that really matters in this situation”.

Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, commented on Prince William and Prince Harry’s rift (Image: Getty)

The Prince of Wales and Duke of Sussex both attended the last Diana Award in March, however, Harry appeared via video link with William departing the ceremony before his appearance.

Earl Spencer told ITV: “They both recognise this is something of their mother’s and they both support that and that’s all that really matters in this situation.”

Prince Harry will be in New York next week for the charity’s 25th anniversary, just before he heads to London for the WellChild awards on September 30.

The Duke will join young people at the Concordia Annual Summit in New York to drive a global movement of young activists, from across the world for The Diana Award’s ‘Decade of Youth Wellbeing’.

The two feuding brothers do not make joint appearances anymore (Image: Getty)

The panel discussion with Harry and Dr Tessy Ojo, CBE, CEO of The Diana Award, will be led by insights from young people Chiara Riyanti Hutapea Zhang from Indonesia and Christina Williams from Jamaica who received The Legacy Award.

Spencer’s comments come after Harry’s recent trip back to the UK earlier this month to attend a memorial service for his late uncle, Lord Fellowes in Norfolk.

Harry reportedly stayed at Althorp House for his visit.

Lord Robert Fellowes was married to Jane Fellowes, one of Princess Diana’s sisters.

Prince Harry is set to visit the UK again but should Meghan join him? Vote now.

Should Meghan Markle join Prince Harry as he flies to London? (Image: GETTY)

Prince Harry’s visits to the UK are few and far between, but he will be flying to London at the end of September.

The Duke of Sussex is slated to attend the WellChild Awards in London on September 30, his first trip to the UK in four months.

Speculation has been rife as to whether Harry will meet with his family while he is in the country, especially following his 40th birthday last weekend.

Both King Charles and Prince William issued messages to Harry to commemorate the day, potentially offering an olive branch before his visit.

In his more recent trips to the UK, Harry has been alone with Meghan opting to stay behind in the US with their children, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3.

Should Meghan join Harry as he flies to London? Vote in the poll and have your say in the comments below. If you can’t see the poll, click here.

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According to a source Harry will be “highly unlikely” to meet with his father when he arrives in the UK next week.

The could be due to the King’s long-standing plans to mark the 25th anniversary of Scottish Parliament on September 28.

Harry and Charles have not seen one another since February, when it was announced the King had cancer.

However, the pair reportedly spoke on Harry’s birthday, with sources revealing Charles called his son to wish him well.

Meghan has not returned to the UK since September 2022, when she and Harry attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

And she is not expected to accompany her husband on his visit this month according to royal experts.

The Duchess of Sussex did not attend the 2023 WellChild awards, opting to stay in Montecito, California with their two children.

But should Meghan join Harry as he flies to London? Scroll up to vote in our poll and have your say in the comments below.

Adelaide Cottage may lack space compared to Kensington Palace and the 10-bedroom Anmer Hall home the Wales family spends time at in Norfolk, but it offers in turn ample green space for the nature-loving Wales family to enjoy.

Prince William and Princess Kate have a number of royal homes that have all had costly renovations (Image: Getty)

Adelaide Cottage is the Grade-II listed residence in Windsor that the Prince and Princess of Wales moved to during the summer of 2022.

Far from the grandeur of the 20-room, four-storey Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace that Kate and William called their home for several years prior to moving to Berkshire, Adelaide Cottage is nestled in the heart of the 655-acre Windsor estate.

The property has four bedrooms, just enough for Princess Kate, Prince William and their three children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6 – but not to provide live-in accommodation for Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, the family’s beloved nanny.

Adelaide Cottage may lack space compared to Kensington Palace and the 10-bedroom Anmer Hall home the Wales family spends time at in Norfolk, but it offers in turn ample green space for the nature-loving Wales family to enjoy.

While not many details are known about the residence, a historic painting of Adelaide Cottage’s garden shows an outdoor fountain and circular flowerbeds

Being within the Windsor estate, this home offers incomparable privacy to the family and allows George, Charlotte and Louis to play outside unbothered by the public eye.

This cottage was created by architect Jeffry Wyatville in 1831 and has counted, among its previous residents, Princess Margaret’s lover Peter Townsend.

Some of its still existing decorations are reportedly a nod to the 19th century – including golden dolphins and ceiling rope decorations in the primary bedroom and a marble fireplace in the living room.

One of the reasons why Princess Kate and Prince William are believed to have chosen to relocate to this home is its proximity to both the Princess of Wales’ family and Windsor Castle.

Princess Kate made a return to royal duties this year after pulling through her cancer treatment (Image: Getty)

Adelaide Cottage is also close to the Berkshire home shared by Kate’s sister Pippa and her husband James Matthews. The Princess of Wales’ parents are just a 45-minute drive away, as they live in Bucklebury.

There is also a dilapidated annexe building on the grounds which, if converted, could provide extra space for staff and guests.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are said to have had discussions with the Crown Estate about renovating the property.

Earlier this month, six months after revealing that she was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, Princess Kate shared the welcome news that she had finished chemotherapy.

EXCLUSIVE: Prince Harry has chosen to avoid staying at a royal residence on his upcoming visit to the UK and a meeting with his father King Charles is “highly unlikely”.

Prince Harry and King Charles were once extremely close (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry will be staying within a stone’s throw of Buckingham Palace during his upcoming trip to the United Kingdom but is unlikely to meet with his father, King Charles.

According to a well-placed source, the Duke of Sussex, 40, will be within a very short distance of his family’s main residence when he arrives in the capital for the WellChild Awards on September 30.

The news comes as Prince Harry took to the stage at a Kevin Costner charity event on Friday evening to honour fellow helicopter pilot Loren Courtney with an award.

At the Santa Barbara One805Live! fundraiser for first responders, Harry appeared solo as “sick” Meghan Markle was forced to miss the event after making an appearance last year.

The Duke of Sussex is also set to head to New York alone this week for a number of engagements, including an appearance at a Diana Award event to honour his late mother, before he heads to London for his scheduled engagement.

The Sunday Express is aware of where Prince Harry will be staying during his upcoming visit to London but has agreed to withhold the information for security reasons.

The source adds that although the prince has chosen to avoid staying at a royal residence, a meeting with his father King Charles, 75, has not been ruled out but is “highly unlikely”.

“The King is due to head south in late September,” said the source. “The King and Queen will mark the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament on September 28 and will have several free days afterwards.”

“There are currently discussions ongoing about finding a mutually agreeable place in the diary.”

However, the source adds that a father and son reunion is looking extremely doubtful due to the speed in which both will be in and out of the capital.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s visit to Colombia was deemed a success (Image: Getty)

“If the King decides to head to London in the evening of Sunday 29 for meetings pencilled inearly that week, it is still looking highly unlikely that there will be time to meet with his son,” said the source. “It still hasn’t been decided if His Majesty will head to Highgrove or London on the tail end of Scotland or how his plans will pan out during that week.

“Harry is also making a flying visit and his travel plans have already been booked and organised.

“There still could be something worked out as nothing is set in stone but it doesn’t look promising.”

The last time King Charles and Prince Harry saw each other was in February when it was announced that the monarch had cancer and the prince flew from the US to see his father for just 45 minutes.

When the Duke returned in May, the King was too busy to meet, although His Majesty did offer his son accommodation in one of the royal properties, contrary to reports. Harry chose to stay in a hotel instead.

It has been made clear by sources close to the Sussexes on a number of occasions that the prince is keen to reconcile with his father.

The Princess Royal is alleged to have told her sister-in-law that her title is Queen Consort and not Queen, according to Princess Diana’s dressmaker, David Emanuel.

He claimed that the topic of Camilla’s new title is “highly charged” and that “a lot of people” are “unhappy” that she will be referred to as Queen rather than Queen Consort.

The King’s wife was reportedly confronted by Anne as the designer said the “whole situation” is “very difficult” amid claims that not everyone accepts Camilla’s new title.

Speaking to Dan Wootton on GB News, Mr Emanuel, who designed Princess Diana’s wedding dress in 1981, said: “I heard that there was a Coronation dinner with which obviously the King and Camila were there, and apparently the Princess Royal said, ‘You’re not Queen, you’re the Queen’s consort’.”

He added: “I understood from Her Majesty the Queen, she said she should be Queen Consort. Now suddenly she’s now going to be Queen.

“And it’s very difficult because a lot of people have told me they were unhappy about it.”

During the Coronation, Princess Anne will feature in the procession as the prestigious “Gold-Stick-in-Waiting”, a position historically handed to a person entrusted with the personal safety of the sovereign.

As a “personal aide-de-camp” to His Majesty, Anne will travel on horseback behind the new King and Queen after they are crowned at Westminster Abbey on May 6.

As Charles and Camilla ride in the Gold State Coach back to Buckingham Palace, Anne will lead the larger procession featuring 6,000 armed services personnel.

The privilege dates back to the 15th century in Tudor times, when two officers – a Gold Stick and a Silver Stick, were placed close to the sovereign to protect him or her from danger.

One of the guests at the Coronation is Camilla’s former husband Andrew Parker Bowles, who was married to her for 22 years from 1973 to 1995.

Friends of the 83-year-old said he is “a bit of a rogue” and “very naughty with women”, according to a source who spoke to The Times.

YOU’RE A FAILURE TO THE ROYAL FAMILY! Zara Tindall Destroyed Meghan On Mike Talk Show

If drama were currency, the British Royal Family would be rolling in riches. In the latest episode of this real-life soap opera, Zara Tindall—Princess Anne’s sporty horse-riding daughter and Queen Elizabeth II’s eldest granddaughter—has thrown her gauntleted hat into the ring.

But this isn’t about equestrian excellence; Zara has been candid and rather spicy in her commentary on the ongoing Royal Family feud, especially when it comes to Meghan Markle.

From subtle shade to outright criticism, her statements have set tongues wagging and created ripples in the usually stiff-upper-lip world of royalty.

yOU’RE A FAILURE TO THE ROYAL FAMILY! Zara Tindall Destroyed Meghan On Mike Talk Show

If drama were currency, the British Royal Family would be rolling in riches. In the latest episode of this real-life soap opera, Zara Tindall—Princess Anne’s sporty horse-riding daughter and Queen Elizabeth II’s eldest granddaughter—has thrown her gauntleted hat into the ring.

But this isn’t about equestrian excellence; Zara has been candid and rather spicy in her commentary on the ongoing Royal Family feud, especially when it comes to Meghan Markle.

From subtle shade to outright criticism, her statements have set tongues wagging and created ripples in the usually stiff-upper-lip world of royalty.

In the latest episode of the ongoing royal drama, Zara Tindall, known for her sporty prowess and royal lineage as Queen Elizabeth II’s eldest granddaughter, has boldly stepped into the spotlight with her unfiltered commentary on the tumultuous dynamics within the Windsor family.

Her remarks, laden with subtle jabs and outright criticisms, particularly aimed at Meghan Markle, have ignited a frenzy of speculation and debate in the typically reserved world of royalty.

Zara, often maintaining a low profile compared to her more media-friendly cousins, Prince William and Prince Harry, has recently made headlines for her outspokenness.

Her candid observations have not minced words when addressing the royal family’s inner turmoil, notably exacerbated by Meghan Markle’s entry into the fold.

Critics and supporters alike have polarized opinions on Zara’s outspoken stance. Some applaud her for daring to voice what many perceive as lingering tensions and frustrations within the royal ranks. They see her as a refreshing voice of honesty in a milieu often cloaked in discretion.

Others, however, argue that her comments add unnecessary fuel to already contentious issues, suggesting diplomacy might serve better in maintaining family unity.

The repercussions of Zara’s words ripple through both the public and within royal corridors.

They have sparked intense scrutiny and raised questions about the future dynamics of the royal family. Will her outspokenness lead to a much-needed airing of grievances and foster understanding? Or will it deepen existing divides, casting shadows over familial bonds?

As the saga unfolds, one thing is certain: Zara Tindall’s voice has carved out a significant role in the ongoing narrative of royal controversy.

Whether seen as a provocateur or a truth-teller, her contributions promise to resonate through the corridors of royal intrigue for some time to come.

Others, however, argue that her comments add unnecessary fuel to already contentious issues, suggesting diplomacy might serve better in maintaining family unity.

The repercussions of Zara’s words ripple through both the public and within royal corridors.

They have sparked intense scrutiny and raised questions about the future dynamics of the royal family. Will her outspokenness lead to a much-needed airing of grievances and foster understanding? Or will it deepen existing divides, casting shadows over familial bonds?

As the saga unfolds, one thing is certain: Zara Tindall’s voice has carved out a significant role in the ongoing narrative of royal controversy.

Whether seen as a provocateur or a truth-teller, her contributions promise to resonate through the corridors of royal intrigue for some time to come.

The moment may have been a partial nod to Ice Spice’s song ‘Princess Diana,’ which features the Queen of Rap

Nicki Minaj; Princess Diana. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty; Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

The Queen of Rap is paying tribute to Princess Diana.

During her Sunday, May 26 Pink Friday 2 Tour stop in Birmingham, United Kingdom, Nicki Minaj, 41, led a seemingly impromptu moment of silence for the late Princess of Wales, who died in 1997.

In between songs, Minaj interacted with fans at Resorts World Arena, giving them her microphone to learn where they are from, a fan-captured clip of the concert shows.

After a fan told her they were from Wales, the rapper repeated, “Wales,” and switched over to a British accent.

“It always reminds me of a dear friend of mine,” she continued, still speaking in the accent. “Well, she’s not here anymore, but the Princess of Wales.”

Nicki Minaj Brings Out ‘Icon’ Cyndi Lauper as Surprise Guest at Brooklyn Concert to Duet ‘Pink Friday Girls’

Nicki Minaj performing in California in March 2024.Kevin Mazur/WireImage

As the crowd roared in response to the name-drop, the “Superbass” rapper put her hands together — and her head down — and asked fans to hold “a moment of silence for her.”

Following a few-second-long pause, the rapper then resumed her show, with the Barbz in the audience also returning to business as usual.

Though Minaj and Diana are certainly not “dear friends” — the pair never met prior to the princess’s death, at which time Minaj was just 14 years old — the rapper is certainly an admirer.

She was featured on Ice Spice’s popular song named after the late royal, “Princess Diana.” In the track, both artists rap, “When we come out, it look like Princess Diana on the street.”

Elsewhere in the song, Ice Spice references the royal again, rapping, “Callin’ my phone, but they know I don’t answer / In the hood, I’m like Princess Diana,” and Minaj’s verse also includes several references to both London and a “princess.”

Nicki Minaj Throws Item Back into Crowd After Nearly Getting Hit by Object Onstage

‘Princess Diana’ collaborators Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj.Courtesy of Atlantic Records

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The May 26 show came a day after Minaj was arrested in the Netherlands (an interaction she recorded and shared on social media) on May 25 for allegedly “carrying drugs” while she was on her way to Manchester, England for a concert.

Later that same day, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee fined and released the rapper, the law enforcement officials confirmed in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).

“We have just released a 41-year-old American woman who we arrested this afternoon at Schiphol on suspicion of exporting soft drugs,” the statement (translated from Dutch) read. “After consultation with the Public Prosecution Service, the suspect was fined and can continue her journey.”

Nicki Minaj Apologizes to Fans for Postponing Amsterdam Concert After Her Arrest

“I love you, and I’m so sorry this happened tonight,” Minaj said in a video shared by a fan account on social media.

Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al-Fayed invited the Princess of Wales on his yacht the summer of 1997

Princess Diana and Mohammed Al Fayed attending a charity dinner for the Harefield Heart Unit held at Harrods London in February 1996. Photo: Jayne Fincher/Getty

Mohamed Al-Fayed was a wealthy Egyptian businessman who once owned the upscale London department store Harrods and the famed Ritz in Paris. He was also the father of Dodi Al-Fayed, the man Princess Diana was dating at the time of their deaths in 1997.

Al-Fayed wasn’t always an easily digestible person for some. His origin story was shrouded in confusion and misleading details, and the man himself offered different and contradictory versions of his childhood. He and author Samira Khashoggi married in 1954 and welcomed one child, a son they named Dodi. After their divorce, Al-Fayed assumed full custody of their son.

His business exploits were well documented, particularly the purchase of the Ritz in 1979 and House of Fraser, which included Harrods, in 1985. Al-Fayed made the purchases alongside his brothers, Ali and Salah.

The moment the billionaire met the royal family has not been made clear, but by the late ’80s, Al-Fayed had introduced himself to Princess Diana. He would maintain a friendship with the Princess of Wales through 1997 and invited Diana and her sons to spend part of her summer aboard his yacht that year — where the princess reconnected with Dodi after meeting him at a polo match in 1986.

Diana’s relationship with Dodi and friendship with Al-Fayed is a subject of The Crown‘s later seasons, the hit Netflix show that premiered in 2016. Salim Daw joined the cast in season 5 as Al-Fayed, acting alongside Elizabeth Debicki (Princess Diana) and Khalid Abdalla (Dodi). Season 6, which premieres on Nov. 16, depicts the final months of Diana’s life and the aftermath of the fatal car crash that killed both her and Dodi.

After Al-Fayed’s death in 2023, many said that they believed the billionaire never recovered from the loss of his son.

Here is a look at the life of Mohamed Al-Fayed, the father of Dodi Al-Fayed and friend of Princess Diana.

He gave different stories about his childhood

Mohamed Al Fayed arrives at the High Court on February 20, 2008 in London.Peter Macdiarmid/Getty

Throughout his life, Al-Fayed gave several varying stories about his childhood and how he grew up. In 1985, The New York Times reported that he hailed from a long line of wealthy Egyptian cotton growers, though that claim was later disproven by British investigators.

According to his 2023 obituary in The New York Times, Al-Fayed was born in 1929. His father, Aly Aly Fayed, was a schoolteacher in Egypt, and he had four siblings.

He married Samira Khashoggi in 1954

Al-Fayed and Samira Khashoggi married in 1954 and welcomed one child together, a son named Emad El-Din Mohamed Abdel Mena’em Fayed. To the world, he would be known as Dodi.

Al-Fayed and Khashoggi were only married for two years. She went on to found Al-Shakirah Magazine and also published several books under a pseudonym.

The businessman received custody of Dodi after the pair’s divorce, though Khashoggi was a regular fixture in Dodi’s life. A friend of Dodi’s told The Mirror in 1997, “He was absolutely devoted to Samira and there was hardly a day he didn’t talk to her from wherever he was. They’d talk for up to an hour and no matter how beautiful the girl might be he was with at the time, he’d drop her in a second if his mother called.”

He moved to England in the 1970s and bought the Ritz in Paris

Mohamed Al Fayed in 1989 in London, England.Georges De Keerle/Getty

Al-Fayed moved to England in the 1970s and soon began moving in elite social circles. In 1979, he and his brothers bought the Ritz in Paris for $20 million. He later told Vanity Fair that he kept the Ritz family close to his heart and mind after the purchase.

“When I bought the Ritz, I had in mind to refurbish the hotel in César Ritz’s image — to do things here that would excite me and at the same time make Monsieur Ritz proud of his place if he were to see it today,” he told the magazine. “It took us years, but I’m sure we brought a smile to Monsieur Ritz’s face. It was a joyful experience.”

That renovation didn’t come cheaply. Al-Fayed spent another $50 million on remodeling the hotel to its original state. From 2012 to 2016, he closed the hotel for another round of extensive renovations, per The New York Times.

He bought the parent company of Harrods in 1985

Mohamed Al Fayed opening Harrods sale.Jeff Overs/BBC News & Current Affairs/Getty

The Ritz wasn’t Al-Fayed’s only sizable purchase. On March 12, 1985, The Guardian reported that the Al Fayed Investment and Trust company bought the House of Fraser, which, among other investments, owned Harrods. The Al-Fayed family had previously controlled 29.9% of the House of Fraser, and the purchase bumped their ownership up to 51% shares.

Al-Fayed purchased the House of Fraser alongside his brothers, Ali and Salah, and Fraser’s directors celebrated their efforts. Chairman Professor Roland Smith said at the time, “We are pleased that the Al Fayed family have secured their majority shareholding in the House of Fraser and look forward to working with them.”

The House of Fraser’s businesses included the Army and Navy, Rackhams, Binns, Dingles and Dickins and Jones stores.

He invited Princess Diana on his yacht in 1997

Princess Diana, Prince Charles, and Mohamed Al-Fayed during the Harrods Polo Cup at Smith’s Lawn in Windsor, UK, July 1987.Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty

It’s not known exactly how Al-Fayed and Princess Diana met, but the businessman and the royal both attended a 1986 polo match that King Charles played in. Al-Fayed’s son Dodi also played in the match. The moment was depicted in season 5 of the Netflix series The Crown.

In the show, Al-Fayed sponsored the match in hopes of meeting Queen Elizabeth. Instead, the monarch pawned him off on Diana, whom he struck up a friendship with.

In the summer of 1997, Al-Fayed invited Diana and her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry — who were 15 at 12 at the time — to his yacht in St. Tropez. It’s presumed that Diana and Dodi reconnected on that trip, despite the younger Al-Fayed’s engagement to someone else.

He didn’t believe the car crash that killed his son and Diana was an accident

Following the August 1997 car crash that killed Princess Diana, Dodi, and the pair’s driver, Henri Paul, Al-Fayed blamed the British royal family for their deaths. He accused Diana’s former father-in-law Prince Philip of ordering British security services to assassinate the Princess of Wales to stop her marrying Dodi, a Muslim.

In August 2000, lawyers for Al-Fayed announced the businessman’s plans to sue U.S. government agencies that he believed had unreleased information about the fatal crash. ABC reported that in his statement, Al-Fayed said, “I believe they are withholding some of the documents at the request of the British secret services. They cannot afford to let the truth be known because they know exactly where the truth lies.”

However, Al-Fayed abandoned his legal battle after a 2008 British inquest into the deaths of Diana and Dodi. The inquest ruled that the late princess and the film producer were unlawfully killed by the grossly negligent driving of their chauffeur while being pursued through a Paris road tunnel by photographers.

“I’m leaving the rest for God to get my revenge, but I’m not doing anything any more,” he said, according to Reuters. “I’m a father who lost his son and I have done everything for 10 years. But now with the verdict, I am accepting it but with all the reservations which I have mentioned.

He never became a British citizen

Queen Elizabeth and Mohammed Al Fayed at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.Tim Graham Photo Library/Getty

Despite his several business ventures and decades of residency in the U.K., Al-Fayed was repeatedly denied British citizenship. After his application was denied for a second time in 1999, The Guardian wrote that he told reporters, “I’m here to stay. It’s okay, it’s no problem, I’m not desperate, I’m not leaving the country, I’m here forever — I’m staying.”

The outlet also reported that Al-Fayed’s requests for citizenship were denied because of his involvement in a number of controversies. Jack Straw, the home secretary at the time, did not reveal the reasons why Al-Fayed’s citizenship was denied, but it’s believed that Al-Fayed’s insistence that the deaths of his son Dodi and Princess Diana were part of a conspiracy was a factor.

He died in 2023

Mohamed Al-Fayed attends the Royal Film Performance of “Spectre” at Royal Albert Hall on October 26, 2015 in London, England.Mike Marsland/WireImage

Al-Fayed died on Aug. 30, 2023, at the age of 94. The news was confirmed by his family, who released a statement that read, “Mrs. Mohamed Al Fayed, her children, and grandchildren wish to confirm that her beloved husband, their father, and their grandfather, Mohamed, has passed away peacefully of old age on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. He enjoyed a long and fulfilled retirement surrounded by his loved ones.”

He was survived by his wife Heini Wathén, whom he married in 1985. The pair had four children: Jasmine, Camilla, Karim and Omar.