Diana tragedy figure Mohamed Al Fayed passes away

Source: Sky News

Mohamed Al Fayed has died at the age of 94.

His family say he "passed away peacefully of old age" on Wednesday.

Sky News understands Al Fayed was buried after Friday prayers at London Central Mosque in Regent's Park.

The Egyptian-born businessman was best known as a former owner of the Harrods department store and Fulham football club in London.

Al Fayed's son, the film producer Dodi Fayed, and Princess Diana died on 31 August 1997 when their car crashed in a road tunnel in Paris as they tried to outrun paparazzi photographers on motorbikes.

The news of Al Fayed's passing comes just one day after the 26th anniversary of his son's death.

He fought a long campaign after their deaths, alleging the crash was not an accident and that it had been orchestrated by the British security services.

However, French police concluded it was an accident, caused in part by speeding and by the high alcohol level in driver Henri Paul's blood. A British police investigation concurred.

His family said in a statement: "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 30 August, 2023.

"He enjoyed a long and fulfilled retirement surrounded by his loved ones. The family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this time."