The fifth and sixth seasons of The Crown delve into the relationship between Princess Diana and film producer Dodi Fayed. While the focus remains on Princess Di, the series also explores Dodi's background and his father, Mohamed Al-Fayed. In season 5, episode 3, titled "Mou Mou," Mohamed is introduced as a young man in Egypt, starstruck by the British royal family. As an adult, Mohamed becomes a wealthy businessman who desires to be part of the British elite. He buys the Ritz, attends royal events, and even renovates the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's country villa. In season 6, part 1, his desperation to forge a marriage between Dodi and Diana becomes evident.
The real-life Mohamed Al-Fayed was born in Alexandria, Egypt and later moved to the UK in the 1970s. He became a billionaire through various business ventures, including buying the Ritz Paris hotel and the famous department store Harrods. He also funded the film Chariots of Fire and purchased the Fulham Football Club. Al-Fayed renovated the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's French villa and developed a close relationship with Diana, even inviting her and her children on vacation. However, his efforts to become part of the British elite were repeatedly rejected, as his applications for British citizenship were denied.
After Dodi's tragic death, Al-Fayed organized a private burial for him. He fed into conspiracy theories surrounding the accident, including claims that the Royal Family orchestrated it. Despite an inquest ruling that the paparazzi and driver were responsible, Al-Fayed continued to believe it was murder. He later built a memorial for Diana and Dodi in Harrods.
Mohamed Al-Fayed passed away at the age of 94 in August 2023. He was buried alongside his son in a mausoleum.
