Hey there, history buffs and royal watchers! If you’ve been glued to the final two seasons of Netflix’s The Crown, you’ve probably seen Princess Diana’s whirlwind romance with Dodi Fayed unfold on screen. It’s a love story that captured the world's attention, even after their tragic passing more than 25 years ago. But how much of what we see on TV is real, and how much is Hollywood flair? Let’s dive in and separate fact from fiction.
Who Was Dodi Fayed?
Let’s rewind to the early days of Dodi Fayed. Born Emad El-Din Mohamed Abdel Moneim Fayed in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1955, Dodi was the eldest son of the influential businessman Mohamed Al-Fayed and his first wife, Samira Khashoggi. Growing up in a wealthy family, Dodi wasn’t just another rich kid—he had a life filled with privilege, culture, and connections. His dad, Mohamed, owned iconic establishments like Harrods department store in London and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Paris. These connections placed Dodi firmly in the world of high society.
But it wasn’t just about money. Mohamed’s decision to lease Villa Windsor, once the home of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, tied the Fayed family to British royalty in a unique way. Even more fascinating, he hired Sydney Johnson, a former valet to Queen Elizabeth II’s uncle Edward VIII, adding another layer of royal connection to their story.
Read also:Sunny Hostin Opens Up About Personal Loss During Heartfelt The View Segment On Heart Health
What Was Dodi Fayed’s Job?
Now, let’s talk about Dodi’s career. He wasn’t just a playboy; he was a man with a vision. Dodi attended prestigious schools, including the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Collège Saint Marc in Egypt, before heading to the Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland. After finishing his studies, Dodi didn’t waste any time. He served as an attaché at the United Arab Emirates Embassy in London, gaining valuable experience in diplomacy and international relations.
But Dodi’s true passion lay in the world of entertainment. In the '80s, he stepped into the film industry as an executive producer through his family’s production company, Allied Stars. He earned production credits on blockbuster films like Breaking Glass, Hook, and The Scarlet Letter. His work in the film industry gave him a platform to express his creativity and make a name for himself beyond the family fortune.
Who Was Dodi Fayed Married To?
When it comes to Dodi’s personal life, things weren’t always smooth sailing. In 1986, he married Suzanne Gregard, but the marriage didn’t last long—just under a year. A decade later, Dodi began dating actress Kelly Fisher. However, their relationship fizzled out in 1997, just before he met Princess Diana. Over the years, Kelly claimed that she and Dodi were engaged before his romance with Diana took off, adding a dramatic twist to his love life.
How Did Princess Diana Meet Dodi Fayed?
Season 5 of The Crown paints a vivid picture of Diana and Dodi’s first encounter at a polo match back in 1986. At that point, Diana was still married to Prince Charles, then the Prince of Wales. But life had other plans. In December 1992, Prime Minister John Major announced the royal couple’s separation. By late 1995, Diana was dating heart and lung surgeon Hasnat Khan. However, in August 1996, Diana and Charles’ divorce was finalized, paving the way for new beginnings.
In July 1997, Diana and her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, were invited to visit the Fayed family’s luxurious villa in St-Tropez, France. It was during this trip that Diana’s relationship with Hasnat came to an end. Harry later wrote in his memoir, Spare, “Everything about that trip to St-Tropez was heaven. We’d been with Mummy weeks earlier when she first met him, in St-Tropez. We were having a grand time, just the three of us, staying at some old gent’s villa.”
It wasn’t long after this trip that Diana and Dodi officially began dating. Their romance hit the headlines when the first photos of them kissing were published in The Sunday Mirror on August 10, 1997. That same month, they enjoyed a cruise through the Mediterranean, followed by a trip to Paris where they stayed at the Ritz.
Read also:Hoda Kotbs New Journey Begins Her First Big Project Posttoday Show
What Happened to Dodi Fayed?
Tragedy struck on August 31, 1997. Diana and Dodi left the Ritz in a black Mercedes, heading toward Dodi’s Paris apartment. Unfortunately, the car was chased by relentless paparazzi. Tragically, driver Henri Paul lost control, crashing into a support column in Pont de l’Alma. The car flipped, and both Dodi and Paul were killed instantly. Dodi was only 42 years old.
Diana was rushed to Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital but was pronounced dead later that night at the age of 36. After their respective burials, Mohamed unveiled memorials dedicated to Diana and Dodi at Harrods, a lasting tribute to their lives. Mohamed himself passed away in August 2023 at the age of 94 and was laid to rest beside his son at the Fayed family estate in Surrey.
