Twenty-seven years after the tragic deaths of Dodi Al-Fayed and Princess Diana, the Al-Fayed family continues to navigate their legacy. Camilla Al-Fayed, Dodi’s sister, has transformed from a high-society ‘It-Girl’ into a successful restaurateur, launching the popular plant-based restaurant ‘Farmacy.’ She has also made strides in fashion, taking over the ‘Issa’ brand and forging connections within British high society, including friendships with the royal family. Reflecting on her brother’s death, she emphasizes the lasting pain it brought to their family.
Remembering Dodi Al-Fayed and Princess Diana
It has been 27 years since the untimely passing of Dodi Al-Fayed at the age of 42, alongside Princess Diana, who was just 36. This tragic event not only made headlines but also forever intertwined the Al-Fayed name with the British royal family’s history.
The shocking loss of Prince William’s and Prince Harry’s mother resonated across the globe, leaving many in mourning. The Al-Fayed family, too, faced the pain of losing a cherished relative. Camilla, Dodi’s younger sister, was only twelve when the incident occurred. In a 2020 interview with ‘The Times’, she recounted the fateful night that transformed her family’s life. But who is this remarkable woman who continues to foster connections with the royals?
Camilla Al-Fayed: From ‘It-Girl’ to Restaurateur
Today, Camilla Al-Fayed is a successful entrepreneur managing numerous restaurants in London and New York. Once recognized as an ‘It-Girl’ in her twenties, she frequented glamorous high-society events alongside celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and Mischa Barton. Whether at charity galas or fashion shows, Dodi Al-Fayed’s sister thrived in the limelight, often appearing with her father, Mohamed Al-Fayed, who lived until the age of 94.
However, Camilla has since evolved beyond that image. In 2016, she launched the plant-based restaurant ‘Farmacy’ in London’s trendy Notting Hill, which quickly gained popularity among A-listers like Madonna and Stella McCartney, turning the venue into a celebrity hotspot. By 2019, she expanded her culinary vision to SoHo in New York City.
Before stepping into the restaurant scene, Camilla Al-Fayed made her mark in the fashion industry. In 2011, she became the majority shareholder of the ‘Issa’ brand, aiming to elevate it into a global lifestyle label. In an interview with ‘Vogue’, she shared her aspirations, stating, “Our vision for Issa is to become a global lifestyle brand.”
Catherine, Princess of Wales, is known to be a devoted fan of ‘Issa’. Notably, Kate wore a striking blue wrap dress from the brand when she announced her engagement to Prince William, a moment that became iconic. The Princess has consistently celebrated the brand’s timeless elegance, creating a strong association between her name and the designer’s creations.
Camilla’s involvement in fashion has opened many doors, allowing her to mingle with royals like Princess Alexandra of Hanover and Tatiana Santo Domingo at exclusive fashion shows. She was also invited by Andrea Casiraghi’s wife to the summer gathering of her fashion line, ‘Muzungu Sisters’, in 2022.
Additionally, Camilla has fostered a notable friendship with the McCartney family. During Stella McCartney’s fashion show in Paris, she was seen sitting front row with Mary and James McCartney, reinforcing her connections within British high society and her ties to the royal family.
Reflecting on her half-brother’s passing, Camilla described it as ‘heartbreaking’ for their family. In her 2020 interview, she expressed the profound impact of Dodi’s death on her father, Mohamed, highlighting the universal pain of losing a child. “For my father, like for all parents who lose a child, it was terrible and, like for any family that experiences a loss, heartbreaking,” she shared, providing a glimpse into the family’s ongoing journey of healing.