The Egyptian billionaire who owned Harrods and became infamous for controversial conspiracy theories around Princess Diana’s death and his son Dodi, Mohamed al-Fayed, died on Friday, family members said. Al-Fayed got into business selling fizzy drinks and sewing machines. He made a fortune from real estate, shipping, and construction, first in the Middle East and then in Europe. Though he owned prestigious properties such as Harrods and the Ritz hotel in Paris, he always remained an outsider among Britain’s elite.

The contentious ownership of Harrods initiated a bitter business feud over Harrods. In 1994, he introduced himself to controversy when he revealed that he had paid politicians to ask questions on his behalf during parliamentary sessions.

The conjuring years of legal wrangles involving al-Fayed’s allegation of a conspiracy involving the British royal family and others, including the harrowing deaths of his son Dodi and Princess Diana in a Paris car crash, An inquest into Diana’s death held that her death was due to the chauffeur's driving.

Al Fayad remained on the fringes of British society despite all attempts to gain British citizenship. He sold Harrods in 2010 but continued to be a polarizing figure in the UK.

The end, both in business and public life, is heralded by Al-Fayad’s passing, with his colonel persona remaining colourful and controversial throughout.