News archive
News articles for April 2010
Standing room only to rest in peace at Harrods
Rumours that Mohamed Fayed might sell Harrods to the Qataris, as derided in this column last week, don’t seem very plausible — not least because Fayed has shown no inclination to sell.
What’s more, as City Spy noted: “Fayed has said that when he dies he will be entombed on the roof, turning the famous dome into a mausoleum, which might be off-putting to any would-be purchaser.” But City Spy’s comment has prompted a reader, City PR man Ronel Lehmann, to recall some hilarious correspondence with the Harrods owner.
Lehmann wrote in April 1989 asking if, as a Harrods account holder, he could be buried on the roof of Harrods too. Three weeks later, Fayed’s then spokesman, Michael Cole, wrote back to say: “As a valued account customer, Mr Al Fayed wishes you a long and happy life and hopes that the question of your entombment on the roof of Harrods, or elsewhere, remains a purely academic consideration for many years.”
Cole went on to explain that Harrods would be happy for Lehmann to be entombed in the future but warned: “I should point out, however, that you should be prepared to rest for eternity standing upright in the tradition of Ancient Egypt. Due to great demand and a waiting list, only 12 places will be available. The cost will be £10 million per person. Mummification will be an extra £1 million. A 10% deposit is required forthwith. Please let me know if I may debit your account accordingly.”
Harrods knew, even then, its letter was bound to be leaked to the media so Fayed’s right-hand man added: “Harrods does not wish to bury any journalists, even those who may richly deserve it.” Twenty-one years later, plus ça change!
April 2010