Camilla al Fayed invited to Diana Service
Prince William has invited Camilla al Fayed (pictured), daughter of Mohamed and half-sister to Dodi, to attend the service for Princess Diana on August 31st.
William hopes it will be a gesture of reconciliation to the Al Fayed family, who lost a son in the Paris car accident ten years ago.
A Royal source said, “They [the Princes] lost a mother in very tragic circumstances but Camilla also lost a much-loved brother. Obviously it would have been impossible to invite Mohamed but they thought it appropriate that someone from his family was invited and, as they have met Camilla in the past, the invitation was extended to her.
“They are delighted that she has accepted. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that the past is gone and forgotten but William and Harry want to acknowledge their shared grief.”
From the picture, though, it’s easy to see why she was invited.
The Queen and Prince Philip will attend the service, together with the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and members of Diana’s family.
John, isn’t the date for the service August 31st? I think your fingers must be soggy from the rain.
By Evelyn on July 20th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
William’s invitation to the daughters of Mohammed al Fayed is very appropriate,, compassionate and in perfect taste and demonstrates once more that he inherited the sterling qualities of his Mother, Princess Diana. After all, their brother Dodi was killed in the same crash that snuffed out the life of Princess Diana. Shared grief is a common denominator and can be very healing.
By Gigi on July 20th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Will someone in the UK please check on John and see if he is treading water, fighting off sharks with an umbrella? For all we know, the tide is high and he’s holding on!
By Gigi on July 20th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
Thank you so much, Evelyn. I must have swallowed too much water.
By John on July 20th, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Gigi, we’ve had sunny weather for much of the day, albeit as humid as Singapore. As I look out of my window now, there’s a blue sky. Exeter is truly a blessed place.
By John on July 20th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
I am relieved to know that you are safe from involuntary submersion, John!
Here, we have had a heavy rainstorm and are expected to get another within a few hours. If my name was Noah I would definitely be making pitch and preparing the wood to build the Ark. Hark! I hear antedeluvian spirits calling to me! Also a watersprite or two. 
By Gigi on July 20th, 2007 at 11:54 pm
Send your excess our way (Minnesota). We’re a bit dry here.
By Evelyn on July 21st, 2007 at 1:03 am
It is amazing how different things are this year. For the last five years we have had severe drought. This year, we are under water in the Yellow Pages!
By Gigi on July 21st, 2007 at 2:23 am
Sorry to hear about your dowsing, Gigi. In Devon we are hanging on to our low liquidity, although there’s an ominous cloud coming our way right now.
Upcountry, emergency services are reporting the worst conditions in living memory. If Charles and Camilla go ahead with their party tonight, guests will need to be very hardy individuals.
By John on July 21st, 2007 at 8:28 am
We’re kind of dry here too. Although we’ve had some rain in the past few days, it isn’t enough to really say so. Crops are drying out. We need more than a few fast and furious thunderstorms.
Keep us posted on whether that party goes on or not John!
By On The Outside on July 21st, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Yes, John, please keep us posted on the party at Highgrove! At around 1:30AM we had a very hard, sustained rainstorm. This morning at 3:30AM we had the most violent rainstorm I have ever experienced in my life. My husband also said he has never seen anything like it, not even when he did USCG search and rescue. It went on for more than an hour, sheets of rain falling very hard from the sky. The noise was incredible!
By Gigi on July 21st, 2007 at 3:23 pm
That does sound bad, Gigi. I hope you’re okay.
I’ve not heard of a cancellation at Highgrove yet, but Sky News is reporting very bad conditions in Goucestershire, which has been the hardest hit of all. Some 600 motorists are stranded and rail services at a standstill.
I really don’t see how a party could continue under those circumstances. But, you never know.
By John on July 21st, 2007 at 3:31 pm
Well, knowing the “me first” attitude they have - I would not be surprised if they just go ahead with the party.
By On The Outside on July 21st, 2007 at 3:38 pm
Water rises very rapidly here in a rainstorm, John, and while we live on a high hill, our daughter had a scary episode this morning. Rushing water rose swiftly on the road where she was driving and she was afraid to drive either forward or turn around because the water was all around her. Fortunately she called her Father and he instructed her how to get out safely, which she did. It has been raining on and off most of the day. Thanks for your concern, which I appreciate!
Regarding the party, I imagine Charles could helicopter his guests to Highgrove, but that would increase his carbon footprint, of course. Cancelling a party of this grandeur at such a late date is going to be a very costly proposition, and Charles will still need to give the party at a later (and dryer) date, which is another huge expense.
By Gigi on July 21st, 2007 at 8:18 pm
My guess is the party will happen, at least it is in doors. Spare a thought for my sister who is getting married at the end of August and the reception is to be in a marquee at home, if it keeps raining the guests can forget their finery and wear wellingtons. Its all we talk about at the moment, my mother keeps saying why didn’t she just book a hotel, all we would have to do is turn up instead of major DIY and all for nothing if it is a mudbath!!!
By Eliza on July 21st, 2007 at 8:55 pm
I admit this is a significant worry, Eliza, but since England is an island nation, I am afraid that if the current rate of rainfall keeps up, by August you will all be seeing action in the mid-Atlantic! The law of averages dictates that the rain has to stop soon. We will all cross our fingers and hope that the weather is bright and beautiful for Eliza’s sister’s wedding!
If the rain doesn’t stop by August 1st, we shall start praying also.
By Gigi on July 21st, 2007 at 9:44 pm
If it’s any consolation to Eliza, just about every summer outdoor activity in England has been ruined for months, from Gymkhanas for the tots to Vicars’ annual fetes and garden parties. We should rename this The Snorkeling Summer.
By John on July 22nd, 2007 at 9:54 am
thank you Gigi!
Kate wasn’t at the party after all. If they are back together they are certainly doing all in their power to keep it quiet.
just that i think they are actually adding to the hype, now when they are seen together it will nearly be seen as an engagement announcement in the Times!
By Eliza on July 22nd, 2007 at 9:54 am
John, if you were a woman you would know that it is no consulation at all that other events are ruined! Your big day is your big day!
anyway with Gigi’s prayers in August and my late Granny’s prayers from heaven we’re ever hopeful!
By Eliza on July 22nd, 2007 at 11:29 am
Quite right, Eliza. The greatest days in a your life are your wedding day, the day(s) you child(ren) are born and the day you die and go to Heaven.
Read my last comment in the thread of the article John entitled “Apre moi le Deluge” and you will see that I have also suggested a manipulation involving Mother Nature in order to secure sunny weather for Eliza’s sister’s wedding. This, of course, will be in addition to the prayers.
By Gigi on July 23rd, 2007 at 5:51 pm
I think the rain dancers have been out in force over here, Gigi.
By John on July 23rd, 2007 at 5:59 pm
I just viewed photographs of the flooding in the UK, John. It is much worse than I supposed.
Immediate measures are needed to reverse this weather pattern. I shall not wait until August 1st but immediately begin supplications to Heaven.
By Gigi on July 23rd, 2007 at 7:13 pm
It is pouring down rain here, yet again. This is simply incredible for Central Texas in July!
By Gigi on July 23rd, 2007 at 9:32 pm
We’re the same here, Gigi. The floods won’t peak until tomorrow either.
We’re all waiting for the jetsteam to swing away, allowing air from the Azores to set in. We may have to wait till next year on current trands.
By John on July 24th, 2007 at 8:41 am