Al Fayed abuse survivors back court bid to have estate executors replaced

They want urgent action to safeguard their legal claims against the estate of the late Harrods owner.

Their Leigh Day lawyers have written to the High Court to support an application by Harrods Limited to have the three executors of Al Fayed's estate removed. They are Al Fayed's widow, Heini Wathen-Fayed, Camilla Fayed and Jasmine Fayed.

The application to have the three replaced by an independent professional as administrator of Al Fayed's estate is due to be heard in the High Court on Tuesday 3 November 2026.

Leigh Day represents more than 60 survivors, with claims both against Harrods and directly against the Fayed estate, the latter on behalf of five women who did not work at Harrods but were employed by the late owner in some other capacity.

In a letter to the High Court, Leigh Day partner Richard Meeran stated that in the 15 months period following notification to the current executors of his clients' claims, the manner of their communications has been "dilatory and virtually no progress has been made". 

The Fayed estate is dealing with a large group of claimants, as well as a claim by Harrods. In circumstances where it is unclear whether the assets of the estate are sufficient, Mr Meeran considers that "independent administration of the Estate would be important in ensuring transparency and fairness between all the claimants". 

Leigh Day's clients are also concerned that the current executors may be unable to consider their claims fairly, particularly when they involve serious abuse allegations against their husband and father. Heini Wathen-Fayed has previously indicated via her legal representatives, that she does not believe any of the allegations against Al Fayed to be true, and that at no stage would she support any settlement.

Richard Meeran said:

"The survivors have a right to have their claims dealt with fairly, expeditiously, and respectfully, without being unnecessarily re-traumatised. To achieve this, we believe the current executors need to be replaced by an independent professional."