Queen Elizabeth II 'warned' of Mohamed Al Fayed's 'dirty old man' reputation

Dai Davies alleged that posthumously accused rapist Al Fayed was known for his "persona as a dirty old man" when he warned the Queen's representatives in the 1990s

Queen Elizabeth II was warned that Mohamed Al Fayed was a "salacious attacker of women" decades before her death, a former royal security chief has claimed.

Al Fayed has been posthumously accused of rape by five women, who have claimed the billionaire Harrods owner assaulted them while they worked at the London department store. An investigation conducted by the BBC has gathered evidence from more than 20 women, who have alleged incidents of sexual assault took place in London, Paris, St Tropez and Abu Dhabi.

While the accusations have shocked the general public, Scotland Yard's former head of royalty protection has said police were made aware of accusations against the billionaire in the 1990s. Dai Davies said he raised concerns about Princess Diana and Princes William and Harry going on holiday with Al Fayed and his son, Dodi, not long before the Princess of Wales ' death.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mr Davies said he was told by the Queen's private secretary Lord Fellowes Buckingham Palace was already aware of the allegations and his "persona as a dirty old man". He said: "In 1997 there were already allegations he had been bribing MPs to table questions in the House and he had a salacious reputation. There were concerns about his persona as a dirty old man.

"There were allegations I was aware of that Al Fayed had sexually assaulted women then paid them off. I had no compunction in warning the Queen about this individual." Mr Davies added that he told the late monarch through her private secretary not to let Princes William or Harry go on holiday with the billionaire.

He said: "I advised the Queen, through Lord Fellowes, not to let the boys go away on holiday with him because of the allegations I was aware of – that he was a salacious attacker of women. [Fellowes] said to me: 'The Palace is aware, Mr Davies.' My job was to protect the reputation... of the Royal Family."

Mr Davies concluded that, despite discussing his concerns with then Met Police commissioner Lord Condron, his advice was ultimately ignored. He said: "I did have a discussion with the then commissioner, Lord Condron about my concerns. [Al Fayed] had a reputation of being a sleazebag. Ultimately my advice was ignored. [Diana] flew off from Kensington Palace when Al Fayed sent his helicopter."