Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Olga Deterding

Olga Maria Deterding (23 August 1926 – 31 December 1978) was a British and renowned for her extravagant lifestyle and frequent appearances in London gossip columns. The daughter of Sir , a founder and key executive of the Royal Dutch Shell oil company, and his second wife, Lydia Pavlovna Koudoyaroff, she was born into immense wealth and raised at Buckhurst Park in , . Educated at Oxford University, Deterding inherited an estimated $50 million from her father's estate upon his death in 1939, which fueled her jet-setting existence across and her reputation as one of the world's richest women, though some accounts later suggested she occasionally exaggerated her fortune for publicity. In the and , she balanced with humanitarian efforts, volunteering for over a year in the kitchen at Dr. Albert Schweitzer's leper colony in , (), where she contributed unpaid labor despite her privileged background. Her romantic life drew media attention, including a three-year engagement to broadcaster in the and associations with figures like satirist Jonathan Routh and amid London's scene. Known for her eccentricities—such as abandoning a broken-down on a roadside and being banned from several restaurants for outrageous behavior—Deterding resided at the Ritz Hotel in and made an unsuccessful bid to acquire the newspaper in 1976. She died at age 52 in on 1978, choking on a piece of steak at a nightclub.

Early Life

Birth and Family Background

Olga Maria Deterding was born on 23 August 1926 in , . She was the daughter of Sir Henri Wilhelm August Deterding, a businessman who co-founded the Royal Dutch Petroleum Company in 1890 and served as its general managing director from 1900 to 1936, during which time he expanded it into the global oil conglomerate Royal Dutch Shell. Her mother, Lydia Pavlovna Koudoyaroff, was a émigré born in 1904 in to General Paul Koudoyaroff; she fled amid the 1917 , settled in , and married the 58-year-old Deterding as his second wife in 1924. Olga was the elder of two daughters born to this union, with her younger sister Lilla; overall, she was the fourth of five children from her father's first two marriages, with three half-siblings—two sons and one daughter—from his prior marriage to Anna Meermanno. The Deterding family commanded vast wealth from the during Olga's early years, affording them elite status and a luxurious lifestyle centered at Buckhurst Park, their expansive estate in Winkfield, .

Childhood and Upbringing

Olga Deterding spent her early years at Buckhurst Park, a sprawling estate in Winkfield, , which her father had acquired in 1913 and which exemplified the opulent lifestyle afforded by her father's oil fortune. The property served as the primary residence for Olga, her younger sister Lilla, and their mother after the couple's in 1936, allowing the girls to continue their upbringing in a setting of considerable luxury and seclusion near . Her father's prominence as the head of Royal Dutch Shell profoundly shaped the family's daily life, granting privileges such as annual winter retreats to their Chalet Olga in , , where the family escaped to the each season. This peripatetic element, combined with the estate's amenities, immersed Olga in a world of refined comforts from a young age, underscoring the direct impact of her father's business achievements on their privileged existence. Lydia Pavlovna Koudoyaroff, Olga's mother and daughter of a White Russian general, played a central role in fostering a culturally rich environment, drawing from her émigré heritage to introduce elements of Russian tradition amid their English country life. As an active figure in European social circles, Lydia ensured early connections to elite networks across the continent, exposing Olga to high society through family associations even before adolescence. Notable events included the family's relocation dynamics following the 1936 divorce and Sir Henri's sudden death in 1939 at St. Moritz, which marked the end of Olga's pre-teen years amid shifting family circumstances.

Education

Academic Pursuits

The immense wealth accumulated by her father, the founder of Royal Dutch Shell, afforded her a privileged childhood that facilitated access to the finest educational opportunities available to young women of her in interwar .

University Experience

Olga Deterding attended and graduated from Oxford University. This occurred during the post-World War II recovery period in . Specific details on her field of study and involvement in student societies or events are not documented in available sources. The aftermath of the war, including and demographic shifts, influenced university life broadly, providing young women like Deterding with opportunities for personal and social development amid national rebuilding efforts.

Inheritance and Wealth

Father's Legacy

Sir Henri Deterding was a pioneering executive in the global , joining the Royal Dutch Petroleum Company in 1888 and rising to become its general manager from 1900 to 1936, during which he orchestrated the 1907 merger with the Transport and Trading Company to form Royal Dutch Shell, transforming it into one of the world's largest oil conglomerates. His strategic expansions into key markets, including the and , enabled the accumulation of immense personal wealth with estimates varying from £25 million to as high as $150 million by the time of his death, derived primarily from stakes in oil production, refining, and distribution networks that spanned continents. Deterding died suddenly on 4 February 1939 at his villa in , , from a heart attack, at the age of 72, leaving behind Olga, his 12-year-old daughter from his second marriage to Lydia Henriette van der Tuuk. His passing marked the end of an era for the oil magnate whose fortune had been largely shielded from British taxes through international holdings, with UK probate records valuing visible English assets at only £2 million. In his will, probated amid legal complexities arising from his multinational estate and multiple marriages, Deterding directed an equal division among his third wife, Elisabeth Paula Suzanne von , and their seven children from all unions, though actual distributions varied due to death duties and asset locations, with much of the wealth held abroad in trusts and investments. Olga, as one of the beneficiaries, received an estimated £50 million as widely reported in the media—equivalent to approximately £3.9 billion in 2023 values—though the exact amount remains unclear, securing her position as a major heiress to the empire's legacy. The announcement of the inheritance in 1939 drew widespread media attention, with and press dubbing the young Olga the "richest girl in the world" and sensationalizing the Deterding family's opulent at estates like Buckhurst Park, fueling public intrigue about the sudden transfer of riches to a amid pre-war economic tensions.

Financial Management

Upon the death of her father, , in , Olga Deterding inherited a substantial portion of his from the Royal Dutch oil empire, with contemporary reports estimating the value at £50 million. A newspaper account indicated that her inheritance was structured as annual installments of $300,000 from family trusts, providing a steady stream to support her lifestyle. Deterding utilized her fortune to acquire luxury assets, including a red , which she famously abandoned on London's in 1963 after it broke down, reflecting her nonchalant attitude toward material possessions. She also maintained connections to family properties, having been raised at Buckhurst Park in , though the estate was sold in later years amid her shifting residences. Public perceptions often exaggerated the scale of her wealth, portraying her as the "world's richest woman" and fueling her socialite image, yet accounts suggest her actual financial independence was limited due to the trust structure, as she frequently relied on her long-term partner, broadcaster , to cover personal expenses rather than drawing extensively from her own funds. This discrepancy highlights how Deterding cultivated a reputation for opulence that outstripped her managed , with no detailing specific investments or post-1939 legal structures for estate administration, such as strategies. Portions of her income supported brief philanthropic efforts, including allocations for her voluntary work abroad, though these were modest compared to the lavish persona she projected.

Socialite Career

Rise in London Society

Following her graduation from Oxford University in the late , Olga Deterding transitioned into 's post-war social circles, leveraging her inherited fortune from the Royal Dutch Shell empire to gain entry into elite gatherings. By the early , she had established herself as a prominent figure in the city's vibrant , frequently shuttling between and the South of for exclusive events and parties. Deterding's appearances at high-profile venues underscored her rising status, including attendance at a black-tie ball and the 1966 premiere of the film . She became a regular at hotspots like the Ritz Hotel, where she resided for several years, and , known for its celebrity clientele; in one notorious 1970s incident, she honored a bet by posing nude in the restaurant's window for an afternoon, cementing her reputation for bold eccentricity. Her associations with fellow socialites, such as the cook and broadcaster , further embedded her within influential networks. Initial media coverage in London's gossip columns portrayed Deterding as an enigmatic and extravagant , often dubbing her the "richest woman in the world" due to her opulent displays, such as abandoning a broken-down red on a London road in 1963. These reports highlighted her as a quintessential party girl of the era, blending glamour with unpredictability. Her profile was amplified by extensive travels to exotic destinations, including returns to , , and , which fueled stories of her adventurous lifestyle and international allure.

Public Persona and Media

Olga Deterding cultivated a flamboyant public image as one of the world's wealthiest women, frequently appearing in London gossip columns during the 1960s and 1970s as a glamorous socialite and oil heiress. Dubbed the "richest woman in the world" with an estimated £50 million fortune, she was portrayed in the press as an enigmatic figure whose lavish lifestyle and eccentricities captivated tabloid readers. Her self-publicity efforts, including tipping off columnists about her exploits, amplified this persona, with headlines like "OLGA BUYS A GOLD HONEY POT" and "RICHEST WOMAN HATES CHRISTMAS" highlighting her opulent and unpredictable nature. Media profiles often emphasized Deterding's independence and extravagant spending, depicting her as a jet-setting partygoer who embodied Sixties excess. For instance, in 1963, when her red broke down on in , she abandoned the car on the roadside "for anyone to claim" and suggested the headline "Too Rich To Wait" to a , underscoring her nonchalant attitude toward wealth. Another notorious incident involved accepting a £5 bet at a to sit naked in a window for an afternoon, which she did, further cementing her reputation as a daring and impulsive . These anecdotes, alongside reports of her chartering flights for impromptu global trips—such as a round-the-world journey to bypass a delay in —portrayed her as a free-spirited heiress unbound by convention. Over time, the "oil heiress" label evolved in the press from a symbol of inherited opulence tied to her father Sir Henri Deterding's Royal Dutch Shell legacy to a more mythical emblem of self-invented extravagance, as journalists noted her tendency to embellish her fortune through fabricated stories fed to reporters. Interviews and features, such as those in society magazines, reinforced this image by focusing on her jewelry purchases and residence at the , presenting her as a "mysterious millionairess" whose allure lay in her blend of vulnerability and audacity. Despite the , her media presence established her as an icon of post-war London's glittering, hedonistic elite.

Personal Relationships

Engagement to Alan Whicker

Olga Deterding met broadcaster in the mid-1960s at a party introduced by publisher George Weidenfeld, sparking a courtship amid London's vibrant social scene, including associations with figures like . Their relationship quickly gained attention due to Whicker's rising fame from and Deterding's status as an oil heiress, leading to frequent outings in high-society circles. In June 1966, Deterding publicly proposed to Whicker during a lighthearted moment when he visited her, an event captured by press photographers and reported widely as a bold, unconventional gesture by the 40-year-old socialite to the 42-year-old journalist. The proposal marked the formal announcement of their engagement, with the couple photographed strolling hand-in-hand through London's Regent's Park shortly after, symbolizing their union to the media. Coverage extended internationally, including features in The Straits Times where Deterding discussed her aspirations as the prospective Mrs. Whicker, highlighting the event's novelty in conservative social norms. The lasted from 1966 to 1969, during which the pair made several appearances, such as attending film premieres and boarding luxury liners like the at , often featured in society columns for their glamorous pairing. Deterding even named Whicker as her heir in her will during this period, underscoring the depth of their bond at the time. These outings amplified Deterding's visibility in London's elite social milieu, with photographs and mentions in outlets like portraying her as a captivating figure linked to one of television's most recognizable personalities. The ended in 1969 amicably, with the parting ways for mutual benefit due to incompatibilities arising from Whicker's demanding travel schedule for assignments and Deterding's reported mood swings. Despite the split, the relationship's high-profile nature had solidified Deterding's reputation as a daring , with lingering media references to their romance enhancing her enigmatic public persona in subsequent years.

Later Romances and Friendships

Following the end of her high-profile engagement in the late 1960s, Olga Deterding entered a relationship with Jonathan Routh, the British television personality known for hosting , which began around 1971. The romance, lasting several years, was visible in London's vibrant social scene, where the couple supported emerging cultural ventures, including involvement in the pub rock movement alongside figures such as music promoter Sam Hutt. Their involvement in such events highlighted Deterding's continued immersion in entertainment circles, blending her wealth with Routh's show business connections. After the relationship concluded in the mid-1970s, Deterding formed a close platonic friendship with Jennifer Paterson, the food writer and later co-host of Two Fat Ladies, whom she met in 1973 at Routh's 45th birthday party in Sloane Street. Paterson provided emotional support during Deterding's personal challenges, acting as master of ceremonies at events in her triplex apartment and even jokingly proposing they live together as "the most famous lesbian couple in London." This bond extended to Deterding's broader 1970s social orbit, which included connections in the music and media worlds, such as patrons of the pub rock scene and other London socialites. These relationships sustained Deterding's active lifestyle, influencing her participation in London's and cultural pursuits, as well as her travels to the South of and beyond, where she hosted gatherings that reflected her eclectic friendships. Despite her visibility in gossip columns, Deterding increasingly guarded details of her private life after earlier publicized romances, focusing media attention on her public persona rather than intimate matters.

Philanthropy and Activities

Volunteering in Gabon

In 1956, Olga Deterding, seeking a deeper purpose amid her privileged existence, decided to abandon her life of luxury and volunteer at Albert Schweitzer's hospital in , , a remote settlement in the heart of the jungle dedicated to treating and other tropical diseases. Schweitzer, a Nobel Prize-winning theologian, , and , had founded the facility in 1913 as a mission to provide medical care to local communities, relying on volunteer helpers from around the world to manage its rudimentary operations amid challenging environmental conditions. Deterding traveled to , arriving without prior medical training, and committed to a one-year stint, though her involvement ultimately spanned three years with interruptions due to health issues and brief returns to . Her contributions at the hospital were hands-on and varied, focusing on essential support roles that sustained daily operations. Lacking formal qualifications, Deterding performed menial tasks such as degutting , peeling , and digging pits to maintain and food supplies for patients and staff. She also assisted in the by organizing medicinal drug stocks, sorting free samples into jars for distribution, typing administrative documents, painting huts to improve living quarters, and even administering injections to patients under . These efforts exemplified the hospital's of collective labor, where volunteers like Deterding bridged gaps in professional care, contributing to the treatment of hundreds of lepers and other sufferers in an under-resourced setting. Deterding's motivations stemmed from a profound dissatisfaction with the superficiality of , prompting her to trade "four-star patios and snob beaches" for meaningful service that aligned with Schweitzer's humanitarian ideals. This decision reflected a personal quest for authenticity and impact, far removed from the wealth inherited from her father, , the former head of Royal Dutch Shell, which she briefly referenced in funding her initial journey. The experience, however, brought significant challenges, including spartan living conditions where she boiled rainwater for drinking, slept on a simple iron bed, and contended with the jungle's humidity and isolation. Eventually, she contracted a tropical that forced her departure after nearly a year, highlighting the physical toll of such voluntary work. Upon her return to in the early , Deterding reflected on the ordeal as transformative, fostering a lasting appreciation for and that influenced her subsequent choices, such as a period of modest living in before resuming aspects of her social life. The Gabon experience broadened her worldview, shifting her perspective from material excess to the value of humanitarian effort, though she later described it as an intense but fleeting chapter in her unconventional path.

Media and Business Interests

In 1976, Olga Deterding launched an unsuccessful bid to acquire , a prominent Sunday newspaper then grappling with severe financial difficulties. The effort was one of several competing offers for the publication, which ultimately sold for £1 to the American oil company Atlantic Richfield after interventions from various high-profile suitors, including Colonel and the Saudi . This venture represented Deterding's most notable foray into ownership, driven by her longstanding fascination with as a means to amplify her public persona beyond mere notoriety. Deterding's media interests extended to active self-promotion, where she routinely tipped off columnists with fabricated or exaggerated stories—such as abandoning her red on a street in —to sustain her image as one of the world's richest women. She even collaborated with journalists as surrogate authors for an unwritten , leveraging their platforms to perpetuate her carefully curated narrative of wealth and eccentricity. These activities underscored her desire for sustained influence in the press, transforming media engagement from passive coverage to active participation in shaping public discourse. Her personal relationships further intertwined with the media world, notably through her three-year engagement to , the acclaimed broadcaster and host of , whom she proposed to in the 1960s. Deterding also dated Jonathan Routh, the television producer behind the British version of . Such connections highlighted how her romantic entanglements provided access to entertainment and broadcasting circles, reflecting ambitions to extend her social influence into creative and journalistic domains. No other significant business investments in entertainment or social sectors are documented, with the Observer bid standing as her primary commercial media pursuit.

Death and Legacy

Circumstances of Death

On 31 December 1978, Olga Deterding, aged 52, died suddenly during a social outing at nightclub in 's district. This incident occurred amid her continued engagement in the vibrant nightlife scene that had defined much of her public life. Deterding choked on a piece of food—a sandwich—while dining, leading to accidental as the . Witnesses initially mistook her collapse for intoxication, carrying her upstairs to recover, but she was discovered deceased shortly thereafter. An emergency response was initiated, though efforts to revive her were unsuccessful. A coroner's subsequently confirmed the death as accidental, attributing it unequivocally to the incident with no evidence of foul play or other contributing factors. Her family was notified in the immediate aftermath, with the prompting private mourning arrangements.

Cultural Impact

Olga Deterding's life and persona continued to resonate in long after her death, often invoked in and profiles of her contemporaries to illustrate the excesses of mid-20th-century . In the 2013 for broadcaster in The Guardian, she was described as an "oil heiress" with whom Whicker had a three-year , highlighting her role in Swinging London's glamorous social whirl. Similarly, The Telegraph's 2008 for television producer Jonathan Routh noted his five-year affair with Deterding, portraying her as a captivating figure who drew admirers from the entertainment world. These post-1978 accounts, including a 2002 Guardian feature on Whicker, positioned her as a symbol of unattainable wealth and romantic intrigue, frequently referencing her high-profile romances without delving into personal details. As an of the extravagant , Deterding embodied the fusion of inherited and performative in 20th-century British culture, where her lavish gestures—such as abandoning a broken red on a roadside—became emblematic of carefree opulence. Her story contributed to the cultural fascination with self-made myths of , influencing how columns depicted female socialites as both enviable and enigmatic figures who blurred the lines between reality and fabrication. This portrayal extended to literary and journalistic works, such as a 1964 New York Times of Gerald McKnight's Verdict on Schweitzer, which cited Deterding alongside other affluent women who embraced humanitarian causes, framing her as a paradoxical blend of privilege and . Deterding's influence lingered in the tropes of wealth and whimsy that shaped gossip , where her tabloid-friendly escapades—headlined extravagances like purchasing a "gold honey pot"—set a template for sensationalizing the idle rich in publications from the onward. A portion of her estate was bequeathed to , underscoring her personal loyalties and ensuring her financial legacy intertwined with his career. No formal memorials were established, and her family did not publicly continue her philanthropic or social endeavors, leaving her impact primarily through retrospective narratives. Modern reassessments, particularly in a 2020 Daily Mail profile and Izabella Scott's Affidavit essay, have debunked myths of Deterding as the "world's richest woman" with a £50 million fortune, revealing her wealth as exaggerated for publicity while affirming her skill as a self-publicist who crafted an enduring image of heiress excess. These analyses portray her not as a criminal fabulist but as a cultural innovator in , influencing contemporary discussions on , , and authenticity in .

References

  1. [1]
    'Life of the 'world's richest woman' oil heiress Olga Deterding
    Jun 17, 2020 · Olga's life was extraordinary from the start. Born in 1926, she was one of two daughters of Sir Henri and his second wife, Lydia Pavlovna ...
  2. [2]
    Alan Whicker obituary: Journalist whose reports from around the world
    Jul 12, 2013 · He had a well-documented three-year affair with the oil millionairess Olga Deterding, daughter of Sir Henri, founder of Royal Dutch Shell.<|control11|><|separator|>
  3. [3]
    Milestones, Jan. 15, 1979 - Time Magazine
    Jan 15, 1979 · Olga Deterding, 52, Swiss heiress (Royal Dutch/Shell Oil Co.), who frequently forsook affluent society to work for Dr. Albert Schweitzer in ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  4. [4]
    New Glamour for the Ritz — And a Casino, Too - The New York Times
    Jun 29, 1978 · Olga Deterding, the eccentric Shell Oil heiress who has been banned from several restaurants for her outrageous behavior, has lived at the ...
  5. [5]
    Henri Deterding - Graces Guide
    Dec 14, 2022 · Henri Deterding (1866-1939) was one of the first executives of the Royal Dutch Petroleum Company and for 36 years (1900–1936) its chairman ...
  6. [6]
    Life Story of the Founder of Royal Dutch/Shell, Sir Henri Deterding
    May 23, 2025 · A respected German historian opens this biography by posing a provocative question: “How close was Deterding to Hitler? Did he help the Nazis rise to power?”
  7. [7]
    The lives behind the names: two Russian emigrés and one refugee ...
    May 6, 2016 · She presumably left Russia at the time of the Revolution and by 1924 she was in Paris where she married the then 58-year old Sir Henri Deterding ...
  8. [8]
    Lydia Pawlowna Koudoyaroff (1904–1980) • FamilySearch
    She died on 30 June 1980, in Paris, France, at the age of 76, and was buried in Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois, Palaiseau, Essonne, France. More. Photos and Memories ...
  9. [9]
    CHAPTER 4: Media coverage of Sir Henri Deterding's death
    Sir Henri Deterding, director and former director-general of the Royal Dutch Petroleum Co., died suddenly here to-day at the age of 72 . He ...Missing: heiress | Show results with:heiress
  10. [10]
    [PDF] A SELECTION OF FABERGÉ MASTERPIECES FROM THE HARRY ...
    The couple's English country house was Buckhurst Park in. Winkfield, Berkshire, where Mrs Deterding lived with her two daughters after her divorce in 1937 ...Missing: upbringing | Show results with:upbringing
  11. [11]
    “OIL KING” DEAD: Sir Henri Deterding's Sudden Collapse
    Sir Henri Deterding, director and former director-general of the Royal Dutch Petroleum Co., died suddenly here to-day at the age of 72.<|control11|><|separator|>
  12. [12]
    Lady Lydia Pavlovna Koudeyaroff Deterding (1904-1980)
    She was born in Tashkent, Russia, and at the age of 16 married a Russian diplomat, General Bagratouni. In 1924 Lady Lydia was married to Sir Henri Deterding who ...Missing: background | Show results with:background
  13. [13]
    Henri Deterding - Wikipedia
    ... Deterding two daughters, including the socialite Olga Deterding. After that marriage ended in divorce in 1933, at the age of seventy Deterding married ...Missing: heiress | Show results with:heiress
  14. [14]
    PETROLEUM: i Royal Dutch Knight - Time Magazine
    Deterding won his knighthood by transporting that oil, not in tankers, but as ballast instead of water in ordinary ships —thereby fooling the German submarines ...
  15. [15]
    OIL KING MOVED HIS MILLIONS - Royal Dutch Shell Plc .com
    SIR HENRI DETERDING, the oil king, once estimated to have a personal fortune of £25,000,000, has left practically nothing in England.
  16. [16]
    LATE SIR HENRI DETERDING: Daughter Born to His Widow in Berlin
    A daughter born in a Berlin nursing home to Lady Charlotte Deterding, the 40-year-old widow of Sir Henri Deterding, former president of the Royal Dutch ...Missing: Olga Buckhurst
  17. [17]
    Inflation calculator | Bank of England
    Use our inflation calculator to check how prices in the UK have changed over time, from 1209 to now. Our inflation calculator is designed for illustrative ...
  18. [18]
    An Invisible Crown: How to Be an Heiress | Affidavit
    Jun 16, 2020 · Olga Deterding was so rich that when her red Bentley broke down on the London Road, she left it on the shoulder for anyone to claim.
  19. [19]
    Closure of Langan's Brasserie marks end of an era for London
    Nov 13, 2020 · All these stories, of course, crept into the gossip columns and kept Langan's Brasserie the most sought-after dinner venue in Britain. But ...
  20. [20]
    What is 'Plazacore'? The Tatler-approved microtrend you'll want to ...
    Oct 24, 2022 · Coco Chanel lived in the Ritz Paris for 34 years from the late 1930s, oil heiress Olga Deterding called the London branch her home for ...
  21. [21]
    It's Whicker's world, baby
    ### Summary of Olga Deterding's Early Education, Schools, Childhood Interests, and Preparation for University
  22. [22]
    https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1359840/langan-brasserie-shut-down-london-celebrity
  23. [23]
    The B.B.C.'s Bachelor Roving Reporter and his finance Miss Olga ...
    Photo Shows Alan Whicker and his fiancee Miss Olga Deterding pictured as they took a stroll through London's Regent's Park yesterday. Jun. 06, 1966 - The B.B.C. ...
  24. [24]
    The Straits Times, 10 June 1966 - NLB eResources
    oil millionheiress Olga Deterding sat in a Paris hotel today talking of life as the prospective Mrs. Alan Whicker. ... wedding on May 79 Singapore and June S ...
  25. [25]
    Alan Whicker and Olga Deterding - Getty Images
    Aug 9, 2017 · BBC globetrotter Alan Whicker and oil heiress Olga Deterding, whose names ahve been linked romantically, hand in hand aboard the liner Andes at Southampton.Missing: proposes | Show results with:proposes
  26. [26]
    Obituary: Alan Whicker - BBC News
    Jul 12, 2013 · Whicker never married. But he once lived for three years with the millionairess Olga Deterding, who made him the beneficiary of her will. Since ...
  27. [27]
    Full text of "The Australian Women's Weekly 22-06-1966"
    m I^ndon, Geneva^ anil Paris — hui ...
  28. [28]
    Alan Whicker interview: a journey of a lifetime - The Telegraph
    Mar 16, 2009 · Valerie met Alan in 1969, after his three-year affair with the extraordinary Olga Deterding. Olga was an oil heiress once as famous as any ...
  29. [29]
    Raising the bar: the chaotic story of pub rock - Louder Sound
    Jun 1, 2020 · ... Olga Deterding, Sam Hutt, aka singer Hank Wangford, and future Oscar ... The London pub-rock circuit of the 1970s was a springboard for Dr.Missing: society | Show results with:society
  30. [30]
    Jonathan Routh | Television industry | The Guardian
    Jun 8, 2008 · She committed suicide two years later, after her husband divorced her and Routh left her for the heiress Olga Deterding. Nandi died in 1972 ...Missing: 1970s | Show results with:1970s
  31. [31]
    Jennifer Paterson, co-star of TV cookery show 'Two Fat Ladies'
    Jan 6, 2019 · Have some fizz!” Also present was Routh's girlfriend, the misunderstood millionairess Olga Deterding. She and the penniless Paterson became ...
  32. [32]
    https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/obituary-jennifer-paterson-1112008.html
  33. [33]
    Olga Deterding - DER SPIEGEL
    Olga Deterding, 33, britisch - holländische Öl - Millionen - Erbin, die dem Urwalddoktor Albert Schweitzer mit einigen Unterbrechungen drei Jahre lang als ...
  34. [34]
    Books of The Times; Saint or Egoist? - The New York Times
    Marion Mayer (the former wife of film producer Otto Preminger) and Olga Deterding (the daughter of Sir Henri Deterding, the oil industry figure) who have gone ...
  35. [35]
    Working with Dr Albert Schweitzer in 1957 - Nigel S. Roberts
    In 1957 I got an opportunity to visit the renowned Albert Schweitzer at his "jungle" hospital at Lambarene in French Equatorial Africa in the then French colony ...Missing: volunteering | Show results with:volunteering<|control11|><|separator|>
  36. [36]
    Donald Trelford, pugnacious editor of The Observer who steered the ...
    Jan 27, 2023 · ... Olga Deterding, Colonel Gaddafi, and the Saudi Arabian royal family – but in the end The Observer was sold for £1 to the American oil giant ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  37. [37]
    Alan Whicker obituary | Travel TV - The Guardian
    Jul 12, 2013 · After ending a four-year engagement to the heiress Olga Deterding, in 1969 he began a lasting relationship with Valerie Kleeman, a neighbour in ...
  38. [38]
    Olga Maria Deterding (1926 - 1978) - Genealogy - Geni
    Feb 27, 2025 · Olga Maria Deterding (23 August 1926 – 31 December 1978) was a wealthy heiress and socialite who regularly featured in the gossip columns of London society
  39. [39]
    Where Whicker Went - I-M
    His relationship with Kleeman was considerably more stable than the one he endured with his previous lover, the eccentric socialite Olga Deterding who ...
  40. [40]
    [PDF] Untitled - Karen Feld
    Oil millionairess Olga Deterding, who inherited $65 million of the Royal Dutch Shell fortune, choked to death on a piece of meat at a New Year's Eve party in ...Missing: circumstances | Show results with:circumstances
  41. [41]
    https://i-m-magazine.com/culture/where-whicker-went/
  42. [42]
    Jonathan Routh - The Telegraph
    Jun 5, 2008 · She committed suicide two years later, after Routh had run off with the Shell oil heiress Olga Deterding, with whom he had a five-year affair.