Princess Shams cared deeply for the Red Lion and Sun, equivalent of the Red Cross, where she served for many years as chair and benefactor. She also loved animals, and Mehrdad accepted that, even when it included wild animals. Their home life at the Pearl Palace (designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation) included twelve dogs, chimps, peacocks, exotic birds, and a cheetah given to them by the president of Kenya. Mehrdad would say that the 1979 upheaval was not a revolution but a revolt, bringing destruction and mayhem. The Princess and Mehrdad were in the United States when it happened. His request to return was denied by the Shah, saying it was too dangerous. He did finally return to check on his staff and assure the department was still functioning properly. But Khomeini’s supporters didn’t care about culture and fine arts. Lawlessness overran the country and he had to leave.
