The Rothschild banking family is frequently the target of conspiracy theories, often fueled by anti-Semitism. Renewed claims that all but nine countries worldwide have a "Rothschild central bank ...

He spent more than 40 years at the family firm, including 28 years as chair of NM Rothschild, the group's UK-based investment bank. He was knighted in 1989.

De Rothschild was not posing as a member of the famous family and never said that he was, neighbors said. Yet, his lifestyle and the name could have led people to use their imagination.