Monthly Archives: August 2014

King Juan Carlos I of Spain

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

 

King Juan Carlos I was the reigning King of Spain from November 22, 1975, until his abdication on June 19, 2014. He was born Juan Carlos Alfonso Víctor María de Borbón y Borbón-Dos Sicilias, Infante of Spain, on January 5, 1938, in Rome, where the family had settled after the monarchy was overthrown in 1931 and Spain became a Republic. His parents were Infante Juan, Count of Barcelona, son of King Alfonso XIII of Spain and Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria, and Princess María Mercedes of Bourbon-Two Sicilies.

Juan Carlos was christened on January 26, 1938, at the Chapel of the Order of Malta in Rome, Italy by Cardinal Secretary of State of the Holy See, Monsignor Eugenio Pacelli, future Pope Pius XII. His godparents were:

Juan Carlos has three siblings:

Despite the family living in exile, Juan Carlos was permitted to return to Spain in 1948 to attend school. After graduating from the San Isidro Institute in Madrid in 1954, he joined the Army, receiving his officer training at the Military Academy of Zaragoza. This was followed by a year with the Navy and then another year with the Air Force. He then attended Complutense University in Madrid, studying law and international relations.

 

Juan Carlos married Princess Sophia of Greece and Denmark on May 14, 1962, at the Church of Saint Dennis in Athens. Sophia is the eldest daughter of King Paul of the Hellenes and Princess Frederica of Hanover.

The couple took up residence at Zarzuela Palace, and have three children:

King Juan Carlos being sworn in as King of Spain photo: EyeOnSpain.com

King Juan Carlos being sworn in as King of Spain.  photo: EyeOnSpain.com

On July 21, 1969, General Franco formally named Juan Carlos his successor, giving him the newly created title ‘The Prince of Spain’. Franco died on November 22, 1975, and Juan Carlos was proclaimed King by the Cortes, the Spanish legislature. He was formally sworn in on November 27, 1975. While many expected the new King to continue with Franco’s policies and government, Juan Carlos instead began implementing changes and reforms. In 1977, Spain held its first democratic elections, and the following year saw the institution of a new Spanish Constitution.

King Juan Carlos addressing the nation, February 23, 1981. photo: BBC

King Juan Carlos addressing the nation, February 23, 1981.  photo: BBC

His handling of an attempted coup in 1981 is deemed by many to be Juan Carlos’ greatest accomplishment. When the democratically elected members of the Cortes (Spanish parliament) were taken hostage, King Juan Carlos addressed the nation, calling for the law to be upheld and the government to continue. The coup attempt quickly fell apart, and within 18 hours, the Cortes was back in control. Juan Carlos’ strong stance and forceful speech led to a surge in popularity and support of the monarchy.

In the later years of his reign, King Juan Carlos was plagued with several health issues and several personal matters which proved problematic for the monarchy. Most prominent were allegations directed at his son-in-law Iñaki Urdangarín for diverting public funds for personal use through one of his companies. Later, the King’s daughter Infanta Cristina was also charged with tax fraud and money laundering. In 2012, while Spain was in the midst of a financial crisis, King Juan Carlos went on an elephant-hunting trip to Botswana. The trip became public knowledge when the King was injured and a special plane was flown to return him to Spain. He was quickly vilified in the media for the lavish trip, estimated at costing more than 2-years the average salary in Spain, while many Spaniards suffered financially. The presence of a reported mistress on the trip also caused significant discord at home. All of these events took a strong personal toll on King Juan Carlos, as well as the Spanish monarchy as a whole.

King Juan Carlos formally signing the abdication into law, June 18, 2014. Photo: Hello

King Juan Carlos signing the abdication into law, on June 18, 2014.  Photo: Hello

In June 2014, despite earlier denials from the Palace, King Juan Carlos announced his intent to abdicate in favor of his son Felipe. On June 18, 2014, King Juan Carlos signed the law granting the abdication which would take effect just after midnight. The following day, his son was formally sworn in as King Felipe VI of Spain. In late May 2019, it was announced that King Juan Carlos planned to retire completely from official duties, as of June 2, 2019, five years after he had announced his plans to abdicate.

In March 2020, Swiss authorities began investigating Juan Carlos concerning a $100 million donation given to his former alleged mistress Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn in 2012. This donation was linked to alleged kick-back fees from Saudi Arabia for Juan Carlos’ role as a facilitator in the construction of a high-speed rail connecting Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.

On March 15, 2020, King Felipe VI announced that he would renounce any future inheritance from his father connected with his foreign bank accounts. He also stripped Juan Carlos of his annual stipend. In June 2020, Spain’s prosecutor general decided that prosecutors from the Supreme Court should investigate Juan Carlos’ role in the Saudi Arabia case to determine whether there is sufficient evidence that Juan Carlos committed a crime after his abdication. As King of Spain, Juan Carlos was immune from prosecution via crown immunity from 1975 to 2014.

On August 3, 2020, Juan Carlos I informed his son, King Felipe VI via a letter of his decision to leave Spain because of increased media press concerning his business dealings in Saudi Arabia. By the time the letter had been made public, Juan Carlos had already left the country. Initially, the Royal Household declined requests to publicly disclose Juan Carlos’s location. However, on August 17, 2020, the Royal Household confirmed that Juan Carlos was in the United Arab Emirates. His wife Queen Sofia remained in Spain, at her home, Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, and continued with her activities.

On August 3, 2020, the following letter was sent to King Felipe VI from his father, Juan Carlos, the former King of Spain:

Your Majesty, Dear Felipe, with the same zeal to serve Spain that inspired my reign and faced with the public impact that certain past actions of my private life are causing, I wish to show you my absolute willingness to contribute to helping the exercise of your functions with the peace and tranquility required of your high level of responsibility. My legacy, and my own dignity as a person, demands it.

A year ago, I told you of my willingness and desire to stand down from my institutional activities. Now, guided by the conviction to provide the best service to Spaniards, its institutions, and to you as King, I am informing you of my well-considered decision to move away from Spain.

It is a decision I take, with deep feeling but great calm. I was king of Spain for 40 years and during all those years I have always wanted the best for Spain and the Crown.

With my loyalty always.
With great affection, your father.

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Kingdom of Spain Resources at Unofficial Royalty

King Mihai I of Romania

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

photo: Romanian Royal Family website

King Mihai I of Romania – photo source: Romanian Royal Family Website

King Mihai I of Romania (also known as Michael) was born on October 25, 1921, in a chalet on the grounds of Peleş Castle in Sinaia, Romania. He is the only child of King Carol II of Romania and his second wife, Princess Helen of Greece and Denmark. When he was just four years old, his father renounced his own right to the throne, and Mihai became the heir apparent to his grandfather King Ferdinand. Upon King Ferdinand’s death on July 20, 1927, Mihai took the throne as King of Romania. Because of his age (not yet 6 years old), a regency council was established, led by Mihai’s uncle, Prince Nicolas.

In June 1930, in a coup d’état engineered by Prime Minister Iuliu Maniu, Mihai’s father returned to Romania, declared his earlier renunciation invalid, and was proclaimed King by the Romanian Parliament on June 8th. Mihai was ‘demoted’ to Crown Prince. However, unhappy with King Carol II’s actions and policies, on September 6, 1940, another coup d’état took place, this time under Prime Minister Ion Antonescu, and Carol was forced to formally abdicate. Mihai was once again King of Romania.

King Mihai in 1947. photo: Wikipedia

King Mihai in 1947. photo: Wikipedia

In November 1947, while in London to attend the wedding of two of his cousins Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten, King Mihai first met his future wife (and second cousin once removed), Princess Anne of Bourbon-Parma. She was the daughter of Prince René of Bourbon-Parma and Princess Margaret of Denmark. There was some matchmaking going on, with the King’s mother trying to get the couple together, as well as some help from Anne’s cousin, the future Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg. According to the King, he proposed a week later and the couple was engaged. Wanting to inform his government before making any official announcement, he returned to Romania.

On December 30, 1947, he was summoned to Bucharest to find his palace surrounded by troops loyal to the Communist regime. With threats of bloodshed, and according to the King’s own account, a gun to his head, he was forced to sign a document of abdication. Four days later, he was forced to leave the country. In March 1948, he publicly announced that his abdication was invalid, as it had been forced upon him, and that he remained the rightful King of Romania.

Meanwhile, plans were still underway for Mihai’s wedding to Anne. The couple had reunited in Switzerland and were facing one of the biggest obstacles in their upcoming life together – religion. Anne was Roman Catholic while Mihai was Orthodox. A dispensation was sought from the Pope, who insisted that Mihai promise any children would be raised Catholic. The King would not, and could not, make this promise as it would violate the Romanian constitution, and the Pope refused to sanction the marriage. But the couple, with the support of most of their families, vowed to marry anyway. Years later, in 1966, they had a second wedding in a Roman Catholic church in Monaco.

photo source: Romanian Royal Family Website

On June 10, 1948, Mihai and Anne were married in an Orthodox ceremony held in the throne room of the Royal Palace in Athens. Attendants included Mihai’s cousin Sophia (later Queen Sofia of Spain) and his uncle, King Paul of the Hellenes. Noticeably missing were the bride’s parents. Because of the religious differences, Anne’s uncle Prince Xavier of Bourbon-Parma had issued a statement refusing to condone a wedding that went against the wishes of the Pope. He also forbade her parents from attending. However, her maternal side of the family did attend and her mother’s brother Prince Erik, Count of Rosenborg gave her away. Upon the marriage, and despite Michael having lost his throne, Anne took the title of Her Majesty The Queen of Romania. The couple first lived at his mother’s home, Villa Sparta, in San Domenico, Italy before moving to Switzerland in 1949. Two years later they moved to England where they remained until returning to Switzerland in 1956.

Mihai and Anne had five daughters:

King Mihai worked as a commercial pilot and worked for an aircraft equipment company. It would be 43 years before he set foot on Romanian soil again. In December 1990, the King was given permission for a 24-hour visit. However, this ended up being cut short and he was forced to leave early. He visited Romania in again 1992 but the mass outpouring of crowds and supporters concerned the current government and he was banned again for several years. Finally, in 1997, the Romanian government restored Mihai’s citizenship and in the following years, several properties were returned to the royal family. The King and Queen lived primarily at the Elisabeta Palace in Bucharest, and their country home, Săvârșin Castle, in Transylvania. They also had a home in Switzerland.

King Mihai and Queen Anne waiving from the Elisabeta Palace, 2001. photo: Guardian/AP

King Mihai and Queen Anne waiving from the Elisabeta Palace, 2001. photo: The Guardian/AP

In the years after returning to Romania, King Mihai was active in the promotion of Romania around the world but did not make any overtures toward the restoration of the monarchy. However, he made changes to the House Laws to ensure the succession of the current royal family. In 2007, he established the Fundamental Rules of the Royal Family of Romania, changing the line of succession to allow his daughters to succeed. Until then, women had been excluded. He named his eldest daughter Crown Princess and Custodian of the Romanian Crown, and his heir as Head of the Royal House of Romania.

King Mihai and Queen Anne at his 90th birthday celebrations, with Queen Sofia of Spain. photo: Russian Imperial House

King Mihai and Queen Anne at his 90th birthday celebrations, with Queen Sofia of Spain.
photo source: Russian Imperial House

On March 2, 2016, it was announced that King Mihai had been diagnosed with chronic leukemia and metastatic epidermoid carcinoma and that he was withdrawing from public life.  Crown Princess Margareta took on his public duties. King Mihai’s wife Anne died on August 1, 2016, in a hospital in Morges, Switzerland, at the age of 92.

King Mihai died at his residence in Switzerland on December 5, 2017, at the age of 96.  After lying-in-state at Peleș Castle and then at the Royal Palace of Bucharest, his funeral service was held at Bucharest’s Romanian Orthodox Patriarchal Cathedral.  King Mihai is buried at the new Archdiocesan and Royal Cathedral at Curtea de Argeș.

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Romania Resources at Unofficial Royalty

Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned of Qatar

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

photo: The Qatar Consultancy

Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned of Qatar – photo: The Qatar Consultancy

Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned is the wife of Sheikh Hammad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, and mother of Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.

Sheikha Mozah was born on August 8, 1959, in Al-Khor, Qatar. Her father, Nasser bin Abdullah Al Missned had publicly advocated for a fairer distribution of wealth in the small nation of Qatar, which brought about his imprisonment at the hands of the Emir (the father of her future husband). Despite this, while attending Qatar University, she met and became engaged to the Crown Prince of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Mozah would eventually earn her Bachelor’s Degree from Qatar University in 1986. She became his second wife in 1977. They have seven children:

Sheikha Mozah with her husband on an official visit to Spain, 2011 photo: Zimbio

Sheikha Mozah with her husband on an official visit to Spain, 2011.  photo: Zimbio

When her husband became Emir in 1995, Sheikha Mozah took a very public and prominent role in the country. Unlike most wives in Middle Eastern monarchies who remain quietly in the background, she has used her profile and position to raise awareness of important issues. With her husband, she established the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, and serves as the Chairperson of the Board. She serves as President of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Vice-Chairperson of the Supreme Education Council, Chairperson of the Silatech initiative, and Chairperson of the Arab Democracy Foundation. Since 2003, she has worked with UNESCO as a Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education.

On June 25, 2013, after eighteen years as Emir, Sheikh Hamad publically announced his abdication in favor of his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa. Internationally, Sheikha Mozah often represented her husband at major royal functions and accompanied him on most state visits. She is considered by many to be one of the most glamorous and fashionable royals in the world and remains a visible member of Qatar’s royal family, often seen supporting her son, the current Emir.

Sheikha Mozah, with Princess Lalla Samla of Morocco, and Prince Albert of Monaco, 2013 photo: Popsugar

Sheikha Mozah, with Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco and Prince Albert of Monaco, at the investiture of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, 2013.  photo: Popsugar

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Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar

by Scott Mehl
© Unofficial Royalty 2014

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar; Credit – Wikipedia

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was the Emir of Qatar from 1995 until 2013. He was born on January 1, 1952, in Doha, Emirate of Qatar, the son of Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar from 1975 to 1995.

Following his initial education in Qatar, Hamad attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, graduating in 1971. Returning to Qatar, he took up several positions in Qatar’s military and government, being named Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense. He was named Crown Prince in 1977 and led Qatar’s Supreme Planning Council.

In 1992, Hamad’s father handed over much of the day-to-day responsibility to his son, while remaining Emir and Head of State. In June 1995, while Hamad’s father was out of the country, he staged a coup in June 1995, overthrowing his father and declaring himself the new Emir of Qatar. During Hamad’s reign, Qatar saw significant growth in natural gas production and more prominence on the world stage. He was a primary contributor to establishing the Al Jazeera news network and the Qatar Investment Authority. The QIA holds assets of over US$ 170 billion, with investments in several major corporations including Royal Dutch Shell, Volkswagen, and the Harrods Group, as well as real estate holdings around the world.

Sheikh Hamad on a state visit to the UK, 2010. photo: Zimbio

Sheikh Hamad on a state visit to the UK, 2010.  photo: Zimbio

Sheikh Hamad travelled extensively, promoting diplomatic ties with countries both within the region and elsewhere. He spent significant time in the United Kingdom, having several private properties there. Hamad was typically accompanied by his second wife Sheikha Mozah who has taken on a much more public role than his other wives who, in keeping with tradition, are seldom seen in public.

On June 25, 2013, after eighteen years as Emir, Sheikh Hamad publically announced his abdication in favor of his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa. Read more about the abdication here.

Sheikh Hamad has three wives and a total of 24 children.

First Wife: Sheikha Mariam bint Muhammad Al Thani, his first cousin. They had eight children:

  • Sheikh Mishaal bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
  • Sheikh Sheikh Fahd bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
  • Sheikha Aisha bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
  • Sheikha Mashael bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
  • Sheikha Fatima bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
  • Sheikha Rawdah bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
  • Sheikha Hussah bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
  • Sheikha Sara bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani

Second Wife: Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned. They married in 1977, and had seven children:

Third Wife: Sheikha Noora bint Khalid Al-Thani, his first cousin. They had nine children:

Sheikh Hamad and Sheikha Mozah with The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, 2010. photo: Zimbio/Bauer Griffin

Sheikh Hamad and Sheikha Mozah with Queen Elizaneth II and The Duke of Edinburgh, 2010. photo: Zimbio/Bauer Griffin

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Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands

by Susan Flantzer  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

Beatrix_in_April_2013

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands; Credit: Wikipedia

Beatrix was Queen of the Netherlands from 1980 until her abdication in favor of her eldest son in 2013. Her official title since her abdication is Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Princess of Orange-Nassau, Princess of Lippe-Biesterfeld. Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard was born at Soestdijk Palace in Baarn, the Netherlands on January 31, 1938. Beatrix was the first child of the four daughters of Princess Juliana of the Netherlands (became Queen in 1948) and Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld.  At the time of her birth, Beatrix’s grandmother Queen Wilhelmina reigned. In 1948, Queen Wilhelmina abdicated in favor of Beatrix’s mother Juliana.

Beatrix_infant

The infant Beatrix with her parents; Credit: Wikipedia

Beatrix was christened on May 12, 1938, in the Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk in The Hague. Her middle names are the first names of her maternal grandmother Queen Wilhelmina and her paternal grandmother Armgard of Sierstorpff-Cramm.

Her five godparents were:

Beatrix had three younger sisters:

Dutch Royal Family Portrait, 1948

Beatrix, on the right, with her family in 1948; Photo: Corbis

During World War II, three days after Germany invaded the Netherlands in May 1940, the Dutch Royal Family left for London, England. One month later, Beatrix along with her mother and her sister Irene went to Ottawa, Canada, where they would be safer. Prince Bernhard, Beatrix’s father, stayed with Queen Wilhelmina in London during the war, although both did make occasional visits to the rest of the family in Canada. Beatrix’s sister Margriet was born while the family was in Canada. While in Canada, Beatrix started her primary education at Rockcliffe Park Public School in Ottawa, Canada. On August 2, 1945, the whole family returned to the Netherlands and Beatrix spent the rest of her childhood at her birthplace, Soestdijk Palace.

Beatrix_1945

Beatrix, on the left, arrives back in the Netherlands, with her parents and sisters, on August 2, 1945; source: www.tweedewereldoorlog.nl

Upon returning to the Netherlands, Beatrix resumed her education at De Werkplaats (link translated from Dutch), a progressive school in Bilthoven, the Netherlands. In April 1950, Beatrix began her secondary education at the Incrementum, a separate classroom for Beatrix and small groups of selected peers at the Baarns Lyceum (link translated from Dutch). She passed her graduation exams in the arts and classics in 1956. Later that same year, Beatrix enrolled at Leiden University where she first studied sociology, jurisprudence, economics, parliamentary history, and constitutional law. Later she studied the cultures of Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles (both constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands at that time), the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, international affairs, international law, history, and European law. In 1959, Beatrix passed her preliminary examination in law, and in 1961 she received a combined degree in law, sociology, and economics.

On March 10, 1966, Princess Beatrix married Claus von Amsberg, a member of the German diplomatic corps, in a civil ceremony at the Amsterdam City Hall. Afterward, a religious ceremony was held at the Westerkerk in Amsterdam. The Westerkerk is a block away from the house where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis for two years and the church’s chiming bells are mentioned in Anne’s diary. On the same day, Claus von Amsberg received the style and title His Royal Highness Prince Claus of the Netherlands.

Beatrix and Claus were married until Claus died in 2002, four months after the birth of his first grandchild. The couple had three sons:

willem alexander birth family

Beatrix and Claus with their three sons; source: Hello

As her mother Queen Wilhelmina had done, Queen Juliana also abdicated in favor of her daughter and Beatrix became Queen of the Netherlands on April 30, 1980. On April 30, 2013, Queen Beatrix abdicated in favor of her eldest son Willem-Alexander.

beatrix_oath

Queen Beatrix swearing her oath on April 30, 1980; source: Hello

On February 17, 2012, Beatrix’s second son Prince Friso was severely injured in an avalanche while on a skiing holiday in Lech, Austria with the royal family. He had been buried for about 25 minutes, and the lack of oxygen had caused significant brain damage. He remained in a coma, and in March 2012, he was taken to the Wellington Hospital in London where his wife and children lived. In July 2013, Prince Friso was brought to Huis Ten Bosch, his mother’s residence, in The Hague, the Netherlands as he was no longer deemed to require hospital care, and on August 12, 2013, Prince Friso passed away.

Friso_funeral

The Dutch Royal Family at Prince Friso’s funeral; Beatrix, front right, with Friso’s daughters and his wife. Photo: Zimbio

After her abdication, Beatrix decided to live at Drakensteyn, a small castle in Baarn, the Netherlands. The castle was bought in 1959 and is the private property of Beatrix. She continues to undertake some royal duties and is the patron of many organizations.

Beatrix_granchildren 2013

Beatrix and her eight grandchildren in 2013; source: queensconsortofengland.blogspot.com

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Kingdom of the Netherlands Resources at Unofficial Royalty

Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg

by Susan Flantzer  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

 

Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg was the reigning Grand Duke from 1964 until 2000 when he abdicated in favor of his eldest son. Jean Benoît Guillaume Robert Antoine Louis Marie Adolphe Marc d’Aviano was born on January 5, 1921, at Berg Castle in Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg. He was the eldest of six children of Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg and Prince Félix of Bourbon-Parma.  Jean had one younger brother and four younger sisters:

 

Jean received his primary education and started his secondary education in Luxembourg. He completed his secondary education at Ampleforth College, a Roman Catholic boarding school in Yorkshire, England. When Jean reached the age of 18, he was styled Hereditary Grand Duke, recognizing his status as the heir apparent.

The day before Germany invaded Luxembourg in May 1940, the Grand Ducal family left for Paris, France where they stayed for several weeks. They then went to the United States, where they rented an estate on Long Island in Brookville, New York.  Later they lived in Canada and the United Kingdom. While in Canada, Jean studied law and political science at Université Laval in Quebec City, Canada.

In October 1942, Prince Félix and Hereditary Grand Duke Jean left Canada for the United Kingdom to join the British Army. Jean joined the Irish Guards on the advice of King George VI of the United Kingdom. After preliminary training, Jean completed his military education at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.  He was commissioned as a second lieutenant and later was promoted to lieutenant.  Jean landed near Bayeux, Normandy on June 11, 1944, five days after D-Day. He took part in the Battle for Caen and the liberation of Brussels. On September 10, 1944, he took part in the liberation of Luxembourg before participating in the invasion of Germany.

For his military service, Jean received the following military decorations:

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom appointed Jean Colonel of the Regiment of the Irish Guards in 1984 and Honorary General of the British Army in 1995.

On April 9, 1953, Jean married Princess Joséphine-Charlotte of Belgium (1927 – 2005), daughter of Léopold III, King of the Belgians at the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.

 

Jean and Joséphine-Charlotte had a happy 52-year marriage which ended with Joséphine-Charlotte’s death in 2005.  The couple had five children:

On November 12, 1964, Jean’s mother Grand Duchess Charlotte abdicated and he became Grand Duke.  Grand Duke Jean reigned until October 7, 2000, when he abdicated in favor of his eldest son Henri.

Jean Henri Guillaume

Grand Duke Jean with his son Grand Duke Henri and his grandson Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume; Photo: Zimbio

Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg died on April 23, 2019, at the age of 98. His death was announced by his son Grand Duke Henri on the official website of the Grand Ducal Family: “It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of my beloved father, His Royal Highness Grand Duke Jean, who has passed away in peace, surrounded by the affection of his family.” Grand Duke Jean had been hospitalized with a pulmonary condition.

The funeral of Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg took place on May 4, 2019, at the Cathedral Notre-Dame of Luxembourg in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. He was laid to rest in the Ducal Crypt of the Cathedral Notre-Dame of Luxembourg.

Grand Duke Jean’s coffin resting in the Ducal Crypt. Memorial plaques for family members are on the wall; Photo – www.cathol.lu

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Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Resources at Unofficial Royalty

King Constantine II of Greece

by Susan Flantzer  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

Embed from Getty Images 

King Constantine II of Greece was the King of Greece (styled King of the Hellenes) from 1964 until the monarchy was abolished in 1973. He was born on June 2, 1940, at Villa Psychiko, in the suburbs of Athens, Greece. His parents were King Paul of Greece and Princess Frederica of Hanover, both descendants of Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter Victoria, Princess Royal and her husband Friedrich III, German Emperor.

  • Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom → Victoria, Princess Royal (married Friedrich III, German Emperor) → Princess Sophie of Prussia (married King Constantine I of Greece)  → King Paul I of Greece (Princess Frederica of Hanover) → King Constantine II of Greece
  • Queen Victoria → Victoria, Princess Royal (married Friedrich III, German Emperor) → Wilhelm II, German Emperor (married Augusta Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein) → Princess Viktoria Luise of Prussia (married Ernst August of Hanover, Duke of Brunswick)  → Princess Frederica of Hanover (married King Paul of Greece) → King Constantine II of Greece

Constantine had an elder and a younger sister:

Constantine II_birth family

Constantine on the left with his family around 1947; Credit – www.britannica.com

In April of 1941, during World War II, Germany and Italy invaded Greece and Constantine’s family was forced to flee. The family lived in Alexandria, Egypt, and Cape Town, South Africa before returning to Greece in 1946. King George II of Greece, Constantine’s uncle, died childless in 1947, so Constantine’s father became King and Constantine became Crown Prince.

From 1949 – 1955, Crown Prince Constantine attended the Classical Lyceum Anavryton in Athens. The school was based on the educational principles of Kurt Hahn and modeled on the schools that Hahn created, Salem School in Germany and Gordonstoun School in Scotland. Attending the school gave Constantine the opportunity to associate with other children, and many became his life-long friends. Constantine participated in hockey, volleyball, and high jump, acted in school plays, and became Head Boy.

While still in school, Constantine attended military training on weekends. After graduating, he attended all three Greek military academies: Evelpidon Military Academy, Hellenic Naval Academy, and Hellenic Air Force Academy.  In 1960, Constantine went to the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens to study law.

Constantine II_Eisenhower

Crown Prince Constantine meeting President Eisenhower at the White House in 1959; Credit – Wikipedia

In 1960, Constantine became one of the royal Olympian medal winners.  In the 1960 Rome Summer Olympics, Constantine won a Gold Medal in Sailing: Mixed Three Person Keel/Dragon Class, the first Greek Gold Medal since the 1912 Stockholm Summer Olympics.

Constantine II_Olympics

Constantine after being awarded his Gold Medal; Photo source: www.yachtsandyachting.co.uk

In late February 1964, King Paul had surgery for stomach cancer but died soon afterward on March 6, 1964, and Constantine became king at the age of 23. That same evening, the devastated new king swore his oath before the Greek Parliament and his younger sister Irene was recognized as his successor until he married and had children. His elder sister Sofia had converted from Greek Orthodoxy to Roman Catholicism when she married Juan Carlos of Spain and therefore had relinquished her rights to the Greek throne.

Constantine II_oath

King Constantine II of Greece swears his oath in the Greek Parliament; Photo: Greek Royal Family

Later that year, King Constantine married Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark, the youngest daughter of King Frederick IX of Denmark. He had first met his future bride in 1959 when she was 13 years old and he was accompanying his parents on a state visit to Denmark. They met a second time in Denmark in 1961, when Constantine declared to his parents his intention to marry Anne-Marie. In 1962, Anne-Marie served as a bridesmaid at the wedding of King Constantine’s sister Sofia and Juan Carlos of Spain. At that wedding, Constantine and Anne-Marie realized that they were falling in love. Constantine proposed during a sailing holiday in Norway, but the engagement announcement was postponed for six months because of Anne-Marie’s young age. They were married on September 18, 1964, two weeks after Anne-Marie’s 18th birthday, in a Greek Orthodox ceremony at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens.

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King Constantine and Queen Anne-Marie had five children:

At the 2021 wedding of Prince Philippos and Nina Flohr: left to right: Crown Prince Pavlos, Crown Princess Marie-Chantal, the bride’s father Thomas Flohr, Prince Constantine Alexios, King Constantine, and Queen Anne-Marie

On April 21, 1967, a coup d’état led by a group of army colonels took over Greece. A military junta ruled Greece from 1967 – 1974. For more information see Wikipedia: Greek military junta of 1967–74  On December 13, 1967, King Constantine attempted a counter-coup against the military junta which failed, and King Constantine and his family had to flee to Italy. The family lived for two months in the Greek embassy and then for the next five years in a house in a suburb of Rome. King Constantine remained the head of state in exile until June 1, 1973, when the junta abolished the monarchy.  In 1974, after the fall of the junta, a referendum by the Greek people confirmed the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of the Third Hellenic Republic.

In 1973, the family moved to England, living first in Chobham, Surrey, and later in the London suburb of Hampstead. The Greek government did not permit King Constantine to return to Greece until 1981 when he was allowed to enter Greece for several hours to attend the funeral of his mother Queen Frederica. King Constantine and his family paid a private visit to Greece in 1993. After 2003, when a property dispute between Constantine and the Greek government was settled, Constantine and his family were able to make visits to Greece and purchase a summer home there. In 2013, former King Constantine II permanently returned to reside in Greece.

Constantine II_royals

King Constantine talks with Prince Harry while Queen Anne-Marie chats with the Duchess of Cambridge, now The Princess of Wales, during a luncheon at Windsor Castle; Photo: Zimbio

King Constantine was a close friend of his second cousin King Charles III of the United Kingdom, and a godfather of Prince William, The Prince of Wales. William, in turn, is a godfather of one of King Constantine’s grandchildren, Prince Constantine Alexios, the eldest son of Crown Prince Pavlos. As a descendant of Queen Victoria, King Constantine was related to a number of European royals and was regularly invited to royal functions.

King Constantine II, the former King of Greece, died at Hygeia Hospital in Athens, Greece on January 10, 2023, at the age of 82. He had been admitted to the intensive care unit at the hospital a couple of days earlier. His funeral, attended by many royal guests, was held at the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Annunciation in Athens, Greece, followed by the burial at the Royal Cemetery on the grounds of Tatoi Palace, the former summer palace of the Greek royal family, near Athens, Greece.

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Greece Resources at Unofficial Royalty

King Jigme Singye Wangchuck of Bhutan

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

King Jigme Singye Wangchuck of Bhutan; Credit – By Prime Minister Office (GODL-India), GODL-India, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=90088581

King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, 4th Dragon King of Bhutan reigned from 1972 until he abdicated in 2006 in favor of his son Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Born on November 11, 1955, at Dechencholing Palace in Thimphu, Bhutan, he is the son of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck.

Jigme Singye was educated privately in Bhutan in both traditional and Buddhist studies. He then attended St. Joseph’s College, in Darjeeling, India, followed by a year studying in London. He returned to Bhutan in 1970, studying at the Ugyen Wangchuck Academy. In addition, he received much training from his father in government matters and accompanied him on many trips around the country.

Jigme Singye became the 4th Dragon King of Bhutan upon his father’s sudden death on July 24, 1972. He was just 16 years old. His coronation was held on June 2, 1974.

Beginning his reign as an absolute monarch, Jigme Singye was instrumental in the democratization of the small nation – continuing the steps that his father had begun. He established and strengthened ties with neighboring India, and in many ways put Bhutan on the map. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment was the transition to a constitutional monarchy. While his father had established the first National Assembly in 1953, the primary power still remained with the King. King Jigme Singye was the driving force in bringing a more democratic form of government to the small nation. He transferred much of his power to the Cabinet Council of Ministers and helped to usher in a more democratic form of government.

King Jigme Singye with his four wives. photo: APFNANEWS

King Jigme Singye with his four wives. photo: APFNANEWS

King Jigme Singye has four wives, all of whom are sisters. They were all married privately in 1979, and again in a public ceremony in 1988, held at the Punakha Dzong.  The King has ten children:

With his first wife – Queen Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck

With his second wife – Queen Tshering Pem Wangchuck

With his third wife – Queen Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck

With his fourth wife – Queen Sangay Choden Wangchuck

  • Prince Khasum Singye Wangchuck (1985)
  • Princess Euphelma Choden Wangchuck (1993)
King Jigme Singye crowning his son, King Jigme Khesar, November 2008. Photo: Royal Government of Bhutan

King Jigme Singye crowning his son, King Jigme Khesar, November 2008. Photo: Royal Government of Bhutan

In 2005, King Jigme Singye announced his intention to abdicate in favor of his eldest son and began to hand off many of his responsibilities. Initially intended to happen in 2008 to coincide with the country’s first parliamentary elections, the King formally abdicated on December 9, 2006.

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King Albert II of Belgium

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

King Albert II of Belgium; Credit – Wikipedia

King Albert II of Belgium, who abdicated in favor of his son Philippe in 2013, was born at Stuyvenberg Castle in Laeken, Brussels, Belgium on June 6, 1934, the youngest child of the future King Leopold III and Princess Astrid of Sweden. He was given the name Albert in honor of his grandfather Albert I, King of the Belgians who was killed in a mountain climbing accident on February 17, 1934, four months before his birth. The day after his birth, he was created The Prince of Liège.

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Albert being carried into the church for his christening. He is followed by his father and mother and then his elder sister and elder brother.

Albert was christened with the names Albert Félix Humbert Théodore Christian Eugène Marie in June 1934 at the Church of Saint-Jacques-sur-Coudenberg in Brussels, Belgium. His godparents were:

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Albert on the left with his siblings

Albert had two older siblings:

Albert also had three half-siblings from his father’s second marriage to  Lilian Baels:

Albert’s early years were rather tumultuous, with several deaths in his immediate family, and the onset of World War II. Just a few months before his birth, his grandfather, King Albert I died in a mountain climbing accident, and his father became King Leopold III. The following year, on August 29, 1935, his mother Queen Astrid was killed in a car accident in Switzerland. In May 1940, when the German forces were invading Belgium, Albert and his siblings were evacuated from Belgium, settling in France and then Spain, before returning in August of the same year. During the next four years, the family was under house arrest at the Palace of Laeken, where Albert and his siblings were schooled privately.

In 1944, the family was sent to Germany and then to Austria by the Germans, where they would remain until being liberated by American forces in 1945. Because of the tense political situation in Belgium, the family settled in Switzerland for several years, while King Leopold III’s brother, Charles, served as Regent. While in Switzerland, Albert and his brother attended the Institut Le Rosey, in Rolle. Finally, in July 1950, Albert, his brother Baudouin, and their father returned to Belgium. However, the political situation was still tense, and there were many questions about King Leopold’s actions relating to the war. The following month, King Leopold transferred much of his authority to his elder son Baudouin and would ultimately abdicate in his favor in 1951. As Baudouin was unmarried and had no children, Albert became the heir-presumptive to the Belgian throne.

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In November 1958, while at a reception in Rome for the coronation of Pope John XXIII, Albert met Paola Ruffo di Calabria, from an Italian princely family.  Following a brief courtship, their engagement was announced in early 1959. The couple married on July 2, 1959, at the Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula in Brussels.

They took up residence at the Château de Belvédère, in the Royal Park of Laeken, and had three children:

During his years as heir presumptive, Albert’s primary role was as Honorary President of the Board of Directors of the Belgian Foreign Trade Office. In this position, he traveled extensively on trade missions and promoting Belgian companies around the world. He held this position from 1962 until his accession in 1993 and was succeeded by his son, Prince Philippe. He was also President of the Belgian Red Cross from 1958 until 1993 and was succeeded by his daughter, Princess Astrid.

On July 31, 1993, King Baudouin died suddenly at his vacation home in Portugal. Albert became King Albert II of the Belgians and was formally sworn in on August 9th. Breaking with tradition, he chose to remain at the Château de Belvédère, and not move to the Palace of Laeken which had traditionally been the home of the sovereign.

In 1999, stories began to emerge that the King had fathered an illegitimate daughter. According to the allegations, Albert had an affair with Baroness Sybille de Selys Longchamps Boël, and a daughter was born in 1968. This daughter, Delphine Boël, attempted to prove legally that she was Albert’s daughter. However, King Albert never made any public acknowledgment of these allegations.  In November 2018, a court ruling ordered Albert to submit to a DNA test to determine whether he was Boël’s biological father.  In May 2019, a Brussels Court of Appeals sentenced the former king to pay a fine of 5,000 Euros per day for every day he refused to take a DNA test. Later in May 2019, Albert agreed to submit his DNA for a paternity test.  In January 2020, it was made public that Albert was Delphine Boël’s biological father.  In October 2020, the Belgian Court of Appeal ruled that Delphine is entitled to the title of Princess of Belgium and the style of Royal Highness.  This also applies to her children.  Delphine is also entitled to inherit one-quarter of the former King’s estate,  a share equal to his legitimate children.

King Albert’s illegitimate daughter with Baroness Sybille de Selys Longchamps Boël:

  • Princess Delphine of Belgium (born 1968), married James O’Hare, an American, had two children, now styled Princess Joséphine of Belgium and Prince Oscar of Belgium

A photo made available by the Belgian Royal Palace of Queen Paola, King Albert, and Princess Delphine; Credit – Belgium Royal Palace

On October 25, 2020, King Albert and his wife Queen Paola met with Princess Delphine for the first time since she was recognized as a royal at Belvédère Castle in Brussels. A joint statement by all three was released: “On Sunday, October 25, a new chapter began, filled with emotions, appeasement, understanding and also of hope. Our meeting took place at Belvédère Castle, a meeting during which each of us was able to express our feelings and experiences serenely and with empathy. After the turmoil, suffering, and hurt, it is time for forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation. Together we decided to take this new path. This will take patience and effort, but we are determined.”

 

In early July 2013, King Albert announced his intention to abdicate, citing health reasons. On July 21, 2013, Belgium’s National Day, he signed the formal document of abdication and was succeeded by his son, King Philippe. After the abdication, it was decided that the former king would be styled His Majesty King Albert II of Belgium, the same style his father King Leopold III of Belgium used after his abdication. King Albert and Queen Paola have remained largely out of the public eye, preferring to live a quiet retirement, enjoying time with their children and twelve grandchildren.

King Albert and Queen Paola at the wedding of the grandson, Prince Amadeo, July 2014. photo: Zimbio

King Albert and Queen Paola at the wedding of their grandson Prince Amadeo, July 2014.  photo: Zimbio

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Kingdom of Belgium Resources at Unofficial Royalty

Rulers of the United Arab Emirates

by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2014

Credit – Twitter page of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Rulers of the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates,  Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain, established in 1971. Each emirate has its own ruler, and one of the rulers is elected as President and Head of State of the UAE.  There is also a Vice-President and Prime Minister who serves as Head of Government. Together, the seven rulers make up the Federal Supreme Council, the highest legislative body in the UAE.

The Emirate of Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Emir of Abu Dhabi; Credit – Wikipedia

The Emir of Abu Dhabi is Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He was born on March 11, 1961, and is the son of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Emir of Abu Dhabi, the first President of the United Arab Emirates, and Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, his third of seven wives.

Sheikh Mohamed became Emir of Abu Dhabi upon the death of his half-brother Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on May 13, 2022, and was elected President of the United Arab Emirates the next day. Sheikh Mohamed had been the de facto ruler of Abu Dhabi since his half-brother Sheikh Khalifa suffered a stroke in 2014.

Sheikh Mohamed was first educated at The Royal College in Rabat, Morocco, where he was a classmate of King Mohammed VI of Morocco. Sheikh Mohamed then returned to his hometown of Al-Ain, Abu Dhabi, and completed his secondary education. He attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Sandhurst, England, graduating in 1979.

In 1981, Sheikh Mohamed married Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan. They had four sons and five daughters including Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, born in 1982, who is the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

The Emirate of Dubai

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Emir of Dubai, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE photo: Sheikh Mohammed Official website

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Emir of Dubai, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE.  photo: Sheikh Mohammed Official website

The Emir of Dubai is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He was born July 15, 1949, the third son of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emir of Dubai from 1958-to 1990.

He was educated in Dubai and attended the Bell Educational Trust’s English Language school in the United Kingdom. He was named Crown Prince in 1995 by his elder brother, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who had succeeded their father as Emir of Dubai in 1990. Sheikh Mohammed became the Emir of Dubai in 2006 after the death of his brother Sheikh Maktoum. Following his brother’s death in January 2006, Sheikh Mohammed became Emir of Dubai, and was elected the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates.

Of the seven rulers in the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed is one of the more widely known around the world. An avid fan of horse racing and breeding, he owns several major horse farms around the world. He is often seen at races in the UK, the most prominent being Royal Ascot, held each year in Windsor.

Sheikh Mohammed’s senior wife is Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, his first cousin. They married in 1979, and have twelve children including his son and heir, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammad Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.

Sheikh Haman, Crown Prince of Dubai. photo: Emirates24/7

Sheikh Haman, Crown Prince of Dubai. photo: Emirates24/7

In 2004, Sheikh Mohammed married Princess Haya bint Hussein of Jordan, daughter of the late King Hussein of Jordan, and half-sister of King Abdullah II of Jordan, as his junior wife. The couple had two children. Sheikh Mohammed divorced Princess Haya under Sharia Law in February 2019 but he did not inform her. In the early summer of 2019, Princess Haya took her two children and fled to London where she sought political asylum and a divorce. Haya now lives in London and as an envoy of the Embassy of Jordan, she is able to remain in the United Kingdom and was granted diplomatic immunity and protection under the Geneva Convention.

 In March 2020, the High Court in London ruled that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inflicted “exorbitant” domestic abuse on his wife and granted Princess Haya sole custody of their children. In 2021, Haya was granted full custody of her children by a British court.  In March 2022, the British High Court declared that Haya had been a victim of “domestic abuse”, and she was announced as the sole person in charge of the children’s schooling and medical care.

Sheikh Mohammed and Princess Haya at Royal Ascot, 2014 photo: Zimbio

Sheikh Mohammed and Princess Haya at Royal Ascot, 2014 photo: Zimbio

The Emirate of Ajman

Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Emir of Ajman photo: Government of Ajman

Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Emir of Ajman
Photo: Government of Ajman

The Emir of Ajman is Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi. He was born in 1931, the son of Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. The Emir was educated in Dubai and later studied in Cairo. He became involved in government after Ajman joined the UAE in 1971, serving as deputy ruler and Crown Prince. He became ruler of Ajman upon his father’s death, on September 6, 1981.

His eldest son and heir is Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince and President of the Executive Board.

Sheikh Ammar, The Crown Prince of Ajman photo: emeratnow.com

Sheikh Ammar, The Crown Prince of Ajman
photo: emeratnow.com

The Emirate of Fujairah

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Emir of Fujairah photo: Fujairah News

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Emir of Fujairah.  photo: Fujairah News

The Emir of Fujairah is Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi. He was born September 25, 1948, the son of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Emir of Fujairah.

Sheikh Hamad attended the Eastbourne School of English, and the Mons Military Academy, both in the UK. He served as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries for several years before taking the throne. He became Emir of Fujairah upon his father’s death in 1974.

He is married to Sheikha Fatima bint Thani Al Maktoum and the couple has six children, including his heir, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.

Sheikh Mohammed, The Crown Prince of Fujairah photo: Fujairah News

Sheikh Mohammed, The Crown Prince of Fujairah
photo: Fujairah News

The Emirate of Ras al-Khaimah

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Emir of Ras al-Khaimah photo: Emirates24/7

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Emir of Ras al-Khaimah
photo: Emirates24/7

The Emir of Ras al-Khaimah is Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. He was born February 10, 1956, in Dubai, the son of Sheikh Saqr bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Emir of Ras al-Khaimah.

Initially educated in Ras al-Khaimah, he later studied economics at the American University of Beirut. Following the outbreak of war in Beirut, he transferred to the University of Michigan, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Political Science.

Sheikh Saud was appointed Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler in 2003 when his father removed his elder brother from the position. He became Emir of Ras al-Khaimah upon his father’s death in October 2010.

His son, Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi is Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras al-Khaimah.

Sheikh Mohammad, Crown Prince of Ras al_Khaimah photo: Wikipedia

Sheikh Mohammad, Crown Prince of Ras al_Khaimah
photo: Wikipedia

The Emirate of Sharjah

Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Emir of Sharjah photo: UAEinteract.com

Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Emir of Sharjah
photo: UAEinteract.com

The Emir of Sharjah is Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. He was born July 6, 1939, the son of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saqr Bin Khalid Al Qasimi and Sheikha Maryam Bint Ghanem Bin Salem Al Shamsi.

Sheikh Sultan received his primary education in Sharjah, Kuwait City, and Dubai. He then attended Cairo University, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1971. In 1985, he earned a Doctorate in Philosophy with distinction in history from Exeter University in the UK; and in 1999, earned a second Doctorate in Philosophy in Political Geography from Durham University in the UK. He is a noted historian and has published numerous books and theatrical works.

His senior wife was Sheikha Moza bint Salim bin Mohammed bin Manee Al Falasi, with whom he had two children. His eldest son, Crown Prince Mohammed, passed away in 1999. His second wife is Sheikha Jawaher bint Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, with whom he has four children. Sheikh Sultan became Emir of Sharjah in 1972, following the death of his brother, Sheikh Khalid III bin Muhammed al-Qasimi.

The Crown Prince of Sharjah photo: Government of Sharjah

The Crown Prince of Sharjah
photo: Government of Sharjah

Following his son’s death, Sheikh Sultan named a distant relative, Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan al-Qasimi, as Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

The Emirate of Umm al-Quwain

Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Emir of Umm al-Quwain photo: paragarme.com

Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Emir of Umm al-Quwain; photo: paragarme.com

The Emir of Umm al-Quwain is Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla. He was born October 1, 1952, the son of Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mu’alla, Emir of Umm al-Quwain. He received his primary education in Umm al-Quwain and attended high school in Lebanon. He then earned his degree in Economics from Cairo University in 1974. He was named Crown Prince in 1982.  Sheikh Saud succeeded as Emir of Umm al-Quwain in 2009, upon his father’s death.

He is married to Sheikha Sumaya bint Saqr bint Mohammed al Qasimi, a sister of the Emir of Ras al-Khaimah. The couple has ten children including Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, The Crown Prince of Umm al-Quwain.

The Crown Prince of Umm al-Quwain photo: UAE Football Association

The Crown Prince of Umm al-Quwain
photo: UAE Football Association

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