Prince William welcomed The Aga Khan V, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, to Kensington Palace this morning for a formal meeting.
The encounter took place just one day after King Charles hosted the billionaire spiritual leader of the Shia Nizari Ismaili Muslims at a black-tie accession anniversary dinner at Windsor Castle.
During yesterday’s event, the 77-year-old monarch bestowed the title “His Highness” upon the new Aga Khan, upholding a longstanding tradition between the British Royal Family and the Ismaili leadership.
Prince Rahim had previously met with King Charles at Buckingham Palace in July 2023 through his work with the Aga Khan Development Network and Aga Khan Foundation.
Prince William welcomed The Aga Khan V, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, to Kensington Palace this morning for a formal meeting.
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Flickr
The King and the Aga Khan V were photographed together in Windsor Castle’s Grand Corridor during the evening’s festivities.
His Majesty wore the traditional Windsor Coat dinner jacket, distinguished by its scarlet collar and cuffs, for the occasion.
This historic uniform has been part of the royal dress code since George III first introduced it in 1779, and remains reserved for male royals and approved household members at formal castle gatherings.
The private dinner was attended by relatives of the new Aga Khan, marking a significant family occasion alongside the formal recognition of his new role and title.
The encounter took place just one day after King Charles hosted the billionaire spiritual leader of the Shia Nizari Ismaili Muslims at a black-tie accession anniversary dinner at Windsor Castle.
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PA
Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini now serves as the 50th hereditary Imam of the global Ismaili Muslim community, which numbers approximately 15 million followers worldwide.
The Ismailis, a Shia Muslim denomination, maintain significant populations across Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and various African nations.
As Aga Khan, he holds a position of profound religious significance, with followers regarding him as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad.
This lineage means he is accorded treatment equivalent to that of a head of state within the Ismaili community and in diplomatic circles internationally.
The late Aga Khan, Prince Karim, enjoyed a close personal friendship with both King Charles and the late Queen Elizabeth II, spanning many decades.
The previous spiritual leader shared the late monarch’s enthusiasm for horse racing, with the pair frequently seen together at Royal Ascot.
Prince Karim assumed the role of Imam in 1957 at just 20 years of age, succeeding his grandfather, and passed away in Lisbon, Portugal, where the Ismaili Imamat is headquartered.