Prince Mohamed Ali Farouk, the grandson of Egypt’s last king, has returned to Cairo, expressing gratitude for King Hassan II’s support that allowed his birth during exile. His comeback signifies a reconciliation between royalism and republicanism. The history between Egypt and Morocco, fraught with tensions, has evolved, and he now seeks to rehabilitate his family’s legacy without political ambitions.
Prince Mohamed Ali Farouk, the grandson of Egypt’s last king, has returned to live in Cairo. He expressed his gratitude towards the late King Hassan II of Morocco for his pivotal support, which facilitated his birth in Cairo amid his family’s exile. This significant act in 1979 marked him as the first male descendant of the royal lineage to return to Egypt since the 1952 revolution.
The prince, who received his Egyptian passport in 2020, is settling in Cairo after spending many years abroad, primarily in France. His homecoming signifies a symbolic reconciliation between Egypt’s royal and republican eras. He stated, “For my father, Egypt was a lost homeland. For me, it is a rediscovered one.”
Mohamed Ali’s father, Fouad II, became king at just seven months of age following King Farouk’s abdication, but the monarchy was abolished in 1953. His wife, Princess Noal Zaher, has been a significant influence, encouraging his return to the Orient for the benefit of their children’s connection to their heritage.
The relationship between King Hassan II and Egyptian President Nasser was historically contentious, marked by early tensions that escalated to military threats. According to French diplomatic archives, this discord began in the late 1950s, characterized by a sarcastic remark from Hassan II regarding Nasser’s ability to lead.
Tensions peaked during the 1963 Sand War between Morocco and Algeria, which involved Egyptian military support for Algeria. Diplomatic relations worsened when a meeting in 1965 between Hassan II and Nasser resulted in hostility due to differing perceptions on foreign alliances related to Israel.
Only after Anwar Sadat and Hosni Mubarak took office did relations begin to improve. Recently, early tensions have surfaced under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s administration, particularly regarding concerns over border security and cooperation with Algeria, despite affirmations of support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Currently, Prince Mohamed Ali aims to restore his family’s reputation and seeks no political power. He noted, “I simply want to work on rehabilitating the image of my royal family and contribute to preserving and transmitting its historical, cultural, and artistic heritage.” He believes that the family’s legacy, spanning 150 years, warrants recognition.
In summary, Prince Mohamed Ali Farouk’s return to Egypt signifies a pivotal moment in reconciling the lingering tensions between historical royalist and republican eras. His appreciation for King Hassan II’s support underscores the intertwined histories of Egypt and Morocco. Amidst a complex backdrop of diplomatic challenges, the prince’s focus on restoring his family’s image and cultural heritage remains paramount, as he distances himself from any political aspirations.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
