Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community, passed away at the age of 88 in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family in his final moments.
Global Tributes to Aga Khan
His passing has been met with deep sorrow worldwide, including a heartfelt tribute from King Charles, who expressed his grief over the loss of his longtime friend. A royal source stated,
“The King is deeply saddened by the passing of Aga Khan, as they shared a close and enduring friendship.”
Aga Khan’s Contributions
As the founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), he played a pivotal role in healthcare, education, and economic development across multiple countries. Under his leadership, millions of Ismaili Muslims worldwide remained united, and he significantly contributed to promoting interfaith harmony.
Close Ties with the British Royal Family
Aga Khan shared a strong bond with the British royal family, particularly with Queen Elizabeth II, with whom he connected over a shared passion for horse racing. He frequently attended Royal Ascot, and his renowned racehorse Shergar was famously kidnapped in 1983.
In 2008, Queen Elizabeth hosted a special dinner at Buckingham Palace in his honor. Additionally, in 1957, she granted him the title of “His Highness” shortly after he was appointed as the 49th Imam of the Ismaili community.
Connections with the Younger Royal Generation
His association extended to the younger members of the royal family as well. In 2019, Prince William and Princess Kate visited the Aga Khan Centre in London, where they met with British-Pakistani business leaders, artists, and other distinguished personalities.
Aga Khan’s passing is a significant loss, not only for the Ismaili community but also for the global community, which has lost an influential leader and visionary.
