Leka II Zogu: Second Marriage & a Heir apparent for the Head of Albania's defunct Royal House

 

Albania's former Ruling House of Zogu saw the continuation of its line of claimants to what once was the 'Kingdom of the Albanians' throne. 'Prince Leka', current Head of the House of Zogu & grandson to Zog I, the sole King Albania ever had (r. 1928-1939), married for the second time to Blerta Celibashi (Albanian photographer) at the Slovak Castle where his grandmother, Queen Geraldine (1915-2002) was born and raised. 'Princess Blerta Zogu', as the defunct Royal House since recognized her, gave birth on July 10 to a son, Prince Aleksandër, his father's sole 'heir apparent' & fourth-generation member of the Royal House, established by Ahmed Zogoli (1895-1961) - then President of Albania - and abolished in 1939 following the kingdom's annexation by fascist Italy. Leka - the son of Crown Prince Leka (1939-2011), distincting himself as "Leka II" - was previously married to Albanian actress & singer, Elia Zaharia. Their "Royal Wedding" on 8 October 2016 was a major event held in Tirana, attended by senior royalty, including Queen Sofía of Spain & Dowager Empress Farah of Iran. It produced one daughter, Princess Geraldine (b. 2020), but collapsed in 2024, reverting 'Princess Elia Zogu' back to her maiden name, after their divorce.

The engagement between 'Crown Prince Leka II' & Ms Blerta Celibashi was announced by the Prince's official social media accounts, on 11 October 2025, after 13 months of public courtship. Made on behalf of 'The Royal Court of Albania', the communique read that the engagement was "joyfully celebrated" in Ksamil, Southern Albania, in front of the family & close friends with photos of the affectionate couple in the same post. Nevertheless, Leka retained a close relationship with his daughter from the previous marriage, Princess Geraldine (named after her Royal great-grandmother, on whose death anniversary, October 22, she was born). Her upbringing remained a "number one priority" for both her parents. With Blerta, who joined Leka in supporting Queen Geraldine's Foundation, championing education & charity across Albania, from before their engagement, the Head of the House of Zogu, planned a royal Wedding in the country in 2026, implying that Princess Geraldine, 6, could play an important role in it.

Eventually, the wedding did take place in 2026, but not in Albania & was far more discreet than Leka's previous ceremony to Elia. On Sunday, March 15, Prince Leka's official page shared a communique by The Albanian Royal Court, issued in Tirana. It announced the marriage of 'His Royal Highness Crown Prince Leka of The Albanians' and Miss Blerta Celibashi, that had taken place in a private ceremony, retaining an "intimate and solemn character". The official photographs, shared in the post, were taken at Chateau Apponyi in Slovakia, the historic residence of 'Her Majesty Queen Geraldine of The Albanians' who was born into a Hungarian noble family and raised at the very castle. The statement also disclosed that following her marriage 'Princess Blerta' had received the family name Zogu & will bear the title: "Princess of The Albanians". Subsequently, more posts of Leka II & Princess Blerta, 27, were made from visiting poignant sites in Oponice, connected with Queen Geraldine's ancestry, the same month.

Soon after their wedding - of which core details remain unclear - speculations arose that Princess Blerta was expecting a child. She indeed, did give birth to a baby boy, just four months after marrying Leka II. The official announcement, posted on social media this time was very laconic. It announced on behalf of The Albanian Royal Court the birth of "His Royal Highness Prince Aleksandër of The Albanians, heir to Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Leka II of the Albanians and Princess Blerta". He was born at the Queen Geraldine University Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Tirana, on Friday 10 July 2026. The sole male born to Prince Leka, 44, Aleksandër is set to continue the House of Zogu through its salic lineage of headship (& claiming of the throne). His elder half-sister, Princess Geraldine (whose birth was the last news announced on the official website of The 'Albanian Royal Court') welcomed her younger sibling with a traditional loving song, shared by their father few weeks later at home in Tirana.

Prince Leka was born on 26 March 1982 in Johannesburg, South Africa, where his family was living in exile. He was the only child of Crown Prince Leka (who was proclaimed King of the Albanians Leka I after his father's death in 1961 by loyal supporters in exile) & Australian-born Susan Cullen-Ward (1941 - 2004), titular Crown Princess of Albania. Leka II (whose full name is: Leka Anwar Zog Reza Baudouin Msiziwe Zogu) was educated in Johannesburg and in the UK where he graduated from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst with distinction. He also attended Skanderbeg Military Academy in Albania & studied in universities of Italy & Kosovo (international relations). The former Royal Family returned from exile to Albania in 2002, shortly before the death of Queen Geraldine (considered 'Queen Mother' by the royalists) on October 22. Prince Leka began his career in public service in 2007, having been appointed as advisor to several Albanian politicians, Minister of Interior, & eventualy President (2012-13), and succeeded his father as Head of The House of Zogu (& titular  'Crown Prince') on 30 November 2011. The House of Zogu, originating from Albania's Mat region, has no official recognition.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leka,_Prince_of_Albania

https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/861109/prince-leka-engaged-to-blerta-celibashi-after-divorcing-from-wife/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DPs7Y0zjVlO/?img_index=1

https://www.hola.com/us/royals/20260218884531/leka-of-albania-remarry-after-controversial-divorce/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DV6TrNhjUGL/?img_index=1

https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/889580/prince-leka-ties-the-knot-in-intimate-ceremony/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DV_hEU0DbNg/?img_index=1

https://people.com/prince-leka-albania-marries-photographer-fiancee-princess-blerta-after-5-months-after-engagement-announcement-11926811

https://www.instagram.com/p/DWBKud7DUrD/?img_index=1

https://people.com/crown-prince-leka-albania-announces-engagement-18-months-after-divorce-fiancee-peek-behind-scenes-11829654

https://www.instagram.com/p/DWCLX9rjXk3/?img_index=1

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https://www.instagram.com/p/DWE4M6_Dc6I/?img_index=1

https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/863075/europeans-sweet-message-to-daughter-after-surprise-engagement/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DanrCI9jb_2/?img_index=1

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https://www.instagram.com/p/DbOOtrpt4wo/

https://web.archive.org/web/20220330040425/https://albanianroyalcourt.al/a-road-trip-to-mat-2/

https://royalwatcherblog.com/2026/10/08/wedding-ball-of-crown-prince-leka-of-albania-2016/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Zogu

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https://albanianroyalcourt.al/

Guillaume V at 45: Looking back to his first year as Luxembourg's Grand Duke

Grand Duke Guillaume V, the world's youngest Sovereign Monarch, celebrates his 45th Birthday today (11 November 2026). Having succeeded his abdicated father, Henri, as Grand Duke of Luxembourg on 3 October 2025, Guillaume, & his wife, Grand Duchess Stéphanie, have represented their Sovereign Grand Duchy at home & abroad over their first year of Reign, promoting social solidarity and carrying on their own activities, apart from their constitutional role (safeguarding democratic Institutions) as Head of State and his Consort. Following the three-day Accession festivities ('Trounwiessel', 3-5 October 2025) Their Royal Highnesses have undertaken three 'Joyeuses Entrée' (Joyous Entry Tours), meeting & interacting with their subjacts in Esch, Troisvierges & Ehnen, with two more visits (to Mersch & Beckerich) planned for 2027. The Sovereign Couple have made official visits abroad in since ascending the throne to Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, The Vatican, Spain & France, & received The Presidents of Portugal & Finland. The Grand Duke delivered a historic Speech at The UN General Assembly in September, while The National Day (his Official Birthday) on June 23 & garden parties changed the Royal Family representation in the new Reign!

Five Joyous Entry Visits have been planned in towns & cities of Luxembourg to celebrate the new Grand Ducal Couple in 2026 & 2027. The first of those traditional celebrations (dating back to the Middle Ages) saw The Grand Duke & Grand Duchess visit Esch-sur-Alzette on Friday, 24 April 2026. Following their reception Guillaume V cycled across Europe's longest bicycle bridge, while Stéphanie visited facilities of The University & Space Agency of Luxembourg. The Royal Couple was reunited at the central square for a program of circus, dancing & scout performances before mingling with crowds & singing a golden book. Second regional stop of the Joyous Entry Tours was the town of Troisvierges on Friday, 10 July 2026. Their Royal Highnesses attended child music & dance performances & parades at the city square, then visited a cultural center, saw diversity & rural heritage (woodcraft) exhibits, and interacted with the public. To the third leg of the Tours, on Friday, 2 October (2026) Guillaume V and Stéphanie arrived on Board the SM Princesse Marie-Astrid, together with Luxembourg's oldest woman (107). They first visited Ehnen & then Wormeldange, where an extensive programme by schoolchildren & scouts performances & visits to a local regional tourist board took place. Complete on the eve of the first anniversary of their enthronement, The Grand Duke & Grand Duchess will conclude their 'Joyeuses Entrée' tours next summer with two more stops in Mersch - on 11 June - & Beckerich - on July 9, 2027.

Although today's 45th Birthday of The Grand Duke is privately celebrated, his second, Official Birthday falls on the country's National Day, June 23. As usual, Luxembourg national celebrations this year took off on June 22 with fireworks & a torch procession in Luxembourg City, the Royal Couple having spent part of the day in Differdange. The National Day programme consisted, as usual, of three parts: First, an official ceremony at The Philharmonie, Second a Military parade down the Liberty Avenue, and Third, a 'Te Deum' Service at Notre-Dame Cathedral. In his first Official Birthday address, Guillaume V spoke about democracy as "a shared journey", emphasazing on the importance of collective responsibility & of passing on their values to the future generations. Garden parties for Summer were hosted in Berg Castle by The Grand Duke & Grand Duchess, who, together with their two young sons, Princes Charles (6) & François (3) were graanted a festive farewell to Fischbach Castle, where they resided before their accession. The Family of four also lead the end of post-Easter Octave (Catholic) procession, taking over from a larger Royal Family representation of their parents & five siblings before the 'Change of Throne'.

In their first year on the throne, Grand Duke Guillaume & Grand Duchess Stéphanie kept focusing on youth, social engagement & volunteerism - their personal priorities apart from the official role as Head of State & his Consort. The Grand Duke welcomed at The Palace members of the Youth Parliament & received young people from Ukrainian city of Bucha, while The Royal Couple honored nursing staff & first responding aides, attending Christmas celebrations of the latter's organization. In his first Christmas message, Guillaume V emphasized on social cohesion, unity & solidarity through shared values, respect & traditions. Those traditions he and his wife would upheld, be it a religious feast, annual garden parties or visits across the country on special occasions, as well as its representation abroad. For the first time since his father in 2012, Guillaume addressed the 81st (session of The) General Assembly of The UN, in New York City, on September 22. The new Monarch spoke about reforming international institutions, placing more trust to young people, & promoted multilateralism not as a mere solution for everything, but as an inevitable way forward. He also sought Luxembourg's bid to be in The UN Security Council for 2031-2032.

Guillaume V's parents, Grand Duke Henri & (Cuban-born) Grand Duchess Maria-Teresa, married for 45 years on Valentine's Day, spent their time mostly discreetly, with the former Grand Duke accompanying the new Sovereign Couple on The Swedish King's 80th Birthday Celebrations & The Funeral of King Harald V of Norway. Grand Duchess Maria-Teresa turned 70 on March 22 & celebrated her milestone with her five children & nine grandchildren. Guillaume was born on 11 November 1981 and became Hereditary Grand Duke on 7 October 2000 (when his father Henri succeeded his father Jean as Grand Duke). Guillaume studied in Luxembourg & Switzerland, graduating from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2002. He continued studying International Politics (UK) & Political Science (in France) & undertook training in economic missions to the European Commission & EU countries. A passionate Scout since his youth, he inherited from his grandfather the title of Chief Scout in 2019 & this year was appointed Honorary President of World Scout Foundation by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, after serving as a board for nine years. Engaged to Belgian Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy on 26 Spril 2012, he married her on 19 & 20 October of that year in a civil & Catholic ceremony in Luxembourg; together they welcomed two sons, Prince Charles (* 10 May 2020) & Prince François (* 28 March 2023). On the 8 October 2024 Guillaume became Lieutenant-Representative to his father, preparing to succeed him on the throne, one year later. At the age of 45, he is the youngest reigning Sovereign Monarch worldwide.

Videos:

Previous, recent, relevant Blog Posts:

https://royaleventsintheword.blogspot.com/2025/10/trounwiessel-guillaume-v-succeeds-henri.html

https://royaleventsintheword.blogspot.com/2025/07/silver-jubilee-henris-final-national.html

https://royaleventsintheword.blogspot.com/2026/09/state-funeral-of-hm-king-harald-v-part.html

https://royaleventsintheword.blogspot.com/2026/10/a-we-then-and-now-king-carl-xvi-gustaf.html

https://royaleventsintheword.blogspot.com/2026/10/death-state-funeral-of-hm-king-harald-v.html

Sources:

https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/how-grand-duke-guillaume-has-made-the-role-his-own-150711174

https://monarchie.lu/en/grand-ducal-family/hrh-grand-duke-0

https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/dates-confirmed-for-royal-joyous-entries-tour-942473749

https://www.luxtimes.lu/luxembourg/grand-duke-guillaume-to-visit-esch-as-part-of-joyeuse-entree-tradition/148038983.html

https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/grand-ducal-couple-visit-esch-as-part-of-royal-tour-1948030005

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https://www.newmyroyals.com/2026/07/grand-duke-guillaume-and-grand-duchess.html

https://www.royal-news.org/european-royals/grand-duke-guillaume-and-grand-duchess-stephanie-make-joyous-entry-into-ehnen/

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