Last month the Ruling dynasty of Abu Dhabi mourned the death of a senior royal. Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, half-brother of the (capital) emirate's Ruler & Crown Prince, and son of the UAE' founder (& first President) Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, died on Monday 18 November 2019 at the age of 62-63, while receiving a treatment abroad. UAE observed three days of national mourning, during which any comments for the deceased were forbidden. Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed was born in 1955 or 1 December 1956 in Al Ain, then (British controlled) Trucial States. His father, Sheikh Zayed, later (1971) became the Founding Father of the Union of Seven Independent United Arab Emirates, as they are known today.
Sheikh Sultan (left) with his brother President Khalifa (right)
Sultan was Zayed's second son, the only one from his third wife (Shaikha bint Madhad Al Mashghouni). Sheikh Sultan's half-brothers from his father's other marriages include current Emir of Abu Dhabi (& President of UAE), Sheikh Khalifa & the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (who replaces the former in most presidential activities due to his poor health).
Sheikh Sultan (sitting right) as President's Representative chatting with his son Hazza (left) at a Camel Race Festival
Flag, flying at half-mast for the late Sheikh
Having received his education in Millfield School & graduated also from UK's Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Sheikh Sultan was a prominent adviser to his father, who appointed him as Deputy Prime Minister of UAE in 1990 & made him Chairman of his short-lived Zayed Centre (which promoted the Arab culture, but was closed due to its platform's provided Antisemitic views). In 2009 Sultan bin Zayed was replaced with two of his half-brothers as Deputy Prime Minister, while President Sheikh Khalifa named him his personal Representative, a post Sultan held until his death.
Sheikh Sultan (right) receives citizens in his province (Al Ain) as Representative of the President (of UAE)
Apart from being involved in governmental affairs, Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan also was a member of Abu Dhabi' Supreme Petroleum Council & Investment Authority; and furthermore chaired the media & culture centre and the Emirates Heritage Club as well. For the latest, he was very passionate in Falcons & Camels, believing that traditional sports with these animals preserve the nation's centuries' old heritage.
Sheikh Sultan (left) with CP Mohammed bin Zayed (right)
Following the announcement of his sudden death, Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed was mourned by all seven Rulers (& Supreme Council members) of UAE. His younger brother Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed said that he lost "a brother & friend" describing him as a national figure who served the country & one of the most loyal & respectful persons here. The Emir of Fujairah also called upon his loyalty & recalled the journey of building the nation, during which Sheikh Sultan 'accompanied the generation of our founding fathers'.
With VP & PM Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum (Dubai' Emir)
Additionally the Prime Minister & Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum (Emir of Dubai) condoled Sheikh Sultan's family, saying that Sheikh Zayed's sons were partners in country's founding & left a "timeless mark" on it. Other tributes from those who knew the late Sheikh referred his simplicity, dedication to public service & oppeness to people & tradition. During the three-day mourning period (lasted until Nov. 20) entertainments were cancelled & TV stations played parts from Quran.
UAE Rulers attend SHeikh Sultan bin Zayed's funeral prayers at the Mosque.
Late Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed's body was frown back to UAE on Tuesday (Nov. 19) night. His funeral prayers were held at Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed The First Mosque in Al Bateen after noon prayer of Wednesday, November 20. It was attended by all UAE' Emirs, except President Khalifa & Prime Minister Mohammed Al Maktoum. Mohammed bin Zayed led Al Nahyan family in prayers & carried the deceased's flag-drapped body together with his sons after the prayers; he was laid to rest at nearby Al Bateen cemetery after an emotional farewell.
King Hamad of Bahrain (centre) condoles Al Nahyan family
Condolences were accepted by Al-Nahyan family at Al Mushrif palace the same afternoon, between two muslim prayers (~3:20-5:40pm). For the next two days (Thursday & Friday) condolence visits were accepted also from 10 am to midday (Dhuhr) prayers, apart from abovementioned hours. Among those who paid a visit (except ordinary people & local officials) was also HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, while all monarchical courts from Gulf nations condoled the president after his brother's death.
Amir Sheikh Sabah IV (pic. right) with PMs Jaber Mubarak
Al-Sabah (left above) & Sabah Khalid Al-Sabah (left bellow)
A government change happened last month in Kuwait following a scandalous background. Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, member of the Ruling dynasty & premier for 8 years, stepped down on November 14 & refused the offer to reshuffle the cabinet. Then (his cousin) the Ruling Emir Sheikh Sabah IV (90), appointed his (namesake) nephew Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid (66) as the new Prime Minister on November 19. Let's see in short how these changes unfolded!
HH Amir Sheikh Sabah IV (right) & CP Sheikh Nawwaf (left)
All began when senior members of the previous government (eighth in the last eight years) became subjects of allegations over mismanagement of public funds for defence & pensions in the past. Then (early November) elected Parliamentarians sought a no-confidence vote to several appointed officials, forcing their resignation. Several protests followed, in the country with the most free press & democratically elected Parliament among Gulf nations.
After loosing his major ministers in Interior & Finance, and facing himself legal accusations (by Defence Minister) of misleading the situation, Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah (77) submitted his government's resignation to the Ruling Emir.
HH Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (left)
endorses Sabah Khalid Al Sabah (right) as Prime Minister
HH Sheikh Sabah (IV) Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah accepted it, & even dissmissed his son (Sheikh Nasser Al Sabah) from Defence (& Deputy Prime) Minister's post(s). But the 90-year-old Amir also gave his second cousin the chance to reshuffle government again.
However, Sheikh Jaber Mubarak, who had already changed quite a few of governments in the past eight years & denied any wrongdoing from his side; respectfully rejected - via a (Nov. 18) message to the elderly ruler - the offer, prioritizing "to prove his innocence".
HH The Amir (centre) with Crown Prince (left) &
newly appointed Prime Minister (right) - 19.11.2019
Therefore HH Sheikh Sabah (the second oldest reigning monarch in the world, a great supporter of dialogue & himself former Kuwaiti Prime Minister) appointed his (maternal) nephew Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid as the 8th Prime Minister of the state of Kuwait, which the latter accepted. He was sworn in before (his uncles) The Amir & Crown Prince (Sheikh Nawwaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, 82) the same day (Tuesday, 19 November 2019)at the Bayan palace.
The new Prime Minister began his political career in 1978, represented Kuwait in a UN mission (1983-9) & has served in several ministerial positions & the Amiri Diwan (the official media organ of Al-Sabah ruling family) before being named minister of foreign affairs & Deputy Prime Minister in 2011.
Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah (b. 1953), 8th PM of Kuwait
A senior member of the House of Saud passed away on Monday, December 2. Prince Mutaib (or Miteb) bin Abdulaziz, one of the oldest-know members of Saudi ruling family, died at the age of ~88 (or 91). He was the eldest surviving son of Saudi Arabia's founder & first King Abdulaziz (also known as Ibn Saud) since the death of his half-brother, Prince Bandar last July at the age of 95. Born in 1931 (or 1928) in Riyadh, Prince Mutaib was the 17th son of King Abdulaziz (who in total had ~45 sons, 36 of whom survived infancy) from an Armenian wife, Princess Shahida. He was a full brother of Princes Mansour (1921-1951) & Misha'al (1926-2017). When the former died (1951), the latter succeeded him as Minister of Defence & Mutaib was appointed his deputy.
He retained that post until 1956, & from 1958 to 1961 served as Governor of Makkah province (a position Prince Misha'al later held). In 1971 both brothers resigned from cabinet posts for unclear reasons, with Prince Miteb rejoining again as public work & Housing minister in 1975. He served as Minister of Municipal & Rural Affairs for nearly three decades (1980-2009) before retiring to be succeeded by his son (Mansour bin Mutaib).
Apart from his political career, Miteb bin Abdulaziz was also an active enterpreneur in his family's kingdom & abroad. He was reported to exercize the right on the country's national fishery revenues (a gift from his father) & also shared the partnership of a real estate company & a beverage firm, among others. The Prince was listed as the 98th richest Arab worldwide, owning US $1100.1 million.
CTHM King Salman (right) attending Prince Mutaib's funeral
His death at an advanced age wasbriefly announced by KSA' royal court & condolences (by &) to the King (his half-brother) & his family received from various leaders & royals across the arab world. Prince Miteb was laid to rest in Makkah on Tuesday, December 3 (2019), after an evening funeral prayer at Riyadh's Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Mosque. Following his death, six sons of Ibn Saud are left alive. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques (since 2015) King Salmanbecomes the oldest surviving, the last Saudi King to hold this record (& last of his brothers to reign over the kingdom).
Salman bin AbdulAziz (now 83), King since 2015; becomes the oldest surviving son of Ibn Saud.
The Grand Ducal Court of Luxembourg shared a joyful announcement last Friday, December 6. It stated that TRH Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume & Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanieare expecting their first child, due to be born in May next year. Guillaume, 38 & Stephanie (nee Countess de Lannoy), 35, married in October 2012 & currently reside in London, UK. Even though there were some speculationsin past seven years, the Royal Couple declined any children plans or pregnancy rumours.
The brief announcement was made on behalf of TRH The Grand Duke (Henri) & Grand Duchess (Maria Teresa) of Luxembourg. It said that the Sovereign Couple were "immensely pleased" & shared "their great joy" with the members of both delighted families. It is understood that TRH are aware of the happy news for some months now.
The statement was accompanied by several new official portraits of the Hereditary Couple, released for the occasion. Also on Friday Their Royal Highnesses said a few words to the press during a joint engagement at a store in Luxembourg city. The Hereditary Grand Duke expressed their 'great joy' to share their news with the people, adding that seeing their supportive happiness is touching & makes their feelings warmer. The Hereditary Grand Duchess, on her side, added that while her pregnancy was kept in secret for months, now "it's very nice to be able to share our joy with the people of Luxembourg". While the future monarchs live currently a quite life completing extra studies in the UK, they are expected to assume more public duties (& raise their child/ren) in their Grand Duchy.
The upcoming Royal baby will be the 5th grandchild of Grand Duke Henri & Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, and regardless of gender, will succeed his/her father as Grand Duke/chess of Luxembourg. The world's last Sovereign Grand Duchy adopted absolute primogeniture law of succession in 2011. This long expected pleasure comes after a difficult year for both the Hereditary Couple. In January Stephanie's father (Count Philippe de Lannoy) died at the grand age of 96. Then in April, Guillaume's grandfather, former Grand Duke Jean (the oldest monarch in the world) passed away aged 98. Both elderly family members lived for long enough to enjoy many generations of descendants, but in this case (the former's youngest child's children & the latter's third direct heir, eldest grandchild's child), they didn't make to see it.
Grand Duke Jean's obituary (in a previous publication) from last April:
At Guillaume & Stephanie's religious wedding on October 20, 2012. Members of current & former monarchical households from around the world are pictured together with the celebrating family. Among those pictured, can be seen seating: Count Philippe de Lannoy (right) & Grand Duke Jean (second left); next to Dowager Queen Fabiola of Belgium (1928 - 2014).
All Photos are from the Cour Grand-Ducale
Video from the press remarks, at "Des Mains de Maîtres"
Pop-Up store in Luxembourg City, on Friday, Dec. 6
Kingdom of Cambodia mourned the death of a senior royal, last month. Princess Norodom Buppha Devi, the eldest half-sister of King Norodom Sihamoni, passed away on Monday, November 18, at the age of 76. A cousin confirmed that she died in a Bangkok hospital at 12:30, following an intense treatment. The General Secretariat of Cambodia's Constitutional council (of which she was a member) expressed its saddness & conveyed condolences to her family. Prime Minister Hun Sen declared Wednesday (November 20) a day of national mourning across the country. Every possible entertainments were cancelled & alcohol sale was bannedthat day.
Princess Buppha Devi with her father, King Norodom Sihanouk
Princess Buppha Devi was born on January 8, 1943, the eldest child of King Norodom Sihanouk & his first wife, Phat Kanhol (1920-1970). Her younger full-brother, is former Prime Minister (& Funcinpec party founder) Prince Norodom Ranariddh. From the age of 5 she began studying Royal Ballet, a form of art assossiated with the kingdom's royal heritage for many centuries. After finishing her primary & secondary education in Phnom Penh, Buppha Devi became Prima ballerina at 18. Her dancing skills were highlighted when she performed in front of foreign leaders (like De Gaule & Sukarno) during her father's official trips abroad in the 1960s. Traditional dances of Cambodia were shown to the world for the first time.
Buppha Devi (whose name literally means Flower Goddess) was especially talented in the performance of Apsara dance (dedicated to female spirits), passed on by her Royal Grandmother. She taught the royal dance to various students, without social class limitations. In 1975 the Princess escaped from Khmer Rouge leaving the country & teaching for some time in a refugee camp in Thailand.
She returned with the rest of the royal family in 1991. Five of her 12 siblings were reportedly killed by the regime, of which the vast majority of royal ballet teachers also didn't survive. Thus Princess Buppha Devi, along with few other remaining professionals put their efforts to revive this kind of culture (including Apsara dance). Her Royal Highness directed the Royal ballet of Cambodia, & also held some cabinet offices, being the Minister of Culture & Fine Arts (1998-2004). In her later years her health deteriorated, but Buppha Devi continued teaching, worrying about the future continuity of Royal ballet (which has been sincelisted as a unique part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO).
Norodom Buppha Devi was married five times during her life & had five children (born between 1960 & 1973). Although some of her students felt like losing their own mother when her death (of an unspecified illness) was announced. Many tributes were paid for her generosity of spirit & lifelong dedication to the Royal Ballet. Condolences were paid to her family domestically & from abroad.
The late Princess' body was flown back to Phnom Penh on Tuesday (Nov. 19) & was placed into a gold-embroidered coffin at Wat Botum pagoda. There Buddhist funeral chantings were held for six days. Members of the Royal family (beginning with The King & Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk), her students, officials & ordinary people were visiting the pagoda & paying their last respects. In the meantime, preparations for a final sendoff were made.
King Norodom Sihamoni (Buppha Devi's brother) & his Mother Queen Norodom Monineath (late King Sihanouk's sixth & last wife)
Senior monks' pallanquin during the royal funeral procession
On the seventh day (Monday, November 25) the royal cremation took place, after a nationwide funeral procession across the capital streets. The flag-drapped coffin was carried on a wheeled palanquin in the scheme of a mythical creature. It was slowly pulled by soldiers (dressed to colourful attires) to the crematorium, escorted by other pallanquins carried a large portrait of hers & chief monks (chanting on the route). Then, the casket was carefully laid to the funeral pyre & a farewell ceremony took place. At its end, the King lighted the pyre with many of those present overcomed by emotion.
King Norodom Sihamoni & Queen Mother Norodom Monineath
Princess Buppha Devi's casket is carried into the crematorium
King Sihamoni ligts his sister's funeral pyre
Princess Buppha Devi's daughter among dancers Nov. 24 night
Princess Buppha Devi was cremated at around 8:30 am in front of the Botum Pagoda. Her eldest daughter Princess Sisowath Monico Kossamak thanked all those who donated money or helped the funeral to be held smoothly. Her second daughter Princess Sisowath Kalyan Tevi had also participated in a traditional ballet dance near the crematorium the previous night, as part of royal ballet dancers' tribute to the late Apsara' master. After (cremation) ceremony ended the officials (& royal family) departed, while members of Buppha Devi's close family remained to collect her ashes. Further prayers for the royal ashes are being held the following days & weeks; before they will be enshrined privately on a later date.
See also a previous publication about Buppha Devi's full sibling, Ranariddh on his 75th birthday:
