Prince William welcomed the Aga Khan V, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, at Kensington Palace on Thursday, February 5. The formal meeting is part of ongoing high-profile engagements between the British Royal Family and the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community.
The visit followed hours after King Charles hosted Prince Rahim at a black-tie accession anniversary dinner at Windsor Castle. During the dinner, the King formally bestowed the title “His Highness” upon Prince Rahim, adhering to royal tradition.
Prince Rahim recently became the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Nizari Ismaili Muslims. The community has around 15 million followers worldwide. His leadership marks a significant continuation of the Aga Khan legacy.
For the Windsor Castle dinner, King Charles wore the traditional Windsor Coat dinner jacket, a historic uniform dating back to 1779. This attire is reserved for formal royal gatherings. The event was attended by Prince Rahim’s family and close associates.
The Aga Khan V has met members of the British Royal Family previously. His past engagements include a meeting with King Charles at Buckingham Palace in July 2023. These discussions were linked to his philanthropic work with the Aga Khan Development Network and the Aga Khan Foundation.
The late Aga Khan, Prince Karim, shared a longstanding personal friendship with King Charles and the late Queen Elizabeth II. This relationship has strengthened ties between the British monarchy and the Ismaili leadership over decades.
During the formal meeting at Kensington Palace, Prince William and Prince Rahim discussed ongoing collaborations and future initiatives. Sources say the meeting emphasized shared values and the importance of community development.
The royal engagement highlights the continued connection between the United Kingdom and the Ismaili Muslim community. Analysts note that these formal meetings reinforce the historical relationship while also promoting cultural and philanthropic dialogue.
This visit marks another chapter in the long-standing friendship between the British Royals and the Aga Khan family, underlining mutual respect and shared commitment to global development and humanitarian work.
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