Prince Karim Al-Husseini, the Aga Khan, Passes Away at 88
Prince Karim Al-Husseini, the Aga Khan and spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community, passed away at the age of 88 on Tuesday in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family.
His death has led to an outpouring of tributes, including a heartfelt message from King Charles, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his longtime friend.
A royal source revealed that the King, who had shared a close personal bond with the Aga Khan for many years, was “deeply saddened” by his passing.
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As the leader of millions of Ismaili Muslims worldwide, the Aga Khan was widely respected for his philanthropy and visionary leadership.
His organization, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is recognized for its efforts in advancing healthcare, education, and economic development in multiple countries.
The news of his passing has also brought renewed attention to his longstanding relationship with the British royal family. He maintained a notable connection with Queen Elizabeth II, especially through their mutual passion for horse racing.
Frequently seen at Royal Ascot with the Queen, the Aga Khan was also the owner of Shergar, the legendary Derby-winning racehorse that was famously kidnapped in 1983.
In recognition of his contributions, Queen Elizabeth hosted a special dinner in his honor at Buckingham Palace in 2008. Additionally, she had granted him the title of “His Highness” in 1957, just weeks after he was named the successor to the 1,300-year-old dynasty established by his grandfather, Aga Khan III.
The Aga Khan’s influence extended to the younger members of the British royal family as well. In 2019, Prince William and Princess Kate visited the Aga Khan Centre in London, engaging with British-Pakistani business leaders, artists, and other distinguished figures.
