Prince Muhammad Ali, the grandson of Egypt’s last king, has recently returned to Egypt from Paris to reconnect with his family’s legacy. Born during the royal family’s exile, he faced challenges in obtaining citizenship but succeeded in 2020. His return reflects a growing interest in Egypt’s royal history and aims to preserve the cultural heritage of the monarchy. Ali plans to honor this legacy while enhancing his Arabic skills.
Prince Muhammad Ali, the grandson of the deposed king of Egypt, has returned from Paris to fulfill his dream of restoring his family’s legacy in Egypt. At 46 years old, he expressed joy over being back in the “regained homeland” that his family left after the military coup in 1952 that ended over a century of monarchy. Ali emphasized a desire for reconciliation between royalist and republican perspectives in Egypt, noting he does not seek political ambitions.
After spending most of his life in France, Ali’s return to Cairo was influenced by his wife, Princess Noal Zaher. Despite his Egyptian birth, he faced years without an Egyptian passport, finally obtaining it in 2020. His father, Fuad II, had insisted he be born in Cairo during the family’s exile. Ali shared, “It was my father’s ardent wish,” highlighting the historical nuances of his birth amidst royal challenges.
Upon discovering he lacked proof of his Egyptian nationality during his attempts to register his children, Ali was shocked to learn that even royal lineage wasn’t sufficient. He humorously recounted, “I became the first male member of the direct branch of the royal family to return to Egypt.” His father had ascended to the throne at seven months but couldn’t secure a formal birth certificate, complicating matters of nationality.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi later recognized Fuad II’s royal heritage by granting him a diplomatic passport in 2014. Reflecting on his father’s difficult royal history, Ali remarked, “My father had a shattered destiny,” indicating the emotional weight of family legacy and identity. An interesting note is that through his mother, Ali holds French citizenship and has also been granted Monegasque nationality.
Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest among young Egyptians in their royal history, prompting a shift towards a more romantic view of the monarchy that had been previously dismissed. Muhammad Ali, who operates a real estate consulting firm, stated that he had always dreamed of returning to Egypt. His wife’s encouragement and their desire for their children to reconnect with their roots propelled this transition.
Now residing in Cairo, Ali aims to enhance his Arabic skills while focusing on preserving the historical and cultural heritage of the Egyptian royal family, which he believes deserves recognition due to its extensive history.
Muhammad Ali’s journey encapsulates a blend of familial duty, national reconciliation, and personal fulfillment amid a world of evolving historical perspectives.
Prince Muhammad Ali’s return to Egypt marks a significant personal and historical moment, symbolizing a reconciliation between royal heritage and modern Egypt. His journey underscores the complex relationship with identity and nationality, as well as the renewed interest in the nation’s royal past. Ali emphasizes a commitment to preserving this heritage, highlighting the importance of acknowledging history in understanding contemporary society.
Original Source: www.sanfordherald.com
