Prince Mohamed Ali Farouk returns to Cairo, reflecting a reconciliatory gesture between Egypt’s royalist past and present. His birth in Egypt was enabled by King Hassan II’s intervention, and his return symbolizes personal and historical significance. The article examines the historically strained relationship between Egypt and Morocco, marked by past confrontations and a focus on rehabilitating royal heritage.
Prince Mohamed Ali Farouk, the grandson of Egypt’s last king, has returned to reside in Cairo after years in exile. He expressed gratitude to the late King Hassan II of Morocco for intervening in 1979 with Egyptian President Sadat, allowing his mother to give birth in Cairo. This made him the first male member of the royal family to return post-1952 revolution.
Now holding an Egyptian passport since 2020, Prince Mohamed Ali’s return symbolizes a reconciliation between royalist and republican eras in Egypt. “For my father, Egypt was a lost homeland. For me, it’s a rediscovered one,” he remarked while operating a technical real estate consulting firm in Paris.
Encouraged by his wife, Princess Noal Zaher, he aims for their children to grow closer to their roots. His journey back reflects a personal and shared familial history, as his father, Fouad II, became king at just seven months old and ruled until the monarchy was abolished in 1953.
The relationship between King Hassan II and Egyptian leadership was historically tense, dating back to diplomatic dinners and military threats. The friction peaked during the 1963 Sand War, as President Nasser sent troops to support Algeria against Morocco, leading to escalating hostilities. An attempted reconciliation in 1965 failed disastrously when Nasser’s demands led to threats, reinforcing their antagonism.
Relations between Morocco and Egypt improved only after Anwar Sadat and Hosni Mubarak took office. However, recent diplomatic incidents involving Egypt have raised concerns about potential strains in the relationship, specifically regarding military cooperation with Algeria and Western Sahara.
Currently, Prince Mohamed Ali is focused on rehabilitating his family’s image without any political aspirations. “I simply want to work on rehabilitating the image of my royal family and contribute to preserving and transmitting its historical, cultural, and artistic heritage,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of honoring his family’s 150 years of history.
The return of Prince Mohamed Ali Farouk to Egypt marks a significant historical moment, bridging the gap between royalist and republican histories. His expression of gratitude towards King Hassan II underscores the complex relationship between Morocco and Egypt, characterized by diplomatic tensions and military confrontations. While focusing on his family’s legacy, he aims to uphold their cultural heritage without political intentions, aiming for a peaceful coexistence of histories.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
