The royal family of Morocco, the Alaouite dynasty, has ruled over Morocco since the early 17th century and their reign still continues today. Late King Hassan II was born on July 9, 1929 in Rabat. He studied at Imperial College in Rabat and later at the University of Bordeaux and graduated with a Master’s degree in public law. From a young age, he was trained to take over the throne from his father. He was involved in many historic moments – one of those being the Anfa Conference which he had attended with his father. He was introduced to leaders like Churchill and Roosevelt over there.
Hassan II believed in absolute power to the ruling monarch and did his best to keep administrative power in his hands. He refused to hand over power to the Parliament and even dissolved it during his reign. However, he did not dissolve parliamentary democracy. He allowed elections to be held, but managed to rig them so that only parties loyal to him would win the most votes.
King Hassan II also did many good things during his rule and was a major advocate for peace. He was very well educated and had immense knowledge about technology, architecture and medicine.
Hassan II Parents- King Mohammed V and Lalla Abla bint Tahar
His father King Mohammed V taught him how to retain the beauty of traditions and still keep pace with modern times. He was brought up on Arab-Islamic values and was told the importance of the principles of universal civilization.
His mother Lalla Abla bint Tahar was the second wife of King Mohammed V. She was the daughter of Moulay Mohammed al-Tahar bin Hassan el Errahali. She married the king in 1929 and had five children with him.
Hassan II Siblings – Lalla Aicha, Lalla Malika, Moulay Abdellah, Lalla Nuzha
King has four siblings- Lalla Aicha, Lalla Malika, Moulay Abdellah and Lalla Nuzha. He also has two half-sisters from his father’s other wives – Lalla Fatima Zohra from his father’s first marriage and Lalla Amina from his father’s third marriage.
Hassan II Spouse(s) – Lalla Latifa Hammou and Lalla Fatima Amhourak
The late king Hassan II had two wives. One is Lalla Latifa Hammou who belonged to the Zaiane tribe. He married her in 1961. Together, they had five children.
The other wife, Lalla Fatima bint Qaid Ould Hassan Amhourak is actually a cousin of Lalla Latifa Hammou. They too got married in 1961 but had no children together.
Children of King Hassan II and Lalla Latifa Hammou
King Hassan II and Lalla Latifa Hammou had five children together- the first being born just a year after their marriage.
1) Princess Lalla Meriem – She was born on August 26, 1962.
2) Crown Prince Sidi Mohammed (King Mohammed VI) – He was born on August 26, 1963.
3) Princess Lalla Asmaa – She was born on September 29, 1965.
4) Princess Lalla Hasna – She was born on November 19, 1967.
5) Prince Moulay Rachid – He was born on June 20, 1970.
King Hassan II Net Worth
According to Forbes, the late King Hassan had a net worth of $1 billion in 2013. His son, Mohammed VI is estimated to have a net worth of $2.5 billion. The royal family of Morocco is said to be one of the wealthiest in the world.