Prince Karim Al Husseini Aga Khan is the current ‘Aga Khan’– the title held by the Imam of the Shia Muslims or the revered spiritual figure of Ismaili Muslims. The Ismailis follow Shia Islam and are scattered all over the world from India to North America. Aga Khan is deeply committed to his role promoting the Muslim image all over the world, especially in the Western countries and clearing misunderstandings concerning the ancient religion. Some also believe that he is the descendant of Prophet Mohammed.
Prince Karim Al Husseini Aga Khan assumed this huge responsibility at a very young age of twenty. His grandfather was the Aga Khan of Ismaili Muslims before him. Prince Karim is a very well educated man who founded the Aga Khan Development Network– an organization that helps people improve their lives.
Aga Khan’s Parents – Prince Aly Khan and Joan Barbara Yarde-Buller
His father, Prince Aly Khan, was the son of Sultan Mahomed Shah (Aga Khan III) and Cleope Teresa “Ginetta” Magliano. He played many roles during his lifetime – racehorse owner, jockey, trained lawyer, socialite and notorious playboy. After divorcing Karim’s mother Joan Barbara Yarde-Buller, he got married to the famous American actress Rita Hayworth.
His mother Joan converted to Islam after the marriage and was bestowed with the name ‘Tajuddawlah’ which basically translates to ‘Crown of the State’. She was the eldest daughter of actress Jessie Smithers and the third Lord Churston. Before her marriage to Prince Aly Khan, she was married to Captain Thomas Loel Guinness. After she divorced Prince Aly Khan, she married the second Viscount Camrose- Seymour Berry.
Aga Khan’s Siblings
Seven months after the birth of Prince Karim, a second son was born to Prince Aly Khan and Joan Barbara Yarde-Buller. He was named Prince Amyn Muhammmad Aga Khan.
Prince Karim has a step-sister called Princess Yasmin Aga Khan. She is the daughter of Prince Aly Khan and Rita Hayworth. After the prince divorced Rita Hayworth, the mother got the custody of daughter and refused to bring her up in Islam faith.
He also had a step-brother from Joan Barbara Yarde-Buller’s first marriage to Captain Guinness named Patrick Benjamin Guinness, who passed away in 1965.
Aga Khan’s Spouses (Ex)
Prince Karim was first married to Sarah Frances Croker-Poole (Begum Salimah Aga Khan), who was a British model. His second marriage was to Gabriele zu Leiningen (Begum Inaara Aga Khan). Both the marriages ended badly due to his extra-marital affairs.
Children of Aga Khan
He has three children with his first wife:
- Princess Zahra Aga Khan
- Prince Rahim Aga Khan
- Prince Hussain Aga Khan
He had one child with his second wife:
- Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan
Aga Khan’s Net Worth
His net worth is presently estimated to be $800 million.