King Hussein's Four Wives

[maryshawn]

A man (or woman) is often attracted to the same qualities in their mates--good and bad. KH married 4 women (OK, the one to Dina was arranged so perhaps doesn't count.....but after viewing a photo thread of KH with all of them, I have to believe he was attracted to certain shared qualities in all of them.

My "take" is that they all were beautiful, loved children, enjoyed his approach to life (kind of daredevil), intelligent, and valued making "a home" for him as a respite from work.

Of course, as he grew older, some of what he was looking for may have changed but does anyone else think they shared qualities he was attracted to?

[papillon]

One thing they seem to share is that, in choosing each of them, KH seemed to be making a shrewd political choice for himself at the time. (Sorry, can't take credit/blame for this notion. I read it in one of the many newspaper accounts of KH's death five-and-a-half years ago, and it just made sense to me.) With Dina, he kept it in the family; with Muna, he could improve strategic relations with the UK; with Alia, he could endear himself to the Palestinians; and with Noor, he could improve his lot with the US. As women, they don't seem to have a lot in common.

[Ipi Tombe]

for whatever my opinion is worth....KH looks most 'at ease' around QN. he seems to be quite comfortable in her prescense(can't spell it). it might have to do with his age or his comfort with his status and position in the world but definately he doesn't not look like a man who just lost 'the love of his life' a year earlier.

[sommone]

Originally Posted by Ipi Tombe

for whatever my opinion is worth....KH looks most 'at ease' around QN. he seems to be quite comfortable in her prescense(can't spell it). it might have to do with his age or his comfort with his status and position in the world but definately he doesn't not look like a man who just lost 'the love of his life' a year earlier.

It could be a combination of many things, but I don't think when posing for a picture with his new wife he's going to be looking depressed, but I'm sure on the inside he was still grieving for his former wife...as far as marrying as quickly as he did is anybody's guess.

[maryshawn]

With respect to others who have replied, I agree with you.....of course, he did have 20 years w/her...but they do seem at ease. And his regard for her was certainly made apparent in last letter re: succession. I will say the few photos of KH and Alia seem to show same comfort level (go to MGA Production and look up Queen Alia for great pics) but QN physically and perhaps ((not knowing her personally) emotionally seemed a lot like Alia......and I'm sure he was most thankful to find her after his great loss.

Mary Shawn

Originally Posted by Ipi Tombe

for whatever my opinion is worth....KH looks most 'at ease' around QN. he seems to be quite comfortable in her prescense(can't spell it). it might have to do with his age or his comfort with his status and position in the world but definately he doesn't not look like a man who just lost 'the love of his life' a year earlier.