Media reports: Divorce for King Mohamed VI and Princess Lalla Salma

[JR76]

Originally Posted by Muhler

That's a pretty drastic step!
Their relationship must have been pretty strained.

Forgive my ignorance, what rumors are we talking about? You can PM me, if you prefer not to mention it here.

Since I presume there is no precedence in Morocco, are there any suggestions as to what will happen to the Queen? I assume she will lose her title as queen at least.

Let's just say that because of certain rumours regarding the King's personal life that has lead some to see his marriage as one of convenience instead of love.

[Elektra]

Originally Posted by Muhler

That's a pretty drastic step!


Since I presume there is no precedence in Morocco, are there any suggestions as to what will happen to the Queen? I assume she will lose her title as queen at least.

Actually she was never given the title of Queen but was made a Princess when she married the King.
Her titles after a divorce will be a decision of the King as well.

[Biri]

Originally Posted by JR76

Let's just say that because certain rumours regarding the King's preferences his marriage has been seen as a marriage of convenience instead of love.

Preferences?
Eeeeeh....???
Is it what I am thinking about?

[Muhler]

Originally Posted by JR76

Let's just say that because certain rumours regarding the King's preferences his marriage has been seen as a marriage of convenience instead of love.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Elektra

Actually she was never given the title of Queen but was made a Princess when she married the King.
Her titles after a divorce will be a decision of the King as well.

I see. That will be interesting.

Originally Posted by Biri

Preferences?
Eeeeeh....???
Is it what I am thinking about?

I think so...

Not the first time such an issue has occurred in monarchies though.

[JR76]

Originally Posted by Biri

Preferences?
Eeeeeh....???
Is it what I am thinking about?

I shouldn't have written that. I'll change it.

[Muhler]

We have the preferences we have from nature and so be it. In dynastic families that can of course present certain problems - which today can be overcome by other means. Children-wise I mean.

But the main problem is of course that a monarchy today is very much a team effort. And from what I understand Princess Lalla Salma was supposed to be the other half of such a team, hence the reason why she was made a public figure.
That means it's even more crucial that they maintain at certain facade of being a married couple - in every definition of the word.

If I am to speculate I think it was Princess Lalla Salma who gave up. It's one thing being in a marriage with someone who is unable find you wholly physically attractive. That might be overcome, I assume, if she felt genuinely loved and appreciated and not least treated as a partner.
There are plenty of examples of working royal marriages where the physical attraction was not present. But it takes a lot of mutual respect and consideration to make it work as a team. In the sense that if one side is pursuing his/her preferences it has to be discreet in order not to offend the spouse too much. And the spouse has to make an extraordinary effort in order to look away.
If that mutual balance is broken - disaster.
And that I suspect is what happened here.

What will be the public reaction, you think? Because the Moroccan people will of course also be aware of "rumors".
Will Princess Lalla Salma face the full wrath of the public you think? She "let down" her husband, King, dynasty, country.

[nisreen]

Originally Posted by marlene

I suspected something was up when she wasn't at the King's bedside after his heart operation. It is sad.

I actually refeted to that too when I did not
See her in the photo but it still un official

[nisreen]

Originally Posted by Moonmaiden23

Quite frankly I am surprised the poor woman lasted as long as she did, given the rumors.

Is she permitted to re-marry?

Nothong in islamic laws or civil laws prevent
Her from marriage unless the king uses his powrt to prevent her from doing that

[carlota]

Originally Posted by Mbruno

Divorce in Muslim countries is seen very differently than in Christian societies.

could you tell us more?
is this the first divorce that takes place in a muslim monarchy?

shame about what happened, but they still lasted married 16 years. given the 'rumours' and the king's health concerns, that probably all took its toll, but still 16 years is probably not bad for a couple who has so much responsibility and media attention.

i wonder what will happen now regarding salma's titles and also her representation. my guess is that we will still see some of her supporting her causes and that she will keep her titles.

[Marengo]

Talking about the potential role of potential feelings due to a potential preference in a potential divorce seems rather far-fetched. Let's not get too carried away with writing down potential -and most likely imaginary- scenario's and show some restraint when discussing this subject, especially as the news has not been confirmed yet.

[Countessmeout]

Originally Posted by carlota

could you tell us more?
is this the first divorce that takes place in a muslim monarchy?

shame about what happened, but they still lasted married 16 years. given the 'rumours' and the king's health concerns, that probably all took its toll, but still 16 years is probably not bad for a couple who has so much responsibility and media attention.

i wonder what will happen now regarding salma's titles and also her representation. my guess is that we will still see some of her supporting her causes and that she will keep her titles.

Shocking news. I guess maybe because I haven't heard the 'rumors' about the king. Salma is an incredible representative for women in her country, and I do hope they find some way for her to continue doing so.

Certainly isn't the first divorce in a Muslim monarchy. Not even in the Moroccon royal family, though first I believe for a prince to be divorced. One of the king's sisters Meryam is divorced.

Jordan certainly has seen its share:
-King Hussein was divorced from his first 2 wives. Both were made princesses after divorce. Dina remarried and was unable to see her daughter for some time. Toni/Muna has remained in Jordan, and continues to do work with the charities she was involved in.
-his son Hamzah is divorced from his first wife- his wife was born a Princess, she simply reverted back to her original name
-Faisal has been divorced twice

I know the current ruler of Saudi Arabia has been divorced at least once.


Hopefully we will see the same as in Jordan, with Muna that she be allowed to continue a roll with her charities and promoting her work. At least as long as she doesn't remarry.

[Duke of Marmalade]

Not sure this was one of the reasons why the state visit from Spain was postponed several times, plus the health problems.
Several years ago I did a group tour to Morocco with a Moroccan living in the Uk as a tour guide and I know a native Moroccan from work, both men spoke quite openly about the fact that the King is not really interested in women but what can he do since he needs an heir. Therefore I am very surprised if the drastic action of divorce will really be taken since the facts were the same 16 years ago and there are different ways to handle this.
I understand it is a sensitive matter, I always thought that the ‘rumous’ were kind of common knowledge, similar to Oman and Sultan Qaboos, who cares what people, even leaders, are doing behind closed doors, things are the way they are and life goes on.

[Katrianna]

The last Shah of Iran was divorced also. It's still a shock if the news is true about the Moroccan divorce. I hope we may learn from official sources as speculation only continues to grow.

[Countessmeout]

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

Not sure this was one of the reasons why the state visit from Spain was postponed several times, plus the health problems.
Several years ago I did a group tour to Morocco with a Moroccan living in the Uk as a tour guide and I know a native Moroccan from work, both men spoke quite openly about the fact that the King is not really interested in women but what can he do since he needs an heir. Therefore I am very surprised if the drastic action of divorce will really be taken since the facts were the same 16 years ago and there are different ways to handle this.
I understand it is a sensitive matter, I always thought that the ‘rumous’ were kind of common knowledge, similar to Oman and Sultan Qaboos, who cares what people, even leaders, are doing behind closed doors, things are the way they are and life goes on.

Becomes a bit sticky if true, when such behavior, even behind closed doors, is illegal in set country.

In most countries, the only people who have the right to be bothered would be the spouse involved. Becomes a bit touchy when the ruler of the country may or may not be doing something that would land other men up to 3 years in prison.

[Duke of Marmalade]

Of course you are right, I was only referring to the rumors as kind of common knowledge to the public for a long time hence a divorce at this stage seems very odd to me. And of course it’s not right that some things are ok for some but illegal for others.

[Osipi]

Divorce, no matter where it happens or to who it happens is never an easy thing. Do we really need to know the inside scoop of the wherefores and the whys of this divorce? Does it actually affect the country and its people much or is it more delving into the personal affairs of two people that have chosen to end their marriage?

[Pranter]

I would say yes it would greatly effect a country when it has laws about certain behaviors and the leader of the country is suspected of engaging in said behaviors (that can imprison or lead to death of other citizens).

Whether it should or not is a different issue. It's a Muslim country and they have laws about certain types of conduct.


LaRae

[Mademoiselle Lilo]

Actually Osipi nothing is confirmed and nothing is sure an article in Hola no matter what their sources are hardly a confirmation for anything especially there was no news or remours or anything about any kind of troubles in marriage untile two months ago hella article claim King and Lalla Salla was not seen toghether since Cuba trip with is fasle last time they were seen together was last december they were shopping for pet anf there is a video...they also claim Lalla Salma didn't visit the King in hospital again false there pictures of king living the hospital with big entourage among them his sisters and wife according to who took the pictures..once of the photos show a woman helping the king into car and it was Lalla Salma.

If you ask anyone here in Morocco they will answeer nooooo way kings in Morocco don't get divorce no matter what they can live separated but no divorce let me add as Moroccan ppl here act toward the news as only remours in absense of any official confirmation.

[Osipi]

Thanks for the perspective Mademoiselle Lilo and until there is actual confirmation that this couple has indeed, divorced, everything else is just rumor.

[Mademoiselle Lilo]

Originally Posted by Pranter

I would say yes it would greatly effect a country when it has laws about certain behaviors and the leader of the country is suspected of engaging in said behaviors (that can imprison or lead to death of other citizens).

Whether it should or not is a different issue. It's a Muslim country and they have laws about certain types of conduct.


LaRae

I don't see how speakinh as moroccan,what is mater now for alot of moroccan is the King health that what could affect the country.