King Hussein (1935-1999)

[Blog Real]

His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal, the father of modern Jordan, will always be remembered as a leader who guided his country through strife and turmoil to become an oasis of peace, stability and moderation in the Middle East. Among Jordanians, his memory is cherished as the inspiration for Jordan's climate of openness, tolerance and compassion. Known to his people as Al-Malik Al-Insan ("The Humane King"), King Hussein established a legacy which promises to guide Jordan for many years to come.

At the time of his passing on February 7, 1999, His Majesty was the longest serving executive head of state in the world. Of great significance to Muslims throughout the world, the late King Hussein was also the fortieth generation direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad.

He was born in Amman on November 14, 1935, to Prince Talal bin Abdullah and Princess Zein al-Sharaf bint Jamil. King Hussein is survived by two brothers, Prince Muhammad and Prince El Hassan, and one sister, Princess Basma. After completing his elementary education in Amman, His Majesty attended Victoria College in Alexandria, Egypt, and Harrow School in England. He later received his military education at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England.

Early in young Hussein’s life, and on July 20, 1951, his grandfather King Abdullah was martyred at al-Aqsa mosque in al-Quds (Jerusalem). Hussein was there, with his grandfather, as they went regularly to perform Friday prayers. A medal King Abdullah had recently given the young Prince Hussein, and which he wore after his grandfather’s insistence, saved Hussein from the assassin’s bullet.

On September 6, 1951, King Abdullah’s eldest son, King Talal, assumed the throne. He was soon followed by his eldest son, Hussein, who was proclaimed King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on August 11, 1952. A Regency Council was appointed until King Hussein’s formal accession to the throne on May 2, 1953, when he assumed his constitutional powers after reaching the age of eighteen, according to the Islamic calendar.

Source: Biography - His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal

More information: https://rhc.jo/en/hashemites/king-hussein-bin-talal
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hussein_of_Jordan

 

[CyrilVladisla]

In 1981 King Hussein met with Pierre Trudeau in Canada.

 

[Prinsara]

It's fairly crazy. How many teenage kings have there been in modern history? And how many have actually succeeded?

This was when he'd already been king for 20 years! (Although it took me a viewing or two to realize he went back for his beret.)

 

[Prinsara]

He almost makes "divorcing the wife to marry the girlfriend" sound civilized, which is fairly impressive.

But he basically survived on having very good people skills.

 

[Blog Real]

Hussein (age six) and his mother, Zein al-Sharaf, 1941
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3a/Six_years_Hussien_with_Mother_(cropped).jpg

Hussein (age eleven) seen behind his grandfather King Abdullah I after the independence of Jordan was declared, 25 May 1946.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe...h_on_Jordan_Independence_day,_25_May_1946.jpg

King Hussein in royal ceremonial dress, 1953
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/37/King_Hussein_in_uniform_in_1953.jpg

 

[CyrilVladisla]

King Hussein was in Hollywood

 

[Blog Real]

King Hussein and Queen Dina at their wedding on 19 April 1955 at Raghadan Palace

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/1955-king-hussein-and-queen-dina.jpg