The passing of His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV, has marked the end of an era for millions of Ismaili Muslims around the world. The 88-year-old spiritual leader, who had served as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili community since the age of 20, died peacefully in Portugal, surrounded by his family.
His death has been met with an outpouring of grief and condolences from global leaders, including King Charles III, who described the Aga Khan as a “personal friend of many years.”
Prince Karim Al-Hussaini’s remarkable contributions to education, healthcare, and international development leave behind an enduring legacy that will continue to impact communities worldwide.
A Close Friendship Between Aga Khan and the British Royal Family
The Karim Al-Hussaini had a longstanding relationship with the British Royal Family, particularly with Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III. His friendship with the late Queen spanned decades, with their shared love for horse racing being a key bond.
Prince Karim Al-Hussaini was a renowned horse breeder and the owner of Shergar, the famous Derby-winning racehorse that was mysteriously kidnapped from his Irish stud farm in 1983 and never found.
In 1957, just weeks after inheriting the title of Imam from his grandfather, Aga Khan III, he was granted the honorary title of “His Highness” by Queen Elizabeth II, a rare distinction that solidified his status as a respected global leader.
The Queen further honored him in 2008 with a grand dinner party at Buckingham Palace, recognizing his contributions to humanitarian work and international development.
King Charles III, who has now expressed his deep sorrow over the Karim Al-Hussaini’s passing, is believed to have been in private contact with the Aga Khan’s family. Their friendship was built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to philanthropy, religious tolerance, and global development.
The Prince and Princess of Wales also had the opportunity to meet the Karim Al-Hussaini in 2019 during a visit to the Aga Khan Centre in London, where they engaged with prominent British-Pakistani figures from various industries.
I pass on my deepest condolences to HH Prince Karim Aga Khan’s family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace. His legacy will continue to live on through the incredible work he led for education, health and development around the world. https://t.co/ZFAPEJ40yl
— Malala Yousafzai (@Malala) February 4, 2025
The Karim Al-Hussaini’s influence extended beyond royal circles. He was a prominent advocate for humanitarian causes, establishing a vast network of educational institutions, hospitals, and development projects through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
His vision for progress, particularly in underprivileged communities, earned him international recognition, making his passing a significant loss to the world.
Global Tributes and Condolences
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the world. Nobel Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai expressed her deepest condolences, highlighting his unwavering dedication to education, health, and development. “His legacy will continue to live on through the incredible work he led,” she stated in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter).
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also mourned his loss, calling him “a symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion in our troubled world.”
The Karim Al-Hussaini’s efforts in promoting dialogue between different religious and cultural communities had made him a beacon of harmony and unity. His death marks the end of a life devoted to service, but his work will continue through the institutions he established.
The Aga Khan Foundation, which has spearheaded numerous initiatives in health, education, and economic development, assured that his work would persist, with an announcement regarding his successor expected in due course.
His leadership had strengthened the Ismaili Muslim community worldwide, while his commitment to humanitarian aid had improved millions of lives in Africa, South Asia, and beyond.
The British royal family, which had long respected the Prince Karim Al-Hussaini’s contributions, will likely continue to honor his legacy in the years to come. King Charles III, known for his advocacy of interfaith dialogue and global development, shares many of the values that the Aga Khan championed throughout his life.
Their shared dedication to improving global communities underscores the significance of their friendship and the loss felt by the King.
A Lasting Legacy of Humanitarian and Philanthropic Work
Prince Karim Al-Hussaini’s passing leaves behind a vast and impactful legacy that extends far beyond his role as a spiritual leader. Through the Aga Khan Development Network, he played a crucial role in improving healthcare, education, and economic development in some of the world’s most impoverished regions.
His organization has funded and managed universities, hospitals, and microfinance institutions that have empowered countless individuals and communities.
One of his most remarkable achievements was the establishment of the Aga Khan University, which has become a leading institution for medical and higher education, particularly in developing countries. His commitment to creating opportunities for marginalized communities ensured that education and healthcare remained accessible to those in need.
His contributions to architecture and cultural preservation were equally significant. He founded the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, which focused on revitalizing historic sites and promoting architectural excellence in Muslim communities.
Through this initiative, he played a pivotal role in restoring some of the world’s most treasured heritage sites, preserving the cultural and artistic identity of many nations.
Prince Karim Al-Hussaini’s influence extended into diplomacy and international relations, where he worked tirelessly to foster understanding between different religious and cultural communities. His dedication to promoting peace and tolerance made him a respected figure among world leaders, earning him numerous honors and accolades.
As the world mourns his passing, the institutions he built and the values he stood for will continue to shape the future. His successor, once announced, will have the immense responsibility of carrying forward the vision and mission that the Prince Karim Al-Hussainiso passionately championed.
King Charles III’s deep sorrow over the Aga Khan’s death reflects the profound impact that he had not only on the Ismaili Muslim community but also on the global stage.
The friendship between Prince Karim Al-Hussaini and the British royal family was rooted in shared values of service, philanthropy, and commitment to global betterment. As tributes continue to pour in from around the world, it is clear that the Aga Khan’s legacy will endure for generations to come.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏