Published 10 February 2025
The tradition of the title being accorded by the Monarch to the Ismaili Imams dates back to the first Aga Khan.
To mark the accession of Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan as the fiftieth hereditary Imam of the Shi’a Ismaili Muslim community, and in accordance with long-standing tradition, it has pleased The King to grant the new Aga Khan the title ‘His Highness’.
Background:
This title was initially granted to Aga Khan I in recognition of his role as spiritual head of the Ismaili community and as a religious leader of global importance. Many of the Ismaili community also reside in Commonwealth countries.
This tradition continues and now also recognises the work of Ismaili Imams in the fields of interfaith dialogue, education, healthcare, and other forms of socio-economic development which make a hugely positive contribution to communities worldwide.
The title ‘His Highness’ has been accorded by the British Monarch to the Ismaili Imams dating back to the first Aga Khan, who was resident in India and has continued to this day, being reconfirmed after each succession.
Records show that the title ‘His Highness’ was accorded to Aga Khan III by Queen Victoria in 1886 when he was just 9 years old, the year after his accession to the role of Imam. The title of ‘His Highness’ was accorded to Aga Khan IV by Queen Elizabeth II in July 1957 approximately a fortnight after he succeeded his grandfather.
It is understood that the designation of the title ‘His Highness’ to the Imam of the Ismailis by the British Monarchs is a reflection of the strong relationship which has existed over time between the families, the service to the Crown which the Imams have undertaken over the years (initially in Afghanistan and India in particular) and importantly the recognition of the leadership position of the Imam in respect of the Ismaili population which has been and continues to be present in many Commonwealth countries.
The Late Aga Khan IV had a warm relationship at a personal level with Her Late Majesty and His Majesty King Charles, as well as institutionally with the British Government in diplomacy and international statesmanship. This has been recognised for example through the events hosted by Her Late Majesty and the UK Government to mark His Late Highness’ Golden and Diamond Jubilees and the award of a Knighthood.
His Late Highness Aga Khan IV was the Founding Patron of the King’s Trust.
His Late Highness Aga Khan IV and all his children, including Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, and his children, are British citizens and have close affiliations to the UK. Prince Rahim’s mother is British as was his late paternal grandmother.
Aga Khan V (Prince Rahim al-Husseini) holds multiple nationalities: French, Portuguese, Swiss, and British. [1, 2, 3]
A breakdown of his citizenships includes:
- British: Inherited through his mother (and paternal grandmother).
- French & Swiss: Derived from his birthplace in Geneva, Switzerland, and deep ancestral/familial ties to France.
- Portuguese: Acquired as part of his family’s long-standing agreements and headquarters established in Portugal. [1, 2, 3]
Additionally, he holds honorary Canadian citizenship. [1]
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Categories: The Muslim Times