Prince Muhammad Ali, grandson of Egypt’s former King Farouk, has returned to Cairo after a life in Paris, aiming to restore his family’s legacy.
The 46-year-old businessman sees his return as a “historical reconciliation” between royalist and republican Egypt, emphasizing he holds no political ambitions.
His return, facilitated by his wife, Princess Noal Zaher of Afghanistan’s deposed royal family, marks a significant personal journey.
Despite being born in Cairo, securing Egyptian citizenship proved challenging.
Muhammad Ali’s father, Fuad II, Egypt’s last king, ensured his birth on Egyptian soil, overcoming the family’s banishment after the 1952 coup.
However, he lacked formal proof of nationality, creating obstacles later in life.
President Sisi’s 2014 grant of a diplomatic passport to Fuad II, acknowledging his status as “former king of Egypt,” symbolized a shift in official recognition.
Muhammad Ali, holding French and Monegasque citizenship, notes a growing Egyptian interest in the royal past, fueled by media and online discussions.
He attributes his return to a desire to preserve the royal family’s historical, cultural, and artistic heritage.
“It’s 150 years of history that deserves to be honoured,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to his family’s enduring legacy.