Morocco is in mourning. Princess Lalla Latifa, widow of Hassan II and mother of King Mohammed VI, died this Saturday, announced the spokesperson for the Royal Palace in a press release relayed by numerous Moroccan media.
“The spokesperson of the Royal Palace announces, with immense sadness and deep affliction, the death of HRH Princess Lalla Latifa, may God have her in His Holy Mercy,” the statement read. “In announcing this painful loss, we pray to the Almighty to surround the late deceased with His infinite mercy, divine clemency and to welcome her into His vast paradise, to grant long life to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God preserve Him and perpetuate His glory,” the Royal Palace continued.
A residence in France?
Lalla Latifa, born Latifa Amahzoune, became a princess when she married King Hassan II on November 9, 1961. They had five children after their union: Princesses Lalla Meryem, Lalla Asmaa, Lalla Hasnaa, Prince Moulay Rachid and the now King of Morocco Mohammed VI.
According to foreign media, Lalla Latifa married Hassan II’s former security chief after his death in 1999, and lived between Morocco and France. The information has never been officially confirmed. Africa Intelligence specifies that she had a residence in the Paris region. King Mohammed VI came to France to his bedside in 2022, while his state of health was deteriorating, reports Jeune Afrique. Princess Lalla Latifa had no official responsibilities and was not known to participate in public events.
Condolences from the Algerian president
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent a message of condolences to the “King of Morocco, a brother country, Mohammed VI, following the death of his mother,” the Algerian presidency said.
“I learned with sadness the news of your mother’s death. Following this sad news which has brought mourning to you and the royal family, I would like to present, on my behalf and on behalf of the Algerian people, to your majesty, my sincere condolences,” wrote the head of state.
Algiers broke off diplomatic relations with Rabat in August 2021, denouncing a series of “hostile acts” by its neighbor, particularly concerning Western Sahara and normalization with Israel.
