Sad news today! Prince Karim al-Husayni, the Aga Khan IV has passed away at the age of 88 in Lisbon. The billionaire 49th Hereditary Imam of Nizari Ismailism, who was one of the world’s leading philanthropists as the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network.
The son of Prince Aly Khan, son of the Aga Khan III, and The Hon. Joan Barbara Yarde-Buller, daughter of the 3rd Baron Churston and the Duchess of Leinster, Prince Karim al-Husayni was born in Geneva, spending his childhood in Nairobi, Kenya before attending the Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland with the Duke of Kent and then going to Harvard University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. In 1958, while still at Harvard, Prince Karim succeeded his grandfather as the Aga Khan IV, the 49th Imam of Nizari Ismailism, a denomination of Shia Islam with over 15 million followers around the world.
In 1969, the Aga Khan married Lady James Charles Crichton-Stuart, who became Princess Salimah Aga Khan. The couple had three children before their divorce in 1995. In 1998, the Aga Khan married Princess Gabriele of Leiningen, with whom he had another son before their divorce in 2014.
The Aga Khan was close to various Royal Families, having celebrated his Golden and Diamond Jubilees with Queen Elizabeth II. The Princely titles used by the Aga Khans are by virtue of their descent from Shah Fath Ali Shah of the Persian Qajar dynasty, while the style of His Highness was formally granted to the Aga Khan by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 and the style of His Royal Highness was granted in 1959 by the Shah of Iran.
The Aga Khan had a net worth estimated to be at $13 billion, unique since he does not rule over a geographic territory, and is a business magnate, racehorse owner and breeder. The founder of the Aga Khan Development Network, he is the chairman of the world’s largest private development network, working towards the elimination of global poverty; the promotion and implementation of religious pluralism; the advancement of the status of women; and the honouring of Islamic art and architecture, alongside working in the environment, health, education, architecture, culture, microfinance sectors, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities.
We offer our condolences to the Aga Khan Family!
The announcement of his designated successor will follow.
Begum Om Habibeh Aga Khan’s Diamond Necklace
Emerald Suite
Ogden Mills Boucheron Tiara
Cartier Emerald Suite
Pearl and Diamond Fringe Necklace
Jewels at Auction
