King Charles III is said to be ‘deeply saddened’ upon learning the news that The Aga Khan VI has died in Portugal at the age of 88.

Royal sources say His Majesty is “deeply saddened at the loss of a personal friend of many years.”

It is understood that The King has reached out to the Aga Khan family, to express his private sympathies.

The Aga Khan, spiritual leader and philanthropist, has died in Portugal at the age of 88.

Prince Karim Al-Hussaini was the 49th Aga Khan and imam of Nizari Isma’ilis, and was a close friend of the British Royal Family.

His Highness succeeded his grandfather to become Aga Khan when he was just 20 years old, and forged a close friendship with the late Queen Elizabeth II, with whom he shared a love of horse racing.

In 1957, the year he succeeded his grandfather, Queen Elizabeth gave him the title of ‘High Highness’.

The Aga Khan also visited the United Kingdom on regular occasions, including in 2012 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee.

In 2018, he was received in audience by the late Queen at Windsor Castle.

You can read more about the Aga Khan and Queen Elizabeth II’s friendship by clicking here.