Spiritual leader Aga Khan Prince Karim al-Hussaini has passed away aged 88.
Prince Karim’s death was announced by the Aga Khan Development Network’s social media accounts on Tuesday. As reported by the Mirror, they confirmed he died in Portugal earlier today surrounded by family. Prince Karim, who was descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, was the 49th imam of the Nizari Ismaili Shia Muslims – a title he’d held since succeeding his grandfather in 1957.
The Prince, who was escribed as a philanthropist, was also among the world’s upper echelons of wealth, with an estimated net worth of $13.3billion, according to Forbes. In the announcement on Tuesday, the Aga Khan Development Network said: “is Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), passed away peacefully in Lisbon on 4 February 2025, aged 88, surrounded by his family.
“Prince Karim Aga Khan was the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network. The announcement of his designated successor will follow. Leaders and staff of the Aga Khan Development Network offer our condolences to the family of His Highness and to the Ismaili community worldwide.
“As we honour the legacy of our founder, Prince Karim Aga Khan, we continue to work with our partners to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities across the world, as he wished, irrespective of their religious affiliations or origins.”
Prince Karim had previously enjoyed a close relationship with the royal family, with the late Queen Elizabeth hosting him for a dinner at Windsor Castle in 2018 to celebrate his Diamond Jubilee. He’s also previously appeared at dinners with Princess Margaret and William and Kate.
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