Rabat – Morocco celebrates this Saturday the 19th birthday of Princess Lalla Khadija.
Born on February 28, 2007, Princess Lalla Khadija is the daughter of King Mohammed VI and the younger sister of Moulay El Hassan. The announcement of her birth nearly two decades ago sparked joy far beyond the walls of the Royal Palace in Rabat.
At the time, cities and villages across Morocco reflected a festive mood. Streets, public squares, and government buildings carried national flags and decorations.
Wilayas and provinces offered books of congratulations where citizens could sign to express their wishes to the monarch and the Royal Family. Moroccan communities abroad also took part, with many visiting embassies and consulates to convey their congratulations.
For several families, the date holds a more personal memory. Newborns who shared the same birthday as the princess received royal gifts during ceremonies organized in their honor, a gesture that many still recall with pride.
Over the years, Princess Lalla Khadija has appeared at key public events, gradually stepping into a visible role. In 2011, she began her schooling at the Royal School within the Royal Palace in Rabat. In her early education, she studied Quran, as as well as took Arabic and French lessons.
Her presence at official ceremonies has since become more frequent. In 2018, she attended a presentation related to education reform and school support programs.
In 2019, she joined members of the Royal Family during the official welcome of Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia in Rabat, as well as during the visit of Pope Francis to Morocco. That same year, she presided over the inauguration of the vivarium at the Rabat National Zoo, one of her first engagements in a leading role.
In October 2024, Princess Lalla Khadija took part in the official welcome ceremony chaired by King Mohammed VI in honor of French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron during their state visit. She also attended the signing of cooperation agreements between Morocco and France and the official dinner hosted by King Mohammed VI..
Earlier this month, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and Princess Lalla Khadija launched the national “Ramadan 1446” solidarity operation in Rabat. The initiative, led by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, aims to provide assistance to families in need during the holy month.
As she turns 19, Princess Lalla Khadija stands at the threshold of adulthood. For many Moroccans, this anniversary recalls the joy that marked her birth and the steady path she has taken within public life, alongside a monarchy that remains a central pillar of the North African country’s political and social landscape.