Princess Lalla Khadija: the star of the Moroccan Royal Court
- Khadija: a cherished name for an elegant princess
- The second treasure of Mohammed VI and Lalla Salma
- 7 interesting facts about Lalla Khadija's life
- Lalla Khadija in the media spotlight
Lalla Khadija is the youngest daughter of King Mohammed VI and his ex-wife Lalla Salma. She was born on 28 February 2007, four years after the birth of their eldest son, Crown Prince Moulay El-Hassan. In 2025, the Alawite princess will turn 18 and is already considered the young star of the Moroccan Royal Family.
The 17-year-old princess, who is finishing her studies at the Royal College, is gaining space and presence in the Royal Agenda alongside her father King Mohammed VI and her brother Moulay El-Hassan.
Khadija: a cherished name for an elegant princess
‘Khadija’ is distinguished by its great historical and cultural weight, being a name that has been respected and highly appreciated over the centuries. While in the Arabic language it means ‘the premature’ or the ‘newborn’, in Muslim culture Khadija has always been synonymous with strength, wisdom and devotion.
Khadija, the successful businesswoman, was the first wife of the Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) and the first believer in Islam, whose unconditional support and influence were crucial to the spread of Islam in its early years. This reflects the symbolism of the name of Princess Lalla Khadija, daughter of Mohammed VI, the Commander of the Believers and a direct descendant of the Prophet.
In Moroccan culture, Khadija is the most respected and loved name. According to tradition, if the name is not carried by anyone at home, it should be written on the wall, as it is considered a kind of blessing. In addition to its cultural and religious significance, Khadija's name also carries the grace and charm of the young Alawi princess, the proud new star of the Moroccan Royal Court.
In all her splendour, with her feminine presence and royal elegance, during her last appearances behind or at the side of King Mohammed VI, Lalla Khadija fascinated the whole of Morocco. Since her appearance at the zoo five years ago, everyone has noticed the big difference; just as they have noticed that the adorable little girl has now become a new symbol of elegance in the Royal Palace alongside her paternal aunts.
The second treasure of Mohammed VI and Lalla Salma
Born on 28 February 2007, Lalla Khadija grew up in an atmosphere full of affection and gentleness. On the day of her birth, the royal couple, in an exceptional gesture, shared these moments of joy and pride with the Moroccan people; presenting her with her symbolic name to the media as a tribute to the common values of the Moroccan kingdom.
In the first photographs of Lalla Khadija, the adorable princess is seen, a baby surrounded by love and fascinating with her charming smile. The Alawi princess has inherited her mother's natural beauty, innate elegance and imposing presence, and her father's gentle and calm character.
In 2018, when she was eleven years old, the separation of her parents represented the big change that impacted Lalla Khadija's life. But, thanks to the support of the family who made efforts to take care of her balance and well-being, the princess was able to overcome this transitional period with its difficult moments with a strong resilience.
After her parents' divorce, the pandemic struck, causing Lalla Khadija to remain out of the media spotlight for five years before reappearing in October 2024.
7 interesting facts about Lalla Khadija's life
In her childhood, she lived a life away from the palace. It was the decision of her father, the Moroccan monarch, who preferred his youngest daughter to spend her early years in a quiet family home away from the demands of royal protocol, where the child princess could grow up and enjoy freedom and serenity.
Naturalness and spontaneity: despite being ‘Her Royal Highness’, Princess Lalla Khadija still retains her natural and spontaneous spirit. This mixture, which is noticeable in her appearances and which gives her a unique symbolism, makes Her Majesty a person loved and highly appreciated by the Moroccan people.
Animals: Lalla Khadija's cheerful nature is evident in her gaze, which does not hide her love for animals. She shares this passion with her father who is known as a great lover of horses and dogs.
Studies: Lalla Khadija's first day at school is an unforgettable memory for Moroccans who saw King Mohammed VI and his ex-wife Lalla Salma accompanying the princess on foot to the Royal College in Rabat in 2011.
Languages: Princess Lalla Khadija is a polyglot, fluent in Arabic, French, English and Spanish.
Art and culture: Lalla Khadija's education at the Royal College is a combination of academic courses and cultural openness. The princess, known for her love of the arts and culture, is an artist, playing the guitar and piano.
Sport: Lalla Khadija's favourite sporting activities are horse riding and swimming, as well as archery. Three recommended sports to teach your children.
Lalla Khadija in the media spotlight
Princess Lalla Khadija was frequently seen throughout her childhood at graduation ceremonies, end-of-year festivals, family celebrations such as the birthdays and weddings of her uncle Moulay Rachid and cousin Lalla Soukaina. As well as accompanying his father, from an early age, to various official receptions:
In February 2019, she accompanied her family to welcome King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain on a state visit to Morocco. At the dinner, Princess Lalla Khadija impressed the guests in her elegant royal kaftan.
In March 2019, during the Pope's visit to the Kingdom of Morocco, the princess appeared in a blue embroidered kaftan; already handling the protocols of the Royal Palace to perfection.
In December 2019, the 12-year-old inaugurated, alone, the nursery of the National Zoological Garden of Rabat; demonstrating that her first public engagement would be the beginning of an active and bright future.
However, after this inauguration, Lalla Khadija disappeared from the public scene, except for a few informal appearances such as at the Throne Party of 2023 and in the summer of 2024, when a photo and video of her in Greece with her mother and brother went viral, where Moroccans saw how the sweet little girl has grown into a very elegant young woman.
After five years of absence, when the teenage princess stepped out of the spotlight in order to focus on her studies and hobbies, the young star of the Moroccan Royal Family made her first public reappearance:
On 28 October 2024, during the official visit of Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron to Morocco. At this event, the princess surprised everyone with her elegant presence in a black and white Dior jacket, black trousers and Jimmy Choo heels. Lalla Khadija also attended the signing of bilateral agreements between France and Morocco at the Royal Palace.
On 29 October, the 17-year-old princess took part in the official dinner organised in honour of the French presidential couple.