Hassan II of Morocco
Hassan II (Arabic: الحسن الثاني, romanized: al-Ḥasan aṯ-ṯhānī; 9 July 1929 – 23 July 1999) was King of Morocco from 1961 until his death in 1999.
"Hassan II" and "Hasan II" redirect here. For other uses, see Hassan II (disambiguation).
Hassan II
الحسن الثاني
A member of the 'Alawi dynasty, he was the eldest son of Sultan Mohammed V, and his second wife, Lalla Abla bint Tahar. He was named crown prince in 1957 and was the first commander-in-chief of the Royal Armed Forces. He was enthroned as king in 1961 following his father's death.
Hassan's reign was marked by the start of the Western Sahara conflict and the Sand War. He was the target of two failed coups d'état in 1971 and in 1972. Hassan's conservative approach reportedly strengthened his rule over Morocco and the Western Sahara.[1] He was accused of authoritarian practices and human rights, civil rights abuses, particularly during the Years of Lead. A truth commission was set up after his death, to investigate allegations of human rights violations during his reign.
Hassan was described in an official royal palace biography after his death as "well versed in the fields of architecture, medicine and technology" and that he gave his children a "strong commitment to the search for learning and a dedication to uphold the values of their country and their people".[10] Hassan was fluent in Arabic and French and spoke "capable English".[4] He often quoted verse 29:46 (Al-Ankabut) of the Quran.[73]
In 1956, then-prince Hassan began a relationship with French actress Etchika Choureau, whom he met in Cannes in 1956.[114] The relationship ended in 1961 after Hassan's ascension to the throne.[115][116] On 9 November 1961, he married Lalla Latifa Amahzoune, an ethnic Zayane, during a double nuptial ceremony with his brother Prince Moulay Abdallah.[117][118] Hassan and Amahzoune had five children:
Royal styles of
King Hassan II of Morocco
Your Majesty
Grand Master of the Order of the Independence
Grand Master of the Order of Fidelity
Grand Master of the National Order of Merit
Grand Master of the National Order of Prosperity
