King of Morocco announces death of his mother

The mother of the King of Morocco has died at the age of 78.

A spokesperson for the Moroccan Royal Palace announced the death of Princess Lalla Latifa.

He said: “In the name of God the Clement, the Merciful,

“Prayers and Peace be upon the Prophet, His family and His companions,

“The spokesperson for the Royal Palace announces, with immense sadness and deep affliction, the death of HRH Princess Lalla Latifa, may God have her in His Holy mercy, this Saturday 22 Dou Al Hijja 1445 AH corresponding to June 29, 2024, wife of His Majesty King Hassan II, may God rest his soul, and mother of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist and preserve Him, and Their Royal Highnesses the Princes and Princesses.

“In announcing this painful loss, we pray to the Almighty to surround the late deceased with His infinite mercy, divine clemency and to welcome her into His vast paradise, to grant long life to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God preserve Him and perpetuate His glory.

“We belong to God and to Him we return.”

Her cause of death was not revealed.

Born Latifa Amahzoune in 1946 into a well-known family, she married King Hassan in 1961 and had five children: Princess Lalla Meryem, King Mohammed, Princess Lalla Asma, Princess Lalla Hasna and Prince Moulay Rachid.

King Hassan died in 1999 and their son, Mohammed, ascended the throne. The Princess remarried in 2000 to Mohamed Mediouri, the late monarch’s bodyguard.

She was known to have a significant role in the Moroccan Royal Family’s lives but remained out of the public eye – in line with royal protocol.