Queen Rania marked the birthdays of her husband, King Abdullah II, and youngest son, Prince Hashem, with touching Instagram posts. Photo: Instagram/QueenRania
Queen Rania marked the birthdays of her husband, King Abdullah II, and youngest son, Prince Hashem, with touching Instagram posts. Photo: Instagram/QueenRania
Queen Rania marked the birthdays of her husband, King Abdullah II, and youngest son, Prince Hashem, with touching Instagram posts. Photo: Instagram/QueenRania
Queen Rania marked the birthdays of her husband, King Abdullah II, and youngest son, Prince Hashem, with touching Instagram posts. Photo: Instagram/QueenRania

Lifestyle

Family

Queen Rania celebrates joint birthday of King Abdullah II and youngest son Prince Hashem

Several tributes have been posted online for Jordan's monarch, who has turned 61, and his youngest son, 18

Sophie Prideaux
Sophie Prideaux

January 30, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

January 30 is a busy day for the Jordanian royal family, as both King Abdullah II and his youngest child, Prince Hashem, celebrate their birthdays.

In honour of their special day, several tributes have been posted online, including from Queen Rania, who uploaded two Instagram posts, including a touching snap of her and her husband, who has turned 61.

“There is no greater blessing than walking through life by your side. Grateful for you every day,” she captioned the shot.

The couple, who married in 1993, have four children together: Crown Prince Hussein, Princess Iman, Princess Salma and Prince Hashem, who celebrated his 18th birthday on Monday.

With the picture posted of the teenager, Queen Rania wrote: “Happy birthday! May God bless you with a lifetime of the same joy that you bring me and everyone around you.”

Crown Prince Hussein, who is to marry his fiancee Rajwa Al Saif on June 1, also shared his well wishes for his father and brother.

Sharing a video on Sunday of moments from his father’s life, he wrote: “61 years of dedication, compassion and tenacity. May God bless you and protect you always.”

He also posted an image of himself smiling with his younger brother. “Happy 18th birthday dear Hashem,” he wrote.

Several other tributes were left on social media on Monday. The official Twitter account for UN Women Jordan wrote: “Happy Birthday to His Majesty King Abdullah II! The @unwomenjordan team wishes His Majesty good health, happiness and a wonderful year ahead!”

Read more

Queen Rania wears Schiaparelli to speak at Paris Peace Forum

The official account for the British Embassy in Jordan, meanwhile, said: “We wish His Majesty King Abdullah II and HRH Prince Hashem a happy birthday and many more years of success and prosperity.”

See Queen Rania's style evolution in 64 pictures

Queen Rania, wearing a dress by British designer Bruce Oldfield, on her wedding day to King Abdullah II at the Royal Palace in Amman, Jordan on June 10, 1993. AFP
Queen Rania, wearing a dress by British designer Bruce Oldfield, on her wedding day to King Abdullah II at the Royal Palace in Amman, Jordan on June 10, 1993. AFP
Queen Rania, with Senator Jesse Helms in Washington DC on June 7, 2000, wears a simple black suit with a blue blouse, a style format she stuck to in the early 2000s. Getty Images
Queen Rania, with Senator Jesse Helms in Washington DC on June 7, 2000, wears a simple black suit with a blue blouse, a style format she stuck to in the early 2000s. Getty Images
Queen Rania of Jordan, pictured in Amman in November 2000, sports a beige two-piece with a contrasting teal shirt. Getty Images
Queen Rania of Jordan, pictured in Amman in November 2000, sports a beige two-piece with a contrasting teal shirt. Getty Images
Queen Rania, pictured with a newborn Princess Salma as well as Princess Iman and Crown Prince Hussein, wears a maroon turtleneck in November 2000. Getty Images
Queen Rania, pictured with a newborn Princess Salma as well as Princess Iman and Crown Prince Hussein, wears a maroon turtleneck in November 2000. Getty Images
Queen Rania, pictured in Amman on December 17, 2000, has long highlighted traditional Jordanian craftsmanship through her wardrobe choices. Getty Images
Queen Rania, pictured in Amman on December 17, 2000, has long highlighted traditional Jordanian craftsmanship through her wardrobe choices. Getty Images
The royal experimented with a fringe and layered haircut in April, 2001. Getty Images
The royal experimented with a fringe and layered haircut in April, 2001. Getty Images
Queen Rania, here photographed on June 6, 2001, was an early proponent of the power suit. Getty Images
Queen Rania, here photographed on June 6, 2001, was an early proponent of the power suit. Getty Images
Queen Rania, pictured in Rome on October 12, 2001, also dabbled with lighter locks in the past. Getty Images
Queen Rania, pictured in Rome on October 12, 2001, also dabbled with lighter locks in the past. Getty Images
For a visit to London in November 2001, Queen Rania, pictured with Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, chose elegant navy separates, for a finish that still looks contemporary. Getty Images
For a visit to London in November 2001, Queen Rania, pictured with Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, chose elegant navy separates, for a finish that still looks contemporary. Getty Images
While in London in November 2001, the royal, pictured with Cherie Blair, began to show her appreciation for architectural cuts. Getty Images
While in London in November 2001, the royal, pictured with Cherie Blair, began to show her appreciation for architectural cuts. Getty Images
Queen Rania, photographed with artist Hind Nasser on November 29, 2001, made a lesser-seen dabble with pastel tones in this co-ordinating lavender suit. Getty Images
Queen Rania, photographed with artist Hind Nasser on November 29, 2001, made a lesser-seen dabble with pastel tones in this co-ordinating lavender suit. Getty Images
Queen Rania, pictured arriving at King Abdullah's birthday party on January 29, 2002, wears a dramatic full-length coat over a classic shirt-and-trousers combo. Getty Images
Queen Rania, pictured arriving at King Abdullah's birthday party on January 29, 2002, wears a dramatic full-length coat over a classic shirt-and-trousers combo. Getty Images
The royal, pictured on June 10, 2002 in Amman, didn't escape the sunglasses trends and the pinstriped blazers of the early 2000s. Getty Images
The royal, pictured on June 10, 2002 in Amman, didn't escape the sunglasses trends and the pinstriped blazers of the early 2000s. Getty Images
Queen Rania, pictured with Baroness Symons and Maria Shammas on June 17, 2002, has long favourite monochrome ensembles with clean lines, as per this asymmetric coat and trousers look. Getty Images
Queen Rania, pictured with Baroness Symons and Maria Shammas on June 17, 2002, has long favourite monochrome ensembles with clean lines, as per this asymmetric coat and trousers look. Getty Images
The royal wears peachy chiffon embellished with sequins for a gala dinner in France on September 30, 2002. Getty Images
The royal wears peachy chiffon embellished with sequins for a gala dinner in France on September 30, 2002. Getty Images
Queen Rania wears a bolero jacket over a velvet evening gown at Bellevue Palace in October 22, 2002 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
Queen Rania wears a bolero jacket over a velvet evening gown at Bellevue Palace in October 22, 2002 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
Queen Rania first started embracing the pussybow blouse, a style she still favours to this day, in October 2002 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
Queen Rania first started embracing the pussybow blouse, a style she still favours to this day, in October 2002 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
The royal looked to a Rennaissance-worthy velvet gown on December 2, 2002 in Versailles, France. Getty Images
The royal looked to a Rennaissance-worthy velvet gown on December 2, 2002 in Versailles, France. Getty Images
The royal, pictured with Queen Sofia of Spain on September 30, 2003, wears knee-high boots with a chic sleeveless dress. Getty Images
The royal, pictured with Queen Sofia of Spain on September 30, 2003, wears knee-high boots with a chic sleeveless dress. Getty Images
Queen Rania champions the skirt suit on March 8, 2004 in Beirut. Getty Images
Queen Rania champions the skirt suit on March 8, 2004 in Beirut. Getty Images
Queen Rania looks red carpet ready in cream satin for a gala dinner at El Pardo Royal Palace on May 21, 2004 in Madrid, Spain. Getty Images
Queen Rania looks red carpet ready in cream satin for a gala dinner at El Pardo Royal Palace on May 21, 2004 in Madrid, Spain. Getty Images
For the wedding of Spanish Crown Prince Felipe de Bourbon and former journalist Letizia Ortiz on May 22, 2004, Queen Rania donned a simple white shirt, dressed up by a lilac and lace maxi. Getty Images
For the wedding of Spanish Crown Prince Felipe de Bourbon and former journalist Letizia Ortiz on May 22, 2004, Queen Rania donned a simple white shirt, dressed up by a lilac and lace maxi. Getty Images
Queen Rania, while visiting British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie, dressed for the UK's wintry climes in a knitted tunic layered over trousers on November 6, 2006. Getty Images
Queen Rania, while visiting British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie, dressed for the UK's wintry climes in a knitted tunic layered over trousers on November 6, 2006. Getty Images
Queen Rania dresses up an emerald gown with a sleek black stole at the Foreign Press Association Awards on November 23, 2004 in London. Getty Images
Queen Rania dresses up an emerald gown with a sleek black stole at the Foreign Press Association Awards on November 23, 2004 in London. Getty Images
Queen Rania, then pregnant with Prince Hashem, wears a textured coat on November 29, 2004 in Amman. Getty Images
Queen Rania, then pregnant with Prince Hashem, wears a textured coat on November 29, 2004 in Amman. Getty Images
Queen Rania, pictured with Renee Zellweger, wears a long navy dress on June 11, 2006 for an event on the Jordanian shore of the Dead Sea. Getty Images
Queen Rania, pictured with Renee Zellweger, wears a long navy dress on June 11, 2006 for an event on the Jordanian shore of the Dead Sea. Getty Images
The royal, pictured in Cape Town on April 3, 2006, dressed up a simple shirt with layered necklaces. Getty Images
The royal, pictured in Cape Town on April 3, 2006, dressed up a simple shirt with layered necklaces. Getty Images
Queen Rania wrapped. atrench coat over a printed tea dress at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, UK, on August 11, 2006. Getty Images
Queen Rania wrapped. atrench coat over a printed tea dress at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, UK, on August 11, 2006. Getty Images
Queen Rania experimented with velvet for daywear in this blazer on October 30, 2006 in The Hague, Netherlands. Getty Images
Queen Rania experimented with velvet for daywear in this blazer on October 30, 2006 in The Hague, Netherlands. Getty Images
This royal blue gown was offset by a woven belt on October 31, 2006 in Scheveningen, Netherlands. Getty Images
This royal blue gown was offset by a woven belt on October 31, 2006 in Scheveningen, Netherlands. Getty Images
Queen Rania donned a classic LBD for a Unesco Goodwill Ambassadors meeting on April 3, 2007 in Paris, France. Getty Images
Queen Rania donned a classic LBD for a Unesco Goodwill Ambassadors meeting on April 3, 2007 in Paris, France. Getty Images
Queen Rania demonstrates why she reigns at tailored separates on October 31, 2007, in Amman. Getty Images
Queen Rania demonstrates why she reigns at tailored separates on October 31, 2007, in Amman. Getty Images
Queen Rania is the picture of elegance in pale dove grey Elie Saab at the Bambi Awards on November 29, 2007 in Germany. Getty Images
Queen Rania is the picture of elegance in pale dove grey Elie Saab at the Bambi Awards on November 29, 2007 in Germany. Getty Images
Queen Rania, pictured with Queen Sofia of Spain on October 18, 2008, dips a toe into the then-emerging lace trend. Getty Images
Queen Rania, pictured with Queen Sofia of Spain on October 18, 2008, dips a toe into the then-emerging lace trend. Getty Images
Queen Rania keeps it elegant in a tonal autumnal look on October 18, 2008 in Madrid, Spain. Getty Images
Queen Rania keeps it elegant in a tonal autumnal look on October 18, 2008 in Madrid, Spain. Getty Images
Queen Rania, pictured with King Constantin of Greece, wore an artfully draped purple gown to the wedding banquet for Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden on June 19, 2010 in Stockholm, Sweden. Getty Images
Queen Rania, pictured with King Constantin of Greece, wore an artfully draped purple gown to the wedding banquet for Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden on June 19, 2010 in Stockholm, Sweden. Getty Images
Queen Rania turns to a scalloped coral silk dress on October 30, 2008 in Paris, France. Getty Images
Queen Rania turns to a scalloped coral silk dress on October 30, 2008 in Paris, France. Getty Images
Queen Rania amps up the drama with an oversized applique bloom at Windsor Castle on May 18, 2012 in London. Getty Images
Queen Rania amps up the drama with an oversized applique bloom at Windsor Castle on May 18, 2012 in London. Getty Images
The royal steps out in a blue dress with flattering white panels while with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall on March 12, 2013, in Amman. Getty Images
The royal steps out in a blue dress with flattering white panels while with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall on March 12, 2013, in Amman. Getty Images
Queen Rania embraces a fringe of feathers with this long-sleeved top and draped skirt at the Women in the World summit on October 8, 2015 in London, England. Getty Images
Queen Rania embraces a fringe of feathers with this long-sleeved top and draped skirt at the Women in the World summit on October 8, 2015 in London, England. Getty Images
Queen Rania, pictured with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and German politician Christian Lindner on September 17, 2015 , wears a belted skirt with a subtly embellished blouse. Getty Images
Queen Rania, pictured with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and German politician Christian Lindner on September 17, 2015 , wears a belted skirt with a subtly embellished blouse. Getty Images
The royal, pictured with Queen Letizia of Spain, wrapped up in a fashion-forward tweed jacket to arrive in Madrid on November 19, 2015. Getty Images
The royal, pictured with Queen Letizia of Spain, wrapped up in a fashion-forward tweed jacket to arrive in Madrid on November 19, 2015. Getty Images
Queen Rania, photographed with Queen Letizia of Spain on November 20, 2015, has long championed the midi skirt, but this pleated black and white number might be her best one yet. Getty Images
Queen Rania, photographed with Queen Letizia of Spain on November 20, 2015, has long championed the midi skirt, but this pleated black and white number might be her best one yet. Getty Images
Queen Rania debuted a cutaway coat layered over a hot-pink pencil dress on January 8, 2016 in London. Getty Images
Queen Rania debuted a cutaway coat layered over a hot-pink pencil dress on January 8, 2016 in London. Getty Images
Queen Rania looks regal in a flowing teal gown, and complementing golden headband, at the Royal Hashemite Court on June 2, 2016. Getty Images
Queen Rania looks regal in a flowing teal gown, and complementing golden headband, at the Royal Hashemite Court on June 2, 2016. Getty Images
Queen Rania, with Crown Prince Hussein, embraces Hama Fashion's traditional prints in a modern silhouette for Jordan's 70th Independence Day on May 25, 2016. Getty Images
Queen Rania, with Crown Prince Hussein, embraces Hama Fashion's traditional prints in a modern silhouette for Jordan's 70th Independence Day on May 25, 2016. Getty Images
Queen Rania made a rare appearance in eclectic Valentino prints at the Ein Herz Fuer Kinder Gala on December 3, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
Queen Rania made a rare appearance in eclectic Valentino prints at the Ein Herz Fuer Kinder Gala on December 3, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
Queen Rania wrapped up in a statement red Givenchy coat and matching heels at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on August 11, 2017 in Camberley, England. Getty Images
Queen Rania wrapped up in a statement red Givenchy coat and matching heels at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on August 11, 2017 in Camberley, England. Getty Images
The royal kept it simple yet super contemporary in a white Givenchy shirt dress at Fashion for Relief on May 21, 2017 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
The royal kept it simple yet super contemporary in a white Givenchy shirt dress at Fashion for Relief on May 21, 2017 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
Queen Rania wears an embellished pencil skirt with a light knit on November 30, 2017 in Oxfordshire, England. Getty Images
Queen Rania wears an embellished pencil skirt with a light knit on November 30, 2017 in Oxfordshire, England. Getty Images
Queen Rania wore a dusky blue, high-necked dress for Princess Salma's graduation ceremony on May 22, 2018. Getty Images
Queen Rania wore a dusky blue, high-necked dress for Princess Salma's graduation ceremony on May 22, 2018. Getty Images
Queen Rania turned to a fuchsia midi and heels by Amina Muaddi for a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II and King Abdullah II on January 1, 2019. Getty Images
Queen Rania turned to a fuchsia midi and heels by Amina Muaddi for a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II and King Abdullah II on January 1, 2019. Getty Images
The royal wears relaxed trousers and a loose scarlet Antonio Berardi jacket to tour the Jabal Al-Luweibdeh neighbourhood on April 17, 2019, in Amman. Getty Images
The royal wears relaxed trousers and a loose scarlet Antonio Berardi jacket to tour the Jabal Al-Luweibdeh neighbourhood on April 17, 2019, in Amman. Getty Images
Queen Rania wore relaxed, safari-inspired Michael Kors suiting for a visit to Al-Maghtas in Jordan, where Jesus is believed by Christians to have been baptised, in March 2020. AFP
Queen Rania wore relaxed, safari-inspired Michael Kors suiting for a visit to Al-Maghtas in Jordan, where Jesus is believed by Christians to have been baptised, in March 2020. AFP
Queen Rania, pictured with Queen Sonia and King Harald V of Norway in Amman, on March 2, 2020, chose a clean yet ultra modern Izeta coat for the royals' visit to Jordan. EPA.
Queen Rania, pictured with Queen Sonia and King Harald V of Norway in Amman, on March 2, 2020, chose a clean yet ultra modern Izeta coat for the royals' visit to Jordan. EPA.
Queen Rania, in Michael Kors, visits the baptism site of Al-Maghtas, the baptism site of Jesus Christ, on March 3, 2020. AFP
Queen Rania, in Michael Kors, visits the baptism site of Al-Maghtas, the baptism site of Jesus Christ, on March 3, 2020. AFP
Queen Rania, wearing pink Calvin Klein, during a visit to one of the projects of the Productive Youth Initiative in Amman, Jordan on March 30, 2021. AFP
Queen Rania, wearing pink Calvin Klein, during a visit to one of the projects of the Productive Youth Initiative in Amman, Jordan on March 30, 2021. AFP
Queen Rania, in a red dress by Lebanese label Bazaza, at the White House in Washington, US, on July 19, 2021. Photo: Balkis Press
Queen Rania, in a red dress by Lebanese label Bazaza, at the White House in Washington, US, on July 19, 2021. Photo: Balkis Press
Queen Rania, in a pale green blouse and wool trousers by Chloe, meets Pfizer chief executives in Washington DC with King Abdullah II, on Tuesday, July 20. Photo: Balkis Press
Queen Rania, in a pale green blouse and wool trousers by Chloe, meets Pfizer chief executives in Washington DC with King Abdullah II, on Tuesday, July 20. Photo: Balkis Press
Queen Rania, in white Roksanda, arrives to meet Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi at the Capitol in Washington on July 22, 2021. Photo: Balkis Press
Queen Rania, in white Roksanda, arrives to meet Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi at the Capitol in Washington on July 22, 2021. Photo: Balkis Press
Queen Rania, in a white V-neck Dior midi coat, with a gold Dior belt and Louis Vuitton handbag, visits the Queen Rania Family and Child Centre with Britain's Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in Amman, Jordan on November 16, 2021. Reuters
Queen Rania, in a white V-neck Dior midi coat, with a gold Dior belt and Louis Vuitton handbag, visits the Queen Rania Family and Child Centre with Britain's Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in Amman, Jordan on November 16, 2021. Reuters
Queen Rania wears a cream and gold abaya for a private dinner at the Al Husseiniya Palace, in Amman, Jordan on November 16, 2021. Reuters
Queen Rania wears a cream and gold abaya for a private dinner at the Al Husseiniya Palace, in Amman, Jordan on November 16, 2021. Reuters
Queen Rania, in a red wool-crepe midi skirt by Emilia Wickstead paired with a white shirt, at the ceremony for the Zayed Award For Human Fraternity on February 26, 2022, at The Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
Queen Rania, in a red wool-crepe midi skirt by Emilia Wickstead paired with a white shirt, at the ceremony for the Zayed Award For Human Fraternity on February 26, 2022, at The Founder's Memorial in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
Queen Rania, in a pleated black chiffon dress with a red waist belt, receives the Path to Peace Award in New York along with her husband, on May 9, 2022. AFP
Queen Rania, in a pleated black chiffon dress with a red waist belt, receives the Path to Peace Award in New York along with her husband, on May 9, 2022. AFP
The biog

Birthday: February 22, 1956

Born: Madahha near Chittagong, Bangladesh

Arrived in UAE: 1978

Exercise: At least one hour a day on the Corniche, from 5.30-6am and 7pm to 8pm.

Favourite place in Abu Dhabi? “Everywhere. Wherever you go, you can relax.”

Tank warfare

Lt Gen Erik Petersen, deputy chief of programs, US Army, has argued it took a “three decade holiday” on modernising tanks. 

“There clearly remains a significant armoured heavy ground manoeuvre threat in this world and maintaining a world class armoured force is absolutely vital,” the general said in London last week.

“We are developing next generation capabilities to compete with and deter adversaries to prevent opportunism or miscalculation, and, if necessary, defeat any foe decisively.”

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Updated: January 30, 2023, 3:31 PM`
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