Twelve princesses who are descendants of Egypt’s ex-royal family commemorated on Friday the anniversary of the birth of King Farouk. Around 30 people participated in the private family celebration, which took place at Farouk’s tomb in el-Rifaai Mosque.
Those attending the celebration placed a flag from the royal era over King Farouk’s tomb, but were told to remove it by security forces. They were also instructed not to take photos.
Former King Fuad II, Farouk’s son, was supposed to attend the celebration, but declined due to health conditions. Fuad sent a large flower bouquet with a green ribbon that read "To my beloved father on his anniversary."
The former princesses and noble ladies also visited the tomb of Khedive Ismail and Sultan Hussein Kamel, and other royal tombs in el-Rifaai mosque.
Princess Zeinab Mahimour called for the establishment of a royal party that represents the ideas of the royal family. She says the royal party would not seek to take power in Egypt.
The princesses also urged the restoration of tombs belonging to members of the royal family, especially that of King Farouk. Maged Farag, a royal family researcher and close friend of King Fuad, said Farouk’s tomb was in bad condition. He also added it was "a disgrace" to see the Shah of Iran’s luxurious tomb standing next to that of King Farouk.
Meanwhile, Saeed Helmi, who is in charge of monumental relics at the Sultan Hussein and el-Rifaai mosques, affirmed that el-Rifaai was included in a plan to restore the monuments of Cairo.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
