The funeral of Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims, took place in Lisbon on Saturday.
The Associated Press reported that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Spain’s King Emeritus Juan Carlos were among the dignitaries who attended the private ceremony for His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini at the Ismaili community centre. Among others, Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and the mayor of Lisbon were also present.
As per the details, Prince Karim will be laid to rest during a private burial ceremony in Aswan, Egypt, on Sunday.
His death was announced on Tuesday by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Ismaili religious community. The following day, 53-year-old Rahim Al-Hussaini was named as the Aga Khan V, the spiritual leader of the world’s millions of Ismaili Muslims, in according with his father’s will. The Aga Khan is considered by his followers to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and is treated as a head of state.
The Aga Khan’s charities ran several hospitals, educational and cultural projects in the developing world. His name is also synonymous with success as a racehorse owner with thoroughbred Shergar, which is known be among the most famous breeds in the world, news agency Reuters reported. He went on to became a leading owner and breeder of race horses in France, Ireland, and the UK, breeding Shergar.
According to Forbes magazine, the prince had an estimated fortune of $1bn (£801m) in 2008, with his business interests, including horse-breeding boosting his inherited wealth.
Khan was born in Switzerland and had a British citizenship. He resided in a chateau in France and enjoyed a lavish lifestyle. He also owned a private island in Bahamas, a $200 million super-yacht, and private jets, the report said.
Prince Karim Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather as Imam of the Ismaili Muslims in 1957 at the age of 20.
