King Charles 'deeply saddened' by death of 'personal friend' Aga Khan
A friend to the royals for many yearsIn latest news, King Charles is reportedly “deeply saddened” by the death of his “personal friend” Prince Karim Aga Khan VI.
Prince Karim Al-Husseini, also known as the Aga Khan VI, has died at the age of 88. He was the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims and a philanthropist, and said to be one of the world’s richest royals.
His charity, the Aga Khan Development Network, released a statement on its website. The statement said he “passed away peacefully” on Tuesday in Portugal.
King Charles ‘deeply saddened’ by death of Aga Khan
The statement read: “His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), passed away peacefully in Lisbon on 4 February 2025, aged 88, surrounded by his family.”
According to royal sources, the king feels “deeply saddened” by the death of the Aga Khan – a “personal friend of many years”.
The Aga Khan was also a personal friend to Charles’ late mother Queen Elizabeth II. In 2008, the queen hosted a dinner party in his honour at Buckingham Palace.
According to reports, King Charles has contacted the Aga Khan’s family privately.
Royal Insider has contacted reps for Buckingham Palace for comment.
King Charles releases statement following death of Sir Julius Chan
It comes not long after the king released a statement following the death of Sir Julius Chan. He was the former Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.
My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the loss of Sir Julius Chan.
King Charles is head of state in 15 Commonwealth countries, including Papua New Guinea.
The monarch’s statement read: “My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the loss of Sir Julius Chan. He was a dedicated public servant, and devoted his life to help build Papua New Guinea into the strong, independent nation that it is today.
“His dedication served as an inspiration to many. I remember with great fondness meeting Sir Julius many times over his decades of service.”
The monarch added: “My wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to Sir Julius’s family, and to all Papua New Guineans, as his loss is mourned throughout Papua New Guinea.”
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King marks World Cancer Day
Elsewhere this week, the king marked World Cancer Day on February 4. Charles’ cancer diagnosis was announced in February 2024. He is still receiving treatment.
A video shared to the royal family’s social pages saw a variety of celebrities speaking out about the disease. Alongside it, a caption read: “This World Cancer Day, we are sending love to all those navigating a cancer diagnosis – as well as the incredible doctors, nurses, charities, and families who work tirelessly to support them.”
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