Without much introductions, Queen Rania of Jordan is the definition of elegance, outspokenness, and beauty.
She’s an international icon of female empowerment, a strong advocate of education and a passionate philanthropist and peace maker.
So, who is Rania? And how did she meet King Abdullah II? Here are 10 things you need to know about Queen Rania.
1. She was born in Kuwait, and raised in Tulkarm.
Née Rania Al Yassin, the Jordanian queen was born on August 31, 1970, in Kuwait to Palestinian parents. She was raised along with her two siblings in Tulkarm, West Bank.
Like any other Palestinian family, Queen Rania’s family were forced to flee from Kuwait during the Gulf war in 1991.
You can obviously see where Prince Hashem gets his adorable looks from in this picture of the Queen as a child!
2. A well-educated woman was raised by well-educated parents
Raised by a physician, Queen Rania attended The New English School in Kuwait and continued to pursue a degree in business administration at The American University in Cairo.
After completing her studies, she moved back to Jordan, where her family was settled.
3. Queen Rania started her professional life in the marketing sector
After settling in Amman, she worked for a brief period in the marketing department of Citi Bank.
She then landed a job at Apple Computers in Amman, also in marketing.
4. Life was never the same after a dinner party!
Little did the future queen know that she will meet her prince charming at a dinner party!
She and a coworker were invited to a banquet hosted by Princess Aisha, the king’s sister, and that’s where he fell in love with her.
In King Abdullah’s book, “Our Last Chance," he tells the story: “struck by how poised, elegant and intelligent she was,” he fell head over heels for her.
The young prince set his mind to inviting her to dinner, had to track her down and call her at her office, send a friend and even send her chocolates to convince her to accept his invitation!
Five months later the young couple got married on the 10th of June,1993. At the time, neither knew they were to become the next King and Queen of Jordan.
5. Queen at 28 years of age!
Right before King Hussein’s death, he unexpectedly changed his successor and named his son Abdullah II to become the new King of Jordan. And so in 1999, Rania was declared the ‘Queen consort’ of Jordan.
Even though she did not know she was destined to become a Queen and despite her young age, she dedicated her efforts and used her position for the enhancement of people’s lives and making a positive change in Jordan and the region.
6. A powerful philanthropic and an influential change maker
Since her coronation, Queen Rania has become a progressive and powerful icon in the Arab world, fighting on behalf of multiple fundamental causes.
Queen Rania has become an influential advocate for women’s right, reform in education and public health and youth empowerment.
Not afraid to push conventional boundaries, her Highness stands outspokenly against “honor killing,” as well as many other feminist causes.
7. An advocate of cross-cultural peace dialogue
Queen Rania created her own YouTube channel in 2007, to open the door for global dialogue and change Western perceptions and stereotypes regarding Arabs and Muslims.
In 2009, she was awarded the ‘North-South Prize’ from the Council of Europe in appreciation of her commitment to cross-cultural outreach.
Both the king and queen were awarded the 'Seeds of Peace’s Award’ for their efforts to promote world peace.
8. “A mum and a wife with a really cool day job” – Queen Rania describes herself on twitter
With more than 7 million followers on Twitter and 3.5 million on Instagram, Queen Rania has proven that behind her regal role and her titles she’s just Rania, a loving wife and a mother of four, as she once said in an interview with Oprah Winfrey.
On her Instagram account, Queen Rania occasionally shares intimate family shots expressing her love and affection for the king and her family, proving just how relatable she is!
9. Queen Rania has published four children's books to date
Queen Rania has published four children’s books inspired by her own childhood experiences: The Sandwich Swap, Eternal Beauty, Maha of the Mountains and The King’s Gift.
Keen on enhancing children’s learning and improving education in Jordan, all proceeds of her share of The New York Times bestseller, “The Sandwich Swap” went to Madrasati Jordan, an education initiative launched by her and aimed at the betterment of the learning environment across 500 public schools.
10. The most beautiful First Lady indeed!
Queen Rania was named Glamour magazine’s Woman of the Year in 2010 and was ranked as the world’s most beautiful First Lady by Harper’s Bazaar and Queen Magazine in 2011.
She’s been interviewed countless of times and has been featured on Forbes list of the world’s 100 most powerful women in 2005 and 2009.
Aside from being an influential icon, Queen Rania is also known for her fabulous fashion style!
Yes, she has got it all!