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Is Abdullah II of Jordan‘s Wife, Queen Rania, the Driving Force Behind His Reign? The Unequivocal Answer is Yes.

King Abdullah II of Jordan has ruled his people steadily since 1999. Through unpredictable regional turmoil, economic crises, and public health emergencies, the Hashemite monarch has provided stability and visionary leadership. But is he solely responsible for Jordan‘s continued resilience?

The unequivocal truth points to the person consistently by his side – his wife of over 25 years, Queen Rania. As an advisor, advocate, and anchor for the King, Queen Rania has proven herself as the driving force empowering his successful reign.

Queen Rania‘s Uncommon Upbringing

Born in Kuwait in 1970 to Palestinian parents, Rania Yassin‘s early life was marked by turmoil. Her family fled war-torn Kuwait for Jordan during the Gulf War in 1991. These disruptions could have easily set her back.

However, Rania persevered through uncertainty, focusing on her education. She graduated that same year from the American University in Cairo with a degree in Business Administration.

Little did Rania know, her grit during challenging circumstances equipped her for an extraordinary destiny ahead.

A Fated Meeting for the History Books

In 1993, a dinner party changed Rania‘s life forever. There, she met then-Prince Abdullah, eldest son of the late King Hussein. Though seemingly an unlikely pair, the two instantly connected.

As Rania later told CNN, "I was impressed that he didn‘t use his title…[he] was very humble. That really drew me to him very, very strongly."

Abdullah was clearly smitten as well. Just months after meeting Rania, he proposed, and she accepted. Their wedding in June 1993 was declared a national holiday in celebration.

At only 22 years old, the new bride embraced her role as Princess Consort Rania al-Abdullah. Little did she know, in just six short years she would become queen.

Assuming the Throne Side-by-Side

On February 7, 1999, King Hussein passed away after a battle with cancer. Abdullah ascended to the throne, becoming King Abdullah II.

Though the nation mourned their beloved late monarch, they took comfort in their new king‘s evident leadership capabilities. And by his side stood Rania, now Queen Rania al-Abdullah.

Far more than a figurehead, Queen Rania became an active partner and trusted counsel for the new king. Her intellect and heart drove forward-thinking initiatives to improve life for all Jordanians.

Growing Their Family – and Influence

The royal couple has four children:

  • Crown Prince Hussein (b. 1994, age 29)
  • Princess Iman (b. 1996, age 27)
  • Princess Salma (b. 2000, age 23)
  • Prince Hashem (b. 2005, age 18)

The Queen emphasizes her family role above all else. She instills in her children the importance of service, humility, and cultural understanding.

At the same time, her family life provided balance and motivation as she took on increasingly prominent global humanitarian roles.

Queen Rania‘s Global Platform – Impacting Millions

Queen Rania has not confined herself to Jordan alone. Through high-profile humanitarian roles, she has become one of the most influential Arab women leaders in the world.

Her advocacy has focused on:

  • Women‘s empowerment
  • Children‘s welfare
  • Girls‘ education
  • Cross-cultural understanding

Some highlights of her global impact:

  • Eminent Advocate for Children, UNICEF (since 2007). She has traveled to impoverished nations worldwide to advocate for youth.

  • Honorary Chair, United Nations Girls‘ Education Initiative (since 2008). Drives action to provide quality education for adolescent girls globally.

  • Founder and Chair, Jordan River Foundation (since 1995). Jordan‘s main NGO providing community empowerment programs impacting millions.

  • Social media following of over 10 million across Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Uses her platforms to promote humanitarian causes worldwide.

Queen Rania‘s popularity stems from her sincere compassion and ability to connect across cultures. She has become a role model for women seeking leadership roles not only in Jordan, but across the Arab world.

Weathering Recent Crises: A Steadfast Partner

King Abdullah II has faced significant challenges during his reign. Through them all, Queen Rania has stood resolutely by his side providing advice and stability.

In 2020, the King faced a political crisis when the former crown prince was implicated in an alleged coup plot. Abdullah swiftly controlled the situation, but speculation around the royal family shook the nation.

During the turmoil, Queen Rania showed unwavering support for the King to assuage citizens‘ concerns. She continues providing guidance as he navigates complex regional dynamics.

How Does Queen Rania Compare to Other Prominent Royal Consorts?

Throughout history, kings‘ wives have exerted varying degrees of power and influence. How does Queen Rania measure up to other recent examples?

Queen Noor (wife of late King Hussein): American immigrant Queen Noor became beloved in Jordan for her philanthropy and advocacy, much like Queen Rania today. However, Rania has even greater global reach and star power.

Queen Letizia (wife of King Felipe VI of Spain): Former journalist Letizia is an accomplished public speaker and humanitarian. However, she does not play as active a political advisor role to the King as Rania does.

Queen Mathilde (wife of King Philippe of Belgium): Educated and articulate, Mathilde champions social issues in Belgium as part of her consort duties. Though admirable, her activism has lower international profile compared to Rania‘s.

Queen Máxima (wife of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands): Multilingual Máxima is involved in progressive initiatives in the Netherlands and internationally through the UN. However, her focus on economics is more limited compared to the breadth of Rania‘s humanitarianism.

Queen Rania clearly stands apart from her global counterparts in terms of her political partnership, global activism, and modernizing influence. She exemplifies the heights that can be achieved when a royal consort becomes a true partner in service to their nation and humanity.

Conclusion: An Equal Force Beside the King

When a young Rania Yassin met an amiable prince named Abdullah nearly 30 years ago, neither could have predicted their lasting impact on Jordan and the world.

Through their marriage built on trust and vision, King Abdullah II‘s reign has ushered in an era of prosperity and progress for the kingdom.

There is no doubt that Queen Rania‘s formidable partnership has been the driving force elevating her husband‘s achievements as monarch. Her roles as mother, advisor, and global humanitarian have cemented her place in history.

While kings and queens throughout history have often had arranged marriages, Abdullah and Rania‘s union is a genuine partnership based on love and mutual respect.

Jordan is blessed to have not just a strong king, but an equally formidable queen by his side in Queen Rania. Both Jordanians and citizens worldwide will continue looking to her inspirational leadership in the years to come.

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Michael

Michael Reddy is a tech enthusiast, entertainment buff, and avid traveler who loves exploring Linux and sharing unique insights with readers.