Doha – The Moroccan royal family and the nation celebrate the 62nd birthday of Princess Lalla Meryem today.
The princess has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to women’s and children’s causes and to promoting the social affairs of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR).
Princess Lalla Meryem has held numerous social roles from a young age. In 1981, the late King Hassan II appointed her as President of the Social Works of the Royal Armed Forces.
In recognition of her work in this domain and her defense of women’s and children’s rights, King Mohammed VI named the officer graduating classes of 2020 through 2023 after the princess during their oath-taking ceremony on the 24th anniversary of his accession to the throne.
The princess also chairs the Hassan II Foundation for Moroccans Living Abroad, the National Union of Moroccan Women (UNFM), the National Observatory for Children’s Rights (ONDE), and the Moroccan Association for UNICEF Support.
Additionally, she is the honorary president of several associations working for children’s welfare.
Her exceptional work has been highly praised internationally. In July 2001, UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura named Princess Lalla Meryem a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in recognition of her tireless efforts for children’s causes and rights worldwide.
During an official visit to Lebanon the same year, she was decorated by President Emile Lahoud with the Ouissam of the Grand Cordon of National Merit and received the Hariri Foundation’s gold medal.
In May 2010, the princess received the “World Women Leaders” Award from the eponymous association for her remarkable actions, keen sense of solidarity, and ongoing mobilization to strengthen the status of women in Morocco, the Arab world, and Africa.
Princess Lalla Meryem has engaged in various official activities, presiding over events and representing the King at major national and international occasions.
This year, at the Elysée Palace in Paris on February 19, Princesses Lalla Meryem, Lalla Asmae, and Lalla Hasnaa were received for lunch at the invitation of Brigitte Macron, on the very high instructions of the King.
On February 24, she and Prince Moulay Rachid presided over the awards ceremony for the 48th Hassan II Trophy and 27th Lalla Meryem Cup golf tournaments.
On April 26, she chaired the Board of Directors of the FAR Social Works.
On November 25, 2023, Princess Lalla Meryem inaugurated the Diplomatic Circle Charity Bazaar at the National Library of Morocco in Rabat.
Through her diverse actions and deep commitment, Princess Lalla Meryem continues to inspire and bring pride to the Moroccan people on the occasion of her birthday.
