The Mysterious Disappearance of Morocco’s Princess Lalla Salma: Unraveling the Royal Enigma

Seven years of silence mark the puzzling case of Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco, unseen by the public since 2017. Rumors surfaced about a possible sighting with her children on the Greek island of Mykonos, yet no photographic evidence has emerged. Let’s revisit the captivating journey of this red-haired royal figure.

Official representatives of the Moroccan monarchy have remained tight-lipped, fueling speculation and imaginative theories within the media. In 2018, Spanish outlets circulated rumors of a divorce between Lalla Salma and King Mohammed VI, possibly explaining her disappearance despite her previously active public role. However, the king has never confirmed these claims, leaving the nation and the world in suspense as Morocco seemingly ignores her absence.

From Humble Beginnings to Royalty

Born Salma Bennani on May 10, 1978, in the Moroccan city of Fez, she was raised by her grandmother after her mother’s passing in 1981. Demonstrating exceptional academic prowess, Salma studied in Rabat, Morocco’s capital, attending high school and later graduating from ENSIAS with a degree in information systems engineering. She briefly worked for ONA Group, a company linked to the royal family, before fate intertwined her life with Mohammed VI.

The couple reportedly met in 1999 at a private event.

Unlike previous monarchs who kept their spouses away from the public eye, Mohammed VI openly introduced Salma to his subjects, marking a historic shift in Moroccan royal tradition. This transparency was unprecedented, as prior queens remained unknown to the public, devoid of titles and official recognition. Salma’s emergence symbolized a new chapter in Morocco’s monarchy.

On March 21, 2002, Mohammed VI married Salma in a religious ceremony widely covered by the media. She earned the title Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Salma, becoming the first publicly acknowledged wife of a Moroccan king. Mohammed VI also broke tradition by renouncing the right to take multiple wives, enhancing his reputation as a reformist.

She became the mother of their two children, Moulay Hassan and Lalla Khadija, now aged 19 and 16 respectively.

A Beloved Figure at Home and Abroad

Rejecting a life of secluded luxury, Princess Lalla Salma actively engaged in philanthropy, frequently attending charitable events and overseeing medical organizations. In 2005, she founded the Lalla Salma Foundation dedicated to cancer prevention and treatment. Her humanitarian work earned her several awards, including recognition from the World Health Organization. Her openness and compassion endeared her to Moroccans, who affectionately regard her as a national favorite.

Internationally, she represented Morocco at numerous events, meeting influential leaders and their spouses.

Notably, she was a guest of honor at the 2011 royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, where her lavishly embroidered Eastern-style gown caught the attention of Western media, placing her among the most elegant contemporary royals.

She also met with prominent figures such as Queen Rania of Jordan, Michelle Obama, Brigitte Macron, and Queen Letizia of Spain.

Journalists believe she shared a warm rapport with Queen Letizia, with whom she visited several social organizations in Morocco. However, when Princess Lalla Salma missed events linked to the Spanish royal visit to Rabat in early 2019, alarm bells rang. By then, she had been out of public sight for nearly two years.

Unanswered Questions and Speculations

Despite being the first Moroccan king to publicly acknowledge his wife, Mohammed VI guards his private life closely. Their marriage appeared flawless, with Lalla Salma consistently radiant beside her husband. No official reports hinted at marital discord, and the world believed in their enduring love—until recent events cast doubt.

Numerous speculative theories about her disappearance abound, many lacking credibility—ranging from botched cosmetic surgery to rumors about the king’s personal life.

The most plausible theory, first reported by the Spanish magazine Hola!, suggests a divorce, a notion cautiously echoed by other Western media without official confirmation.

Some sources claim Lalla Salma was spotted in Italy with her children, while others believe she resides in Greece or is discreetly kept somewhere in Morocco.

It appears that King Mohammed VI’s progressive stance has limits. Rumors suggest he may be unable to publicly announce a divorce due to his status, opting instead for an amicable separation that allows the princess to maintain contact with their children. Some speculate he may have reverted to traditional polygamy practices, though no evidence supports this.

It’s possible that the reform-minded king, initially embracing public visibility for his wife, eventually reverted to conventional views, confining her to a private role focused on child-rearing. Supporting this, reports indicate her philanthropic activities have been paused, and she no longer oversees her foundation.

Hopefully, the royal palace will soon address these mysteries. One thing is clear: Mohammed VI’s attempt to redefine the role of royal wives has backfired, making it difficult to ignore the princess’s disappearance now that she is known both in Morocco and internationally.

Photo credits: Getty Images, Legion-Media.ru

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