King Abdullah & Queen Rania Current Events 3: March-July, 2005

[Amina]

Some more pictures - tried scanning interview but the words came out hazy - OH WELL.....

 

[salma]

Thank´s Amina for the pics of Hello!

 

[farah]

WOW! the pictures are just perfect! Iman looks very cute BTW

 

[Humera]

Thank you Amina, for the beautiful pics. Rania still has a bit of a belly, she hasn't gone back to her sickly thin weight..yet.
I love the blue and white top and the printed skirt. very cute and feminine

 

[amina1]

Thanks Amina, the pictures are just stunning!
Yes Humera, QRania looked a little big in those pictures but that was I think 3months ago or more, I think now she became skinny as before.

 

[hillary_nugent]

thanks for the pics ^___^ Rania's one of those lucky people who still have a great figure even after just giving birth ^__^

 

[rubaa]

what do jordans think about their queen posing for a magazine?

As a Jordanien i think that the queen is just adorable ,then whats wrong with her being pictured for Hello magazine with her beutiful little kids .It is just fascinating.

 

[monamona]

Is it me or do you all think that perhaps QR is alittle too skinny? I'm always alittle worried when i see her, I'M NOT SAYING THAT SHE'S ANEROXIC!!!! Just that she's so thin!!!!!!!!!!! I guess it's her natural body shape - NO I'M not jealous!!1

Here are some pictures from Hello magazine issue No 867. Pic's by Gavin Smith - I've scanned them so the quality might not be good - SORRY!!!

Taken at their majesties home in Aquaba. Issue May 19th 2005

I like the pictures...the baby is cute

 

[maryshawn]

Very cute photos. Thanks for the posting of them. I'll be interested in reading the accompanying article.

I don't think anyone can beat Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew for "Hello" images.....they sold an article on their life in their new home for a lot of money and the article was 72 pages long or something???? Now that's excessive.

 

[maryshawn]

Is their home in Aqaba the one which once belonged to QN and KH? Or is theirs a different one? QN had always said how much she loved going to Aqaba and even had it photographed in "Architectural Digest." But it seems she never goes there anymore so I wondered if she lost it when KA became King.

 

[Dina12]

Thanks for the photos.

P Iman looks so cute.

 

[Reina]

Very cute photos. Thanks for the posting of them. I'll be interested in reading the accompanying article.

I don't think anyone can beat Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew for "Hello" images.....they sold an article on their life in their new home for a lot of money and the article was 72 pages long or something???? Now that's excessive.

Geez...no wonder the BRF was mad!

ANyway where do they find the time to pose for these pics. I was surprised to see KA in it. He should be doing something a bit mreo useful.

Anyway...the kdis have grown so much

 

[Humera]

Queen Rania receives Austrian award

Amman, May 16 (Petra)-- Her Majesty Queen Rania, on Monday,
received the 2005 'My Way' Award in recognition of her extensive
social work and contributions.
During a meeting with Mr. Ernst Fischer, Chairman of the
Executive Board of the My Way Private Foundation of Austria and
Mayor of Hagenbrunn, Queen Rania lauded the friendly relations
between Jordan and Austria, thanking the Austrian foundation and
commending them on their efforts.
Attended by the Austrian Ambassador to Jordan, His Excellency
Dr. Heinrich Querner, the meeting included a video screening on the
foundation's work and past recipients including the former Polish
President Lech Walesa (2003) and the late pontiff Pope John Paul II
(2004).
The Austrian prize is intended to raise public awareness of
social consciousness and initiatives, providing individuals with
personal encouragement to achieve their goals and pursue their 'own
way'. According to Mr. Fischer, it is "a continuing presentation,
the public acknowledgement of the presented gift, which every year
honors one person who has earned receiving public thanks." During
their stay in Jordan, the Austrian delegation also visited a number
of Jordan River Foundation centers, where they were briefed on the
Jordanian experience in the field of child abuse prevention,
including the Queen Rania Family and Child Center and the Dar
Al-Aman Center, which has, since its establishment in 2000, provided
temporary shelter to children who have suffered some form of abuse
or neglect. The delegation also visited the JRF Showroom where they
had a first-hand look at a variety of handicrafts.
In 1999, the private foundation presented an open air art
monument to the public. Seven creations by 7 international
sculptors, from different countries, depicting the 7 stages of life
- birth, childhood, awakening, love, family, old age, and death -
grace the 777 meter long natural path in the town of Hagenbrunn,
near Vienna.

//Petra//

 

[Reina]

QR looks very happy in that pic!

 

[eman]

pourquoi on ne vent pas hello magazine en france

je l'ai chercher pour l'acheter mais je ne l'ai pas trouvé

 

[eman]

si pourrrait me communiquer l'interview de la reine de jordanie

c'a serait bien et pas que les photos

eman
merci

 

[elizahawthorne]

pourquoi on ne vent pas hello magazine en france

je l'ai chercher pour l'acheter mais je ne l'ai pas trouvé

ca c'est bizzare, mais je ne sais pas pourqoui vous ne trouvez pas HELLO en France...peut etre ca n'est pas tres bizarre, parce que je ne l'ai pas trouve en angleterre.

est-ce qu'il n'y a pas HELLO en francais (la langue)?


-Eliza

 

[assia]

Vous pouvez trouver Hello dans les kiosques des aéroports (Roissy). l'édition française OHLA a stoppé sa diffusion il y a quelques semaines.

 

[Alexandria]

The language here is English, not French.

Please refrain from making posts in another language. It isn't fair to those who cannot read or reply in the other language who have visited a thread to only see content they cannot understand.

Alexandria
Royal Forums Administrator

 

[Reina]

Yea. French hello (or Ohla) does not even have a website anymore. So I guess they stop with paper releases. I think I read on le site that they were going to make improements and would post the new site up later. But I guess they won't be doing that. However there is always the British and the Spanish HEllo!

 

[assia]

Sorry to have written in English. You're right its not fair ! Please accept my apologies

 

[assia]

I meant sorry to have written in French of course !!!

 

[amina1]

By the way, Queen Rania has updated her website and changed everything, to check out the gallery, click on 'through lenses'.

www.queenrania.jo

 

[Veram98]

Queen Rania in Hello magazine

si pourrrait me communiquer l'interview de la reine de jordanie

c'a serait bien et pas que les photos

eman
merci

It was posted at Mahjoob.com

QUEEN RANIA OF JORDAN
Talk Intimately About Her Life With King Abdullah And Their Family

Barely two-and-a-half months since she gave birth to her fourth child, Queen Rania is back at work. She is all smiles and graciousness as she strides purposefully across the cool marble floor of her seaside villa in Aqaba, hand outstretched, in a pair of skinny jeans and a fashionable loose shirt.
She has recently returned from the historic funeral of Pope John Paul II and had hoped to attend the marriage of close friend Prince Charles to Camilla Parker-Bowles.
"It was impossible to go because I am still breastfeeding and couldn't be away from my baby another night," she confides with surprising candour. "I am so happy for them. Together they will be a great team – but your press has been very cruel to her."
Queen Rania, now 34, was a reluctant celebrity herself when she was thrust into the limelight six years ago when her husband, King Abdullah II, succeeded his father, the much-loved King Hussein, making her the world's youngest queen.
Born in Kuwait of Palestinian parents (some 60 per cent of the population in Jordan are Palestinian), she has been living in Jordan since 1991, when her family fled the Gulf War. She graduated in business administration from the American University in Cairo and was working for Apple computers in Amman when she met Abdullah at a party in January 1993. The couple married the following June, but it was only two weeks before his death in February 1999 that King Hussein altered the line of succession, designating his eldest son Abdullah, instead of his younger brother Crown Prince Hassan, as the next King.
Whilst Queen Rania insists she is still at times uncomfortable in the spotlight, she is nevertheless a natural in front of the camera.
Her model figure, impeccable style and captivating beauty have earned her a reputation as the world's most glamorous monarch – and predictable comparisons with Diana, Princess of Wales. Yet she is dismissive of such accolades, preferring to steer the conversation back to the many groundbreaking issues – including the controversial subject of child abuse – which she is tackling in Jordan.
Serious talk, however, will have to wait. The weekend home in Aqaba is primarily a place of fun and relaxation for the couple and their four children, Prince Hussein, ten, princess Iman, eight, Princess Salma, four, and new baby Prince Hashem, who was born on 30th January – his father's 43rd birthday. His Majesty, in a T-shirt and chinos and with baby in his arms, has appeared requesting the presence of his wife at lunch – for which, he declares proudly, he has rustled up some superb steaks on the barbecue.
We are more used to seeing King Abdullah in full military regalia, or alongside world leaders. At their home in Aqaba, however, this warm and unpretentious young King, Hussein's son from his second marriage to British-born Princess Muna – horses around with his children, or tinkers with one of his Harley-Davidsons.
Former guests have included Tony Blair, but are usually members of the couple's extended family and mutual working friends from the early days of their relationship. "It keeps us in touch with the real world," says Queen Rania, relieving her husband of their baby son.
In this exclusive interview and photoshoot with HELLO!, she gives a rare insight into her life as a modern monarch and working mother, who has established herself as a role model for women throughout the Arab world but as symbol of cross-cultural communication between Islam and the West.

Your Majesty, have you found motherhood easier fourth time around?

You would think that I would be more confident and unperturbed by the whole thing by the fourth time, but I am not. In fact, in many ways it feels like he is my first baby and I still find myself nervous and fumbling at times. I am certainly no less tired than I was with my other children. And the disarray and disruption to daily life that a newborn inevitably brings still requires a lot of organisation.
Thankfully, experience has taught me to be kinder to myself. I see a lot of young women these days trying to lose all the weight, resume work and get back to 'normal' life soon after their baby is born and I always think, 'What's the rush?' Everything will happen in due course. Setting high expectations can result in the burden of unwarranted stress and missing out on the little joys that come with a baby."

How have your other children responded to Hashem's arrival?

Having a baby is a great reminder of just how much love we are capable of feeling and giving. Like us, his brother and sisters are overjoyed and are doting on him. I made a conscious effort this time to scale back my activities and reduce my workload so that I could enjoy every stage – I am at a time in my life where I don't take anything for granted. This meant that I was able to spend more time at home relaxing and having fun with the children, so they felt very involved.

How would you describe the King as a father?

My husband, inevitably, has a busier schedule than I do so, when he's at home, he maximises time with the children; it's his way of relaxing. He's the one who plays football with our son, or horses around on the trampoline with the girls – I am not sure who enjoys it more! – whereas I'm the one who says, 'Eat your vegetables!' or 'Bedtime!' But that's OK, the division of roles works well.

To what extent are you a hands-on mother?

I try to be hands-on. Bedtime is a sacred time for me with my children and I always try to be there to tuck them in. I cherish the sanctity of our family, so balancing my work with my own children's needs is a constant challenge – and with a new baby, that challenge has become even greater.
Like all parents, though, I worry if I'm getting the balance right. As much as I can, I try to organise official activities around the children and to limit extensive periods of time on overseas engagements.

Are you sons and daughters able to enjoy a normal childhood?

We try to give them as normal a childhood as possible. Inevitably, they face certain restrictions, particularly where privacy and security are concerned. But they do regular things like going to play-parks with friends, attending summer camps and buying candy in the mall like any child.

Do you tell your eldest son Hussein that he might be King one day?

I think that to tell a boy of Hussein's age that he might become King one day is almost a form of child abuse because it is setting him up for so much pressure and expectation when he is so young and should bee living a child's life. It's really important for me that he lives as normal a life as possible and that he forms normal relationships with people who will like him for himself and not for who he may or may not become. My husband is a good example of someone who grew up not expecting to be King – it made him a real person with whom people can relate.

Last November, your husband decided to relieve his younger brother Hamzah of the title of Crown Prince. Was this to pave the way so that your son Hussein can succeed him?

Prince Hamzah is a highly accomplished young man. My husband and I hold him in the highest regard. His father, King Hussein, realised that it is only the person who is in the position of King that can decide who will be the best successor because it depends on the circumstances and the climate at the time. My husband wanted to do the right thing and keep it open for whoever is best to do the job. I think each one of his brothers and hopefully his son have their own contributions to make to Jordan and, when the time is right, he will make the right decision.

Why did you decide to become active in your role as Queen?

Whatever I do I have to give it my all. If I'm in this position, I feel obliged to serve the people of Jordan in whatever way I can. I do not see this position as one of privilege but one of responsibility to reach out to people and make things better for them.

 

[Veram98]

Have you consciously redefined your role in a modern context?

For me, 'Queen' is not something that I am, it's something that I do. Of course, with no formal training, the expectations and responsibilities inherent in such a role were initially daunting. I was a steep learning curve … but by taking it one step at a time and remaining focused on the larger picture, I've become more comfortable and more confident in the role.

How has your background prepared you for being Queen?

I never really thought or expected that I would serve in this role! I grew up in a regular family, interacting and making friends with people from all walks of life – and I am so glad I did. It's this foundation on which I draw constantly.

Tell us about your connections with Britain …

Britain is a second home for us. We have a home and many friends there, so we visit often. We feel we can be ourselves and relax there.

You also have a close friendship with Prince Charles, don't you?

I have a very close friendship with Prince Charles. I admire him greatly and we share many interests, including architecture and the environment. He is the sort of person who actually does more than he says he will do. Many people are very good at talking but they don't actually come through when it comes to getting the task done. I also like Camilla very much. She is just the right sort of person for Prince Charles: she is very real and speaks her mind. I have no doubt that she will be very good for him – together they will be a great team.

In Jordan, you have made great strides in controversial areas like child abuse. Have you encountered opposition to those efforts?

When we originally addressed the issue of child abuse there was initial resistance, as is the case with many countries in the world. People were ashamed to admit that such a problem even existed because it is a personal issue and one that is very close to the family. Unfortunately, it is a problem that exists everywhere – but by tackling the issue head-on and communicating with the public about it, we managed to break the taboo and now people understand the need to act. The Jordan River Foundation, NGO [non-governmental organisation associated with United Nations] with which I am involved, has recently launched a large public awareness campaign on the issue. If we can keep our children out of harm's way and, at the same time, keep families together by teaching them new ways of interaction, then I will feel that we truly have made a difference.

Is it true to say you are too hands-on for the more traditional members of your society?

There are always going to be people who think I do too much and others who think I am achieving too little. I think the important thing is to always make sure that it is not about you, but what you are doing. It is not about whether I'm perceived as doing too much or too little, but whether I'm getting to the core of the problem and making a difference for the people of this country. As long as that remains your focus, I really don't think that you can go wrong.

Given your unique position in the region, how do you see your role in bridging the gap between the West and Islamic sensibilities?

We in Jordan are working diligently to be a bridge and conduit for international and inter-religious dialogue and communication. We're also working hard to reduce and eliminate the situations that lead to the growth of hatred and extremism. But we need partners in this endeavour. We need to feel that our Western partners, as well as other nations in the region, are communicating and really making an effort to see new ways of progressing together.

How would you describe your relationship with His Majesty?

Teamwork! That would really say it all. While my husband obviously has more of a political role and is involved with the formulation of national policy, I complement him by working with civil society organisations. He is interested in my work and I am interested in his; we have to be because everything we do is so inter-related. Often over dinner or sitting in the garden, we'll reflect on what we've seen during recent visits around the kingdom, or he'll ask me to listen to a speech, or I'll bounce some ideas for an interview off him. We are each other's biggest fans and toughest critics. I value his advice and take what he says to me very seriously – and I know he does the same. We have a respectful dynamic in our relationship and it works very well.

How normal a life can you lead?

Contrary to what people might think because of our geographical position, Jordan is a very safe and easy-going place. We do surprisingly normal things like going out to restaurants and watching movies at home, and my husband also likes to entertain friends with a barbecue here in Aqaba. Many of our friends are regular people that we knew through our work before we even got together.

Do you ever crave the anonymity of your former life?

I very much crave anonymity. I found it very difficult to adapt to losing thee private side of my life when my husband became King because by nature I'm a very private person. At the same time, I love interacting with people and I know we are fortunate to meet so many fascinating people.

Do you ever find it intimidating to sit down in discussion with world leaders?

Initially, I found it very intimidating to think, 'My God, all these terribly important people are listening to what I have to say.' But in those situations I always do my homework and try to offer a fresh perspective. What's interesting is that many of the figures you most admire are actually very down to earth and admirable because they remain in touch with their humanity. I wouldn't say that I'm an overly confident person. There are many situations in which I still feel ill at ease. I'm far more comfortable, for instance, sitting down and discussing issues than attending ceremonial functions like a State dinner.

You have often been perceived as filling the void left by Diana, Princess of Wales. How do you feel when people make that comparison?

It is an honour to be compared to Princess Diana, who was a great humanitarian. Princess Diana was a global icon and many high-profile people have been compared to her. I try not to focus on either that comparison or any other.

Has the focus on your beauty been an obstacle to you in your work?

I try not to take compliments of any kind too seriously because praise for your beauty or fame is fleeting. When I'm older and all that is gone, the important question will be, 'Have I done enough? Is my conscience clear and have I made a sufficient contribution?' That will bring you real satisfaction; not the more superficial concerns, or worrying how you are viewed by other people.

Finally, what do you think you would be doing today had you not married the King?

I definitely think I would be working because I studied and worked before I married, but I hope I would be doing something in an area where I could contribute something to society. Public life has brought a lot to me as a person because once you are in a public position you have to accept that you are no longer living your life just for yourself but for a greater good – and the more you are accepting of that, the happier you will be. I totally disagree when people say happiness comes from within; I actually believe that happiness only comes when you start to look beyond yourself and start giving and thinking of other people.

Interview: Susan Rozsnyai

A donation has been made by HELLO! Magazine to The Jordan River Foundation's Child Safety Programme on Her Majesty Queen Rania's request. For more details about the foundation, or to make a donation, please visit www.jordanriver.jo/.

 

[nilah]

Rania recieved two prizes within a week.

Congratulations to her. This is fine that Her Majesty recieved two prizes within a week.


Thursday, May 19, 2005
UAE Health Foundation Prize

Queen Rania receives 2005 UAE Health Foundation Prize

(Office of Her Majesty, Press Department - Amman) Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah, was awarded the United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Prize, at the World Health Organization headquarters, in Geneva, Switzerland on Thursday.

An international recognition of Queen Rania’s commitment and active involvement in health development issues, the prize was presented at a special ceremony during the annual World Health Assembly (WHA), which brought together WHO office representatives from around the world, practitioners of health-related organizations and health ministers from WHO member states, including Jordanian Minster of Health, Saed Darwazeh, who received the award on Her Majesty’s behalf.

Established in 1993, upon the directives of His Highness the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahayyan, previous recipients of the award include Former First Lady Mrs. Hilary Clinton (1998), Medicines San Frontiers (2002), Sir Magdi Yacoub (2003) and Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Stella Ivbayelea Obasanjo (2004).

Established in 1948 as the United Nations specialized agency for health, WHO is governed by 192 Member States through the World Health Assembly, the main tasks of which are to approve the WHO program and the budget for the following year and to decide major policy questions.

 

[Humera]

Thank you Veram98 for posting that interview. I found it surprisingly candid. Rania seems to have matured quite a bit, at least she sounds that way in this interview compared to others I've read over the past few years. Like when she mentioned young woman trying to lose weight very quickly after giving birth and getting back to work and that she wasnt in such a rush herself. I think thats quite true because for the first two months we didnt even see her except for her appearance at the Pope's funeral and in Lebanon when she visit Hariri's widow.
When Prince Charles got married last month I was wondering if Rania would attend because I have noticed her friendly relationship with both Charles and Camilla. And it was refreshing to hear her openly declare that she was still breastfeeding and didnt want to be away from her baby. It really sounds like she wants to cherish motherhood at this stage in her life, especially since she very likely wont have any more kids.
Something else that I haven't heard Rania say before was the fact that she feels more comfortable sitting down and discussing issues than attending state dinners. One would never have guessed it since she so at home at formal events.
Very nice interview.

 

[Veram98]

Thank you Veram98 for posting that interview. I found it surprisingly candid. Rania seems to have matured quite a bit, at least she sounds that way in this interview compared to others I've read over the past few years. Like when she mentioned young woman trying to lose weight very quickly after giving birth and getting back to work and that she wasnt in such a rush herself. I think thats quite true because for the first two months we didnt even see her except for her appearance at the Pope's funeral and in Lebanon when she visit Hariri's widow.
When Prince Charles got married last month I was wondering if Rania would attend because I have noticed her friendly relationship with both Charles and Camilla. And it was refreshing to hear her openly declare that she was still breastfeeding and didnt want to be away from her baby. It really sounds like she wants to cherish motherhood at this stage in her life, especially since she very likely wont have any more kids.
Something else that I haven't heard Rania say before was the fact that she feels more comfortable sitting down and discussing issues than attending state dinners. One would never have guessed it since she so at home at formal events.
Very nice interview.

You are welcome. I totally agree. She was doing very well. And my Jordanian friends really like the interview (they urged me to read it).

 

[cute_girl]

22 May,2005
QR briefs Mrs. Bush on education.
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/May/22/3854I.htm
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/May/22/3856I.htm
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/May/22/3857I.htm
http://207.228.233.96/nepras/2005/May/22/3858I.htm

 

[Humera]

I love it when Rania wears red. I also like this loose and wispy hairstyle, very pretty.