Rania's Role as Queen of Jordan

[QueenB]

I had read an article on Noor - and at some point the journalist mentioned that KA had a private meet with QN and QN came out of the meeting looking pale.. then a few days later KA announced QR would be named Queen - he introduced her as 'HM, The great Queen'..... and that QN was shocked by it.
I think that was in Vanity Fair..

 

[QueenB]

I thought they got along well.. I think the Queen Alia tiara and it's matching earrings are beautiful - they go well with all the glamour gowns.. that may be why Princess Haya would lend them to Q Rania. Other members of the Jordanian Royals also have tiaras, but that's the nicest one I've seen. :flower:
Will Haya wear the tiara at official events now that she's married to Dubai's CP? :flower:

 

[papillon]

Originally posted by QueenB@Jun 26th, 2004 - 9:52 pm
I had read an article on Noor - and at some point the journalist mentioned that KA had a private meet with QN and QN came out of the meeting looking pale.. then a few days later KA announced QR would be named Queen - he introduced her as 'HM, The great Queen'..... and that QN was shocked by it.
I think that was in Vanity Fair..

Yes, it was a 1999 "Vanity Fair" article. But I don't remember the part about QN showing any surprise. My recollection is that the reporter expressed surprise that QN didn't register any response or emotion at all to whatever KA had interrupted their interview for.

 

[QueenB]

I think it was 2 pages into the article at the very bottom of one of the pages... It was so long ago, but I do remember that part..

 

[QueenB]

I would find that so odd, however, if he hadn't named his wife queen - because then that would mean he was co ruling with Noor..

 

[papillon]

Originally posted by QueenB@Jun 26th, 2004 - 10:18 pm
I think it was 2 pages into the article at the very bottom of one of the pages... It was so long ago, but I do remember that part..

I still have the article, and you are right (amazing recall!) that this reference is on the bottom of the second full page of the article. But it says:

"Unexpectedly, when we returned to Bab Al Salam, King Abdullah had stopped by to meet with the queen behind closed doors. As we finally sit down to a late lunch, she seems unruffled, but a few days later--when King Abdullah names his own wife, a beautiful 28-year-old Palestinian named Rania, "Her Majesty, the great Queen"--I wonder whether that was when Noor got the news that she was being relegated to the status of queen mother."

So no mention of her being shocked or pale. Either she's a good actress or she saw it coming. But does "the great Queen" title somehow trump QN's? What did KH name her when he gave her the title? I don't know about all these nuances.

 

[QueenB]

:flower: Thanks for posting the excerpt... I thought it said pale.. anyhow... I don't know what it all means.. QNoor said that she didn't know she was Queen until she heard it on the news right after her marriage to King Hussein.. guess she was just named Queen and that was that.. I don't think she had a coronation ceremony like KA and QR.. KA could have just said the great queen thing just as an intro - maybe it didn't mean anything towards QN..

:flower:

 

[papillon]

Originally posted by QueenB@Jun 26th, 2004 - 11:12 pm
:flower: Thanks for posting the excerpt... I thought it said pale.. anyhow... I don't know what it all means.. QNoor said that she didn't know she was Queen until she heard it on the news right after her marriage to King Hussein.. guess she was just named Queen and that was that.. I don't think she had a coronation ceremony like KA and QR.. KA could have just said the great queen thing just as an intro - maybe it didn't mean anything towards QN..

:flower:

Yeah, I dunno either. Maybe all queens' full titles include "the great Queen" and it's no slight at all to QN.

I don't know how much of what QN says is true. I'm not calling her a liar or anything, because I think she believes what she says. But there are some inconsistencies in her memoirs. And it just doesn't seem reasonable to me that KH wouldn't prepare her in any way to become a queen, even through something so simple as letting her know in advance he would be making an announcement of her title. It COULD be true, but it just doesn't sound right to me.

 

[QueenB]

That'd be strange wouldn't it... like a lack of communication before the marriage even started ..... I know what you mean about the memoirs.. The beginning of the book - her early life is really interesting.. but then when she gets into life as a Royal - there's a lot of skimming.. she probably didn't want to offend anyone.. remember, her son is the CP - and one CP's already been unceremoniously replaced - she wouldn't want to see that happen to her own kid because she said something she shouldn't have...

:flower:

 

[papillon]

Originally posted by QueenB@Jun 26th, 2004 - 11:45 pm
That'd be strange wouldn't it... like a lack of communication before the marriage even started ..... I know what you mean about the memoirs.. The beginning of the book - her early life is really interesting.. but then when she gets into life as a Royal - there's a lot of skimming.. she probably didn't want to offend anyone.. remember, her son is the CP - and one CP's already been unceremoniously replaced - she wouldn't want to see that happen to her own kid because she said something she shouldn't have...

:flower:

Yes, protection of her son, the CP, is a factor in her memoirs, but also I think QN was trying to influence KH's legacy through what she wrote. I wasn't expecting her to lay out all the family's dirty laundry or divulge things that are just too private, but she was extremely guarded in her memoirs, avoiding even things that have already been widely written about in reputable publications.

 

[QueenB]

I totally agree with you.. perhaps she was asked to write certain things and leave others out... I am sure that manuscript went through many hands before it was actually published and everyone has an opinion about something...
also I think she didn't want to make waves... but it's true, it was very guarded.... It's true, she wants her husband to be remembered in a certain way and surely she wants the Royal family to be seen in a certain way as well...

 

[papillon]

So, it leaves me with the question I began with, which is what is at the heart of the strains between these two women? Maybe Jordan is just too small a country for two queens.

 

[QueenB]

Jordan probably is too small for 2 Queens.. QN was Queen for like 20 years, she's probably still not used to not being Queen..
I remember hearing once that QR felt QN was getting too much media attention within Jordan and made sure that Jordan's media outlets barely covered Noor and did a lot more coverage on her.. she could be intimidated by Noor - perhaps felt overshadowed and her actions may have hurt QNoor..
While KH was alive - he was really the only link between everyone as well as the 'peace' between them.. it's possible that they never liked each other and once KH died, all the true feelings came out.
Also if it's true QN never got along with Princess Muna - Princess Muna apparently had QN cut out of wedding pictures from the weddings of Muna kids and supposedly tried to leave Noor out of 'family' events concerning her kids - then there were probably always problems and perhaps as an extension - KA never liked QN either and that could explain the rumored tensions..
While KH was very ill, there were stories of everyone behind the scenes trying to become 'heirs'... so surely if that's true it may have contributed to any animosity..
A lot of Queen Noor's 'projects' were also turned over to QR charity organization - now it's not even mentioned that Noor founded most of those projects - now it's always under the patronage of Q Rania or something like that...
With Queen Noor being so opinionated surely they've clashed at some point..
But like I said, who really knows other than them - and Queen Noor isn't talking.....
I did think though that at Prince Hamzah's wedding - Queen Noor was pushed to the side - she didn't seem like she was the mother of the groom - more like an extended family member... there was some article that said that she was kept as far away from Hamzah and Noor during the festivities.. that would have pissed anyone off - don't you think....

 

[julial]

I guess now that P Haya married the KING, she elevated her status-perhaps even higher than that of QR, since duabi is so much better off with much better future...I think before, QR and PG used not take PH so importantly... PH used to be neglected with not much importance in JRF. But now she is different. As much as PH is the second wife and all... I think she looks much confident next to MO. Veryprominent. After all, she was born in such an complicated environment, she got wiser faster. I was surprised that ME Princess still not married at the age of 29(sound like a old lady in more traditional world) and perhaps not much choice, if she wanted to push her status. Now QR and PG are below her...if not at least PH became equal importance to them. PH does indeed look dignified nect to PMo-almost the show of victory.　Clever girl.　

 

[NOONj]

hi freinds ,, im from jordan , i know everything about royalty familly of jor , because i close to p.haya much more than q.rania or anybody from familly royalty , p.haya she didn't want give't her mom tiara to q.rania , do u think that or whst -------------

 

[julial]

well, then NOONj, is my assumption right? How is PH doing now personally?

 

[NOONj]

sorry i cant answer to ur question , because this her personalty live - i most to keep't for my best freind ------------- sorry again .

 

[Ulika]

i think haya and raniaget alogn

 

[julial]

go for it.

 

[houri]

silver charm I pick you please let us know what you think

 

[silver charm]

Originally posted by houri@Jun 27th, 2004 - 8:07 am
silver charm I pick you please let us know what you think

thanks but i think my opinion is fairly well known.

she couldn't be happier. she is in love and financially secure. she has everything she could want in this world.

i don't doubt for a minute she is completely happy in her relationship.

my doubts are to what level of damage she is doing to her 'new' family and the younger generation of women who are fighting so hard to become their own entity and not just another asset passed from father to husband.

 

[Genevieve]

Originally posted by QueenB@Jun 27th, 2004 - 2:47 am
Jordan probably is too small for 2 Queens.. QN was Queen for like 20 years, she's probably still not used to not being Queen..
I remember hearing once that QR felt QN was getting too much media attention within Jordan and made sure that Jordan's media outlets barely covered Noor and did a lot more coverage on her.. she could be intimidated by Noor - perhaps felt overshadowed and her actions may have hurt QNoor..

I've read a lot of similar reports to this, too. That King Abdullah but Queen Rania specifically, felt that Jordan was too small for two queens, even a widowed queen and made it so uncomfortable and clear for Noor that leaving Jordan was really her only option. In essence, Noor felt "pushed out" of Jordan.

What I personally surmise that it came down to is that Noor's many efforts within Jordan and on the international world (landmines, small business initiatives for Jordanian women, recognized by the international media and recognized for her support of her husband through his peace efforts as well as during his battle with cancer) cast a great standard on what a Queen of Jordan is expected to do and be. And at the time I think Rania felt it too daunting to live up to the standards Noor had set (who can blame her) and that perhaps Rania felt it would be easier for her to step into her new role if Noor was out of the way so that Rania could set her own standards for the role of Queen. On its own this idea isn't terrible; when anyone undertakes a new role you want to instill your own mark on it and not merely slip into your predecessor's shoes.

Again, personally, I did not think that Rania was prepared to work as hard as Noor did in her role and having Noor go about her normal life in Jordan while Rania did barely nothing would've been a negative reminder to the Jordanian people and cast a bad shadow on Rania. I presume that the another major factor of getting Noor out of Jordan was so that the spotlight and focus could be solely on Rania and Abdullah. Noor would've been the graceful widow of a beloved King; hard to live in their shadows.

 

[julial]

So Silver Charm, do you think now that P Haya`s position is stronger than QR? Well, at least PH does not have to go to as many fundraising functions as QR...

 

[bluetortuga]

This is now the fourth week that Q Rania has not made an appearance. Does anyone out there know what is going on? Is she sick? Is she pregnant and on mandatory bedrest? Has she separated from KA? What's going on?

 

[silver charm]

Originally posted by julial@Jun 27th, 2004 - 9:10 am
So Silver Charm, do you think now that P Haya`s position is stronger than QR? Well, at least PH does not have to go to as many fundraising functions as QR...

definately.....she has more money and mo is definately more powerful in the global economic framework. essentially he who pays the band calls the tune. mo is considered an 'equal' to many of the same people ka has to ask for money to support his regime.

 

[bluetortuga]

It just dawned on me. Since Q. Rania was recently named an honorary colonel in the Jordanian Army, maybe she's been away because she's undergoing military training?

 

[Genevieve]

Originally posted by bluetortuga@Jun 27th, 2004 - 11:26 am
It just dawned on me. Since Q. Rania was recently named an honorary colonel in the Jordanian Army, maybe she's been away because she's undergoing military training?

I sincerely do not believe Rania is undergoing military training. Her new title is just that: a title. Honorary implies that the title is not real but a privilege bestowed to someone because they are of a certain status. Lots of (famous) people get honorary degrees all the time but does that mean that they are actually qualified to be a psychiatrist just because some university granted them an honorary psychiatry degree, for example? I can hardly see Rania leading the Jordanian troops off to a peace keeping or otherwise mission anywhere.

 

[bluetortuga]

Originally posted by Genevieve+Jun 27th, 2004 - 11:29 am--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Genevieve @ Jun 27th, 2004 - 11:29 am)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-bluetortuga@Jun 27th, 2004 - 11:26 am
It just dawned on me. Since Q. Rania was recently named an honorary colonel in the Jordanian Army, maybe she's been away because she's undergoing military training?

I sincerely do not believe Rania is undergoing military training. Her new title is just that: a title. Honorary implies that the title is not real but a privilege bestowed to someone because they are of a certain status. Lots of (famous) people get honorary degrees all the time but does that mean that they are actually qualified to be a psychiatrist just because some university granted them an honorary psychiatry degree, for example? I can hardly see Rania leading the Jordanian troops off to a peace keeping or otherwise mission anywhere. [/b][/quote]
She most likely would not receive the same full-lown training that her husband or any ordinary soldier would have; but she would take courses specific to her rol. Q. Elizabeth if England had military training, do did Q. Margrethe of Denmark; so had P. Anne. These were just basic courses such as support of the troops, caring for the injured and displaced etc. These courses were for aid functions in the military not combat, intelligence, etc.

 

[Humera]

I dont think Noor should've been surprised or offended at Rania getting the title of queen. As the reigning monarch's wife and consort the title was rightfully hers. Besides, Noor is still the queen mother/dowager queen. But she still couldn't have expected the same status and responsibilities.
On the other hand, if Rania did indeed essentially force Noor out of Jordan because she felt insecure, it wasn't fair. No one could expect Rania to assume all the responsibilities and accomplish all Noor had in 20 years. As the new queen, Rania obviously needed time to make her mark.
While I find it sad that queen Noor has to live away from her kids, its not like she's been forced to give up all her responsibilities and the causes she cares about. She still represents Jordan overseas, she still campaigns for the removal of land mines etc. What more could she want from her role? I think she must be smart enough to realize that there is no way she can assume the role she had while her husband was alive.
As for the late King Hussein, I dont know if all the stories about the death-bed promises are true, but if they are, he shouldn't have made/extracted promises and created expectations which he knew to be unfair. How could Abdullah be expected to not make his wife Queen? that would've been extraordinary and inappropriate and would've cheated Rania out of her rightful place.
As far as Im concerned, both Noor and Rania dont have any concrete reason to resent one another. Noor should accept her role and the fact that she's not the reigning queen of Jordan anymore, and Rania shouldn't act petty and mean because she has no reason to, she should feel secure in her position as the King's wife and queen.

 

[papillon]

Originally posted by QueenB@Jun 27th, 2004 - 1:47 am
I did think though that at Prince Hamzah's wedding - Queen Noor was pushed to the side - she didn't seem like she was the mother of the groom - more like an extended family member... there was some article that said that she was kept as far away from Hamzah and Noor during the festivities.. that would have pissed anyone off - don't you think....

Yes, I found that behavior utterly reprehensible. QN is CP Hamzah's only surviving parent. To push her aside on such a big day in her life, too, was so cruel.