The Royal Palace of Morocco announced the passing of Lalla Latifa Amahzoune, mother of King Mohammed VI, on Saturday.
She was 78 years old, the Royal Family has announced
Lalla Latifa, who kept a low profile throughout her life, was a pillar of support for the Moroccan royal family. As the widow of the late King Hassan II, she played a crucial role in raising the current monarch and his siblings.
Born into the influential Amahzoune family in 1946, Lalla Latifa’s roots traced back to the Zayane tribe of Khenifra. Her father’s position as Pasha of the region underscored her noble lineage.
In 1961, at the age of 15, she entered the royal family through marriage to then-King Hassan II. The union, part of a double royal wedding, would go on to produce five children, including the current King Mohammed VI.
Despite her significant position, Lalla Latifa remained out of the public eye, adhering strictly to royal protocols. Her influence, however, was felt strongly within palace walls, where she was affectionately known as the “Mother of the Royal Children.”
In her later years, Lalla Latifa divided her time between France and Morocco, eventually settling permanently in Marrakesh in 2019.
Her legacy was honored in 2018 with the inauguration of a mosque bearing her name in Sale, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern architectural styles.
As Morocco enters a period of mourning, the nation reflects on the quiet strength of a woman who helped shape its modern royal lineage.
While she may not have held official titles, Lalla Latifa’s role in nurturing the current generation of Moroccan royalty ensures her place in the country’s history.
