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Latest News: Queen Rania Accuses Western Leaders of “Glaring Double Standard” in Israel-Hamas Conflict
Queen Rania of Jordan, whose parents are Palestinian, has criticized Western leaders for their lack of condemnation over the deaths of civilians in Gaza amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. In a recent interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, Queen Rania accused global leaders of demonstrating a “glaring double standard” when responding to Israel’s actions following the October 7 Hamas attacks, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people, according to estimates. Israel subsequently imposed a siege on Gaza, and the Palestinian Ministry of Health reports that over 5,000 people, including more than 2,000 children, have died as a result of Israeli airstrikes.
“This is the first time in modern history that there is such human suffering, and the world is not even calling for a ceasefire. So the silence is deafening—and to many in our region, it makes the Western world complicit,” the Queen remarked. “As a mother, we’ve seen Palestinian mothers who have to write the names of their children on their hands because the chances of them being shelled to death are so high.”
Who Is Queen Rania?
Born in Kuwait and displaced during the Gulf War in 1991, Queen Rania’s early life reflected the struggles of many Palestinians. She met Prince Abdullah II of Jordan in 1993 and married him six months later. As queen, Rania has become a prominent advocate for education, health, and women’s rights, serving as a progressive and influential voice in the Arab world and internationally.
Early Life
Rania Al Yassin was born on August 31, 1970, in Kuwait City to Palestinian parents. She grew up in the West Bank town of Tulkarm, where her father, a physician, worked. Rania attended the New English School in Kuwait City before pursuing her higher education at the American University in Cairo, where she earned a degree in Business Administration in 1991.
In the aftermath of the Gulf War in 1991, Rania’s family, like thousands of other Palestinian families, was forced to flee Kuwait. They relocated to Amman, Jordan, and Rania joined them after completing her studies. She began her professional career in marketing with Citibank, before moving on to a similar role at Apple’s office in Amman.
Wedding to Prince Abdullah II
In January 1993, Rania attended a dinner party hosted by the sister of Prince Abdullah II of Jordan, where she met the prince. The two immediately formed a deep connection, and their romance unfolded swiftly, culminating in their engagement just two months later. By June 1993, less than six months after their initial meeting, Rania and Prince Abdullah were married.
Becoming Queen of Jordan
At the time of his marriage, Prince Abdullah had not anticipated becoming king, as his uncle was expected to succeed King Hussein bin Talal, who had ruled Jordan since 1952. However, in a surprising turn of events, King Hussein named his son, Prince Abdullah, as his successor on his deathbed in 1999. When King Hussein passed away on February 7, 1999, Abdullah ascended to the throne.
Only six weeks after his coronation, King Abdullah bestowed upon Rania the title of queen. During a state television announcement, King Abdullah expressed that Rania’s non-royal background allowed her to better connect with the hopes and aspirations of the people, adding that she “truly believes in their causes.”
Children
Queen Rania and King Abdullah of Jordan have four children: Crown Prince Hussein, born on June 28, 1994; Princess Iman, born on September 27, 1996; Princess Salma, born on September 26, 2000; and Prince Hashem, born on January 30, 2005. In July 2009, Crown Prince Hussein was appointed heir to the throne, and in June 2023, he married Rajwa Al Hussein.
Advocacy Work
Queen Rania’s youth, royal stature, and elegant presence have elevated her to the status of an international icon. Frequently seen at high-profile fashion events and social gatherings, she engages with a diverse circle of global influencers. Despite this, Queen Rania has remained grounded, using her platform to advocate for numerous causes close to her heart.
A progressive voice for women in the Arab world, Queen Rania has become a leading advocate for reforms in education and public health, sustainable tourism development in Jordan, youth empowerment, and fostering cross-cultural dialogue between the West and the Arab world. She has notably spoken out against the practice of “honor killings”—the tragic murders of women by family members in the name of preserving family honor.
Queen Rania’s Global Platform
Recognizing the power of technology in shaping perceptions, Queen Rania turned to digital media to further her advocacy and challenge stereotypes about the Middle East. In March 2008, she launched her own YouTube channel, aimed at fostering a conversation between the Arab world and Western audiences. Her inaugural video garnered over 1.4 million views within days. In addition to her YouTube presence, Queen Rania is active on social media, with a Facebook page, Instagram account, and approximately 10 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), where she humorously describes herself as “a mum and a wife with a really cool day job.”
Her work extends to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology, particularly among Jordan’s youth. Partnering with the Jordanian Ministry of Education, Queen Rania has initiated various programs to inspire youth while advocating for global education reforms. She serves as the honorary chair of the Global Campaign for Education’s 1GOAL initiative and the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative. She has also contributed to the UN’s sustainable development goals and worked with UNICEF to support children worldwide.
Despite her significant contributions, Queen Rania remains humble about her role. In her own words, “I just wake up and feel like a regular person. At the end of the day, you are living your life for the people that you represent. It’s an honor and a privilege to have that chance to make a difference—a qualitative difference in people’s lives—and it’s my responsibility to make the most out of that opportunity.”
Awards, Honors, and Books
Queen Rania has received numerous prestigious honorary degrees and humanitarian awards in recognition of her impactful work. Among these accolades are an honorary doctorate in Science Development and International Cooperation from Sapienza University in Italy, the James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award, and the YouTube Visionary Award. In 2010, she was named Glamour magazine’s Woman of the Year, and in 2011, she was recognized as the most beautiful first lady by Harper’s Bazaar.
In addition to her humanitarian efforts, Queen Rania has authored several children’s books, many of which are inspired by her own childhood experiences. Her works include the New York Times best-seller The Sandwich Swap, Eternal Beauty, Maha of the Mountains, and The King’s Gift.
Queen Rania Net Worth
As of the latest estimates, Queen Rania’s net worth is approximately $35 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.