On Saturday, May 10, 2025, Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco celebrates her 47th birthday amid a backdrop of family challenges and public intrigue. This celebration comes just two days after the 22nd birthday of her son, Prince Moulay Hassan, marking another significant milestone in a life that has seen both royal glamour and personal trials.
Lalla Salma was born on May 10, 1978, in Fès, Morocco. Raised in a modest neighborhood of Rabat by her maternal grandmother after her mother’s passing, she excelled academically and pursued her studies at the École nationale supérieure d’informatique et d’analyse des systèmes (ENSIAS). In 2002, her life took a dramatic turn when she married King Mohammed VI, becoming the first officially titled wife of a Moroccan monarch and stepping into the public eye.
The royal marriage produced two children: Prince Moulay El Hassan, born on May 8, 2003, and Princess Lalla Khadija, born in 2007. Lalla Salma quickly became a beloved figure in Morocco, known for her elegance, modernity, and commitment to social causes, particularly in the fight against cancer through the Lalla Salma Foundation for Cancer Prevention and Treatment.
However, since 2017, following her reported divorce from King Mohammed VI, Lalla Salma's public appearances have dwindled significantly, fueling speculation about her private life. The royal palace has never officially confirmed the divorce, leading to ongoing rumors and intrigue surrounding her status.
Despite her retreat from the public eye, Lalla Salma continues to capture the interest of the Moroccan public. The last confirmed sighting of the princess was in January 2025, when she was seen dining with friends in Tangier, a rare outing that drew attention. Prior to that, she was spotted in a decoration store in Tangier in August 2023, and a video from September 2022 showed her walking through the médina of Assilah, accompanied by bodyguards—one of the few glimpses into her life after her high-profile marriage.
On her 44th birthday in 2022, a discreet celebration was reportedly held at a royal property in Rabat, where she resides with her daughter, Princess Lalla Khadija. Since the divorce, Lalla Salma has adopted a more private lifestyle, though she is occasionally seen with her children, which stirs emotions among the public. A brief video shared on social media showed her with Moulay Hassan and Lalla Khadija in a familial setting, evoking nostalgia and affection from many Moroccans who still regard her as the "princess of the people."
As Lalla Salma marks her birthday this year, the backdrop of her life is complicated by concerns over the health of King Mohammed VI, who has become increasingly reclusive. His health has been a topic of speculation, particularly following his surgery for cardiac arrhythmia in early 2018. As the king's condition remains uncertain, Lalla Salma appears to embody a sense of continuity and stability for many in Morocco. Her birthday, celebrated quietly yet under the watchful eye of the public, underscores her enduring presence in the national consciousness.
Born into a family of modest means, Lalla Salma's ascent to royalty was both remarkable and historic. Her marriage to King Mohammed VI in 2002 was seen as a break from tradition, as she came from a background that did not fit the mold of royal brides, often expected to be from aristocratic families. This shift was perceived as a sign of modernization within the Moroccan monarchy.
However, the end of her marriage has left many questions unanswered. Reports suggest that after her separation from the king, Lalla Salma's movements were closely monitored, with some sources indicating she needed permission for her outings. Despite these restrictions, she has managed to maintain a degree of independence, owning a residence on the island of Kea in the Cyclades, which she purchased for 4 million euros.
In July 2024, Lalla Salma made headlines again when she was photographed on the island of Mykonos, Greece, enjoying a day at the beach with her children. These images, showing her relaxed and happy, helped to quell some of the rumors about her well-being and living conditions. Observers noted that she appeared at ease, dispelling notions that she was confined or unhappy.
The public fascination with Lalla Salma is not just about her royal past but also about her enigmatic presence in Moroccan society. Dubbed the "ghost princess," she remains a figure of intrigue, embodying both the aspirations and the complexities of contemporary Moroccan life. As she celebrates her 47th birthday, the affection of the Moroccan people for her is palpable, despite her long absence from the public spotlight.
In a country where the monarchy holds significant sway over cultural and social dynamics, Lalla Salma’s story reflects broader themes of change, resilience, and the evolving role of women in Moroccan society. Her commitment to charitable causes, particularly in healthcare, has left a lasting impact, and her legacy continues to inspire many.
As the nation watches closely, Lalla Salma’s birthday serves as a reminder of her unique place in the hearts of Moroccans, even as her life remains shrouded in mystery and speculation. The juxtaposition of her public persona and private struggles paints a portrait of a woman who has navigated the complexities of royal life with grace and dignity.
On this day, as she blows out the candles on her birthday cake, the hopes and well-wishes of a nation are surely with her, affirming that she is much more than just a former princess—she is a symbol of hope and continuity in a time of uncertainty.
