The Aga Khan, a spiritual leader, philanthropist and one of the world's richest men, has died aged Most often in the public eye thanks to his racehorses, the British citizen was the religious head of the Ismaili sect of Islam, which has as many as 15 million members.
He inherited his title from his grandfather in aged just 20 and is believed by his followers to be 'the bringer of life'. In spite of his sometimes turbulent private life he remained revered for the worldwide charitable works he has directed funds to.
He died peacefully in Lisbon, Portugal, today surrounded by his family. An announcement on his successor will come later, the Aga Khan Foundation has said. The King was tonight made aware of the Aga Khan's death and was said to be deeply saddened by the loss of a personal friend of many years.
He is believed to be in touch with his family privately. Aga Khan IV, wearing a tweed jacket over a sweater with a shirt and tie, as he stands with his horse Zeddaan in The announcement of his designated successor will follow. Activist and Nobel Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai passed along her 'deepest condolences' to Mr Khan's family and loved ones, writing on X: 'May his soul rest in peace. I express my deepest condolences to His Highness's family and the Ismaili community.
The Aga Khan, whose ancestors fled Persia for India two centuries ago, was born in Switzerland and spent much of his later life in France , despite having British citizenship. His followers say he was a direct descendent of the Prophet Mohammed through his daughter, Hazrat Bibi Fatima, and the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law, Hazrat Ali. Described by Vanity Fair as a 'one man state', alongside a colourful personal life his charities are famous for their work in poor and war-torn parts of the world.
