Jordanians mark anniversary of King Hussein's passing

AMMAN — Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania on Sunday visited the tomb of His Majesty King Hussein on the occasion of the 17th anniversary of his death. 

Their Majesties laid wreaths on the tomb and recited verses from the Koran, according to a Royal Court statement. 

Their Royal Highnesses Prince Hashem and Princess Salma accompanied King Abdullah and Queen Rania.

Several members of the Royal family also visited the tomb on Saturday and laid wreaths on King Hussein's tomb.

Jordanians paid tribute to the late King Hussein on social media.

King Hussein died at the age of 63 on February 7, 1999 following a battle with cancer.

Jordanians also marked the anniversary of King Abdullah’s assumption of constitutional powers, as he was proclaimed King on the same day 17 years ago.

“17 years ago today, we lost a great Arab leader who loved his homeland and Arab nation and worked diligently to serve them,” Ammar Faraj (@aamm364) tweeted.

“February 7, 1999 is a date that each Jordanian family remembers. It marks the passing of a great leader,” Laureen (@Laureen-AR) wrote on Twitter.

On Facebook and Twitter, Jordanians posted pictures of King Hussein, as well as pictures of King Abdullah.

“If I were not Jordanian, I would have loved to be one. May King Hussein’s soul rest in peace. What a great leader he was,” Maroosh (@Mloukasha) tweeted.

Salman Jaber said in a comment on his Facebook account: "King Hussein will remain in our hearts forever, and King Abdullah will continue his vision to develop and advance the country.”

Salwa Mohammad had similar sentiments.

“King Hussein will never be forgotten by anyone. People from across the world know him for his strong character and love for the country. You will always remain in our hearts,” Mohammad wrote on Facebook.

A direct descendant of Prophet Mohammad, King Hussein was born on November 14, 1935 as the eldest son of King Talal and Queen Zein Al Sharaf.

At the time of his death, King Hussein was the longest serving executive head of state in the world.