Prince Hashem appointed chief chamberlain

AMMAN — A Royal Decree was issued on Thursday appointing HRH Prince Hashem as chief chamberlain at the Royal Court as of January 12, 2017.

Another Royal Decree was issued accepting the resignation of HRH Prince Raad from his post as chief chamberlain as of January 12, 2017, according to a Royal Court statement.

In a letter addressed to Prince Raad, His Majesty King Abdullah thanked the outgoing chamberlain for his efforts over 40 years of serving the post in the service of King Abdullah and His Majesty the late King Hussein.

“You have set an example of giving, perseverance, devotion and keenness on serving the Throne and the Monarchy in a way that reflected in the good of Jordan and its faithful people,” the King said.

He added that despite leaving the post, Prince Raad, with his experience and knowledge, will be consulted as trusted adviser whenever needed. 

Prince Hashem was born on June 10, 1981 (Shaban 8, 1401 Hijri) to His Majesty the late King Hussein and Her Majesty Queen Noor.

The youngest brother of King Abdullah, Prince Hashem completed his primary education in Amman and high school in the US.

He then attended Sandhurst Military Academy in the UK, graduating in 2000 (1421 Hijri) after receiving several medals, including an award for the highest aggregate mark in academic studies for non-British officers.

The prince graduated with distinction from Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service on August 12, 2005 (Rajab 7, 1426 Hijri), then completed his higher education in Koran studies at Balqa Applied University in Jordan, graduating on September 5, 2006 (Shaban 11, 1427 Hijri).

The prince also graduated from the Joint Services Command and Staff College in the UK, and obtained an MA in defence studies from King’s College London. 

Prince Hashem, who currently serves as an officer in the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army’s special operations with the rank of Lt. Colonel, is the recipient of several medals from Jordan and other countries.

On January 6, 2006 (Dhul Hijjah 6, 1426 Hijri), the prince married HRH Princess Fahdah. 

They have four children — three daughters: Haalat Al Noor, who was born on April 6, 2007 (Rabi I 18, 1428 Hijri); Rayaat Al Noor, born on July 4, 2008 (Rajab 2, 1429); and Fatima Al Alia, born on November 5, 2011 (Dhul Hijja 9, 1432); and one son, Hussein Haidara, born on June 15, 2015 (Shaban 28, 1436).