Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, a distinguished member of the Jordanian Royal Family and half-brother to King Abdullah II, has cultivated a public life marked by dedication to sports and national service. His romantic journey, while not extensively publicized prior to his marriage, has been defined by a steadfast and prominent union with Princess Rym Ali, a former international journalist whose path to royalty was as unique as her professional background.
Their remarkable love story began to unfold in 2003, amidst the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. At the time, Prince Ali, born December 23, 1975, was serving as the commander of King Abdullah II's Special Security in the Royal Guards. Concurrently, Rym Brahimi, born in 1969, was a highly respected Algerian-born CNN war correspondent, covering the intricate realities from Baghdad. It was during official briefings in Amman concerning the Iraq war situation that their paths converged, leading to an unexpected connection.
Princess Rym Ali, the daughter of prominent Algerian diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi, had established an impressive career before her royal marriage. She held degrees from prestigious institutions including the Sorbonne University, Institut d'Études Politiques de Paris, and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Her work as a correspondent brought her to the forefront of international news, making her a familiar face to global audiences. Her transition from the demanding world of journalism to royal life was succinctly captured by her own famous remark, as reported by various sources: > "A very unexpected outcome of my being kicked out of Iraq."
The couple formalized their union in a wedding ceremony that was publicly celebrated on September 7, 2004, held at the Al-Baraka Palace in Amman, Jordan. Their marriage was notable not only for the union of a prince and a journalist but also for their compassionate decision regarding the wedding festivities. Instead of a lavish reception, Prince Ali and Princess Rym chose to channel the resources towards a philanthropic endeavor, reportedly using the funds to provide sustenance for 1,000 underprivileged families for six months. This act underscored their shared commitment to humanitarian values and public service from the very beginning of their married life.
Their marriage soon blossomed into a family. Prince Ali and Princess Rym welcomed two children, adding a new generation to the Hashemite Royal Family. Their daughter, Princess Jalila bint Ali, was born on September 16, 2005. A year or so later, they celebrated the arrival of their son, Prince Abdullah bin Ali, born circa 2006. The family resides in Amman, where they maintain a balance between their public duties and private life, often seen together at various national and international events.
Throughout their marriage, Prince Ali and Princess Rym have presented a united front, supporting each other in their respective endeavors. Prince Ali has been a prominent figure in international football, serving as the president of the Jordan Football Association and the West Asian Football Federation, and notably challenging for the FIFA presidency. Princess Rym, now known as Princess Rym Ali, has continued her dedication to media and culture, playing a significant role in establishing the Jordan Media Institute and advocating for quality journalism. Their joint appearances at official engagements, cultural events, and philanthropic initiatives highlight their shared values and commitment to their country.
Their relationship is often characterized by mutual respect and a quiet dignity, reflecting the traditional values of the Jordanian Royal Family while embracing modern partnerships. They have largely kept their personal life private, focusing public attention on their work and contributions to Jordanian society. Their enduring bond, forged from an unlikely meeting and strengthened by shared purpose, stands as a testament to a royal love story that has gracefully navigated the public eye for nearly two decades. The couple continues to be an integral part of Jordan's public landscape, embodying a partnership built on shared principles and a dedication to their family and nation.