Queen Noor of Jordan, Widow of King Hussein

Hussein bin Talal was King of Jordan until he passed away in 1999. He began his schooling in Amman and earned his college degree abroad. Hussein was enthroned in May 1953 at the age of 17. He was married four separate times and was a father to eleven children — all princes and princesses. King Hussein was named the region’s longest-reigning leader until he succumbed to cancer at 63 years old and was succeeded by his eldest son, Abdullah II.

The King left behind his children and fourth spouse, Queen Noor of Jordan, with whom he tied the knot in 1978. They wed in a traditional ceremony, and afterward, the Queen immediately assumed management of the royal household. Despite being widowed, the Queen continues to work in numerous international organizations and divides her time among Washington, D.C., Jordan, and the United Kingdom.