The Royal Family and the Moroccan people as a whole celebrate this Wednesday the anniversary of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem, whose distinguished career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to promoting the empowerment of Moroccan women, protecting children and advancing children’s rights.
Celebrated every year on August 26, this happy occasion provides an opportunity to pay tribute to the sustained efforts of Her Royal Highness in the social field, particularly in support of women and children, especially those in vulnerable situations.
From a young age, HRH Princess Lalla Meryem has been involved in numerous social initiatives. In 1981, the late King Hassan II, may he rest in peace, appointed Her Royal Highness President of the Social Works of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), a position she continues to hold.
Her Royal Highness also chairs the Hassan II Foundation for Moroccans Residing Abroad, the National Union of Moroccan Women (UNFM), the National Observatory for Children’s Rights (ONDE), as well as the Moroccan Association for UNICEF Support. She is also Honorary President of several associations working for the benefit of children.
International recognition
HRH Princess Lalla Meryem’s commitment to children’s and women’s rights has also received international recognition.
In July 2001, the then Director-General of UNESCO, Koichiro Matsuura, appointed Her Royal Highness as a Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations organization, in recognition of her sustained efforts in support of children and respect for their rights worldwide.
During an official visit to Lebanon the same year, Her Royal Highness was awarded the Grand Cordon of the National Order of Merit and received the Gold Medal of the Hariri Foundation.
In May 2010, HRH Princess Lalla Meryem was also awarded the “World Women Leaders” Prize in recognition of her remarkable work, strong sense of solidarity and continued efforts to strengthen the status of Moroccan, Arab and African women and enable them to contribute to development and progress.
A continued commitment
Over the years, Her Royal Highness has also represented His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, at various national and international events and has chaired numerous social, cultural and institutional activities.
Last Sunday, August 23, HRH Princess Lalla Meryem received, at the Royal Guest Palace in Rabat, children from Al-Quds participating in the 17th edition of summer camps organized by the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Acharif Agency.
On June 12, Her Royal Highness represented His Majesty King Mohammed VI at the funeral of Mrs. Bernadette Chirac, held in Paris.
On May 23, HRH Prince Moulay Rachid and HRH Princess Lalla Meryem chaired, at the Royal Golf Dar Es-Salam in Rabat, the award ceremony for the winners of the 50th Hassan II Golf Trophy and the 29th Lalla Meryem Cup.
On May 16, and in implementation of the High Instructions of His Majesty the King, Supreme Commander and Chief of the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, Her Royal Highness chaired the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Social Works of the FAR, held at the headquarters of the General Staff.
On April 22, HRH Princesses Lalla Khadija, Lalla Meryem and Lalla Hasnaa, accompanied by Mrs. Brigitte Macron, attended the opening performance of the Royal Theater of Rabat.
Through her numerous initiatives and commitments, HRH Princess Lalla Meryem continues to stand as a prominent figure in social action in Morocco, particularly in the areas of child protection, the promotion of children’s rights and the advancement of women’s role in society.
This anniversary thus provides an opportunity for the Moroccan people to pay tribute to her steadfast commitment and extend their best wishes for health, happiness and continued success to Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem.
