A Life of Privilege and Pain: The untold story of Queen Farida of Egypt
The news of any marital union always excites the mind. The countdown begins at the announcement of the wedding date. Like always, when it comes to marriages of the high and mighty, especially the royals, it is a case of ‘all eyes on them’.
The story of Farida and king Farouk of Egypt’s marriage is not anything different from most royal marriages. Observing all procedures and protocols of a royal wedding, Farida soon became the queen of Egypt. In this story, we shall unravel the marital life of Farida and Faruk.
King Farouk had noticed Farida while she was on a visit to the palace in 1937. Farida was 15 years old when they first met. Faruk arranged for Farida to join him and his sisters on a family vacation to St. Moritz.
His infatuation resulted in a favored plan. Farouk couldn’t get Farida out of his mind after the trip. Surprisingly, Farida’s father warned her against marrying Farouk, after he had proposed marriage to her. Predicting that marriage to a king would be challenging.
Farida’s parents resisting the plan escalated tension, but it didn’t halt the plan as it was considered a “royal command”.
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Queen Farida, born Safinaz Zulficar, had influential connections from start. Her mother served as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Nazli Sabri, the current consort of Egypt. This connection however changed Farida’s life forever.
Though Faruk was royalty, he wasn’t really a catch. Faruk was lazy and spoiled. His academic performance was not impressive . He had failed his entrance examination to Eton. However, Farida liked Faruk as a man not for the King he was. On the eve of their wedding, Farida asserted she wouldn’t be a’ doormat’.
Farouk was said to have had many mistresses and showed no consideration for Farida, often excluding her from receptions. The lack of a male heir further strained their marriage. They ultimately divorced in 1948, which contributed to Farouk’s humiliation and exile from Egypt.
A once promising love story ending tragically. A forever union engulfed in disappointments, power tussle and betrayal. Queen Farida of Egypt, who bore 3 daughters to King Faruk died in the year 1988.
