Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan: A Step Toward Modernizing Royal Protocols

Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan has become a topic of international media discussion following his recent appearance at an official event, where his unusual gesture caught observers’ attention. At 21 years old, the prince has long been a prominent figure in Morocco’s public life, accompanying King Mohammed VI to official events since the age of 12.

However, his latest act has sparked diverse reactions. During a formal ceremony, the prince noticeably withdrew his hand while greeting attendees, seemingly rejecting the traditional hand-kissing custom. Some interpret this as a clear refusal of a deeply rooted royal protocol, while others view it as an attempt to modernize royal practices and simplify formal interactions.

Notably, this approach is not unprecedented within the royal family. The late King Mohammed V also avoided the hand-kissing tradition, opting for other forms of greetings, such as handshakes or shoulder kisses.

The question remains: Will the crown prince maintain this stance and further modernize royal protocols upon ascending the throne, or will he revert to this traditional practice?