Prince Karim Al Hussaini Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Prince Karim Al Hussaini is remembered as Aga Khan IV, a global spiritual leader, philanthropist, and one of the most influential figures of his generation.

Prince Karim Al Hussaini—better known in global media and official contexts as His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV—was the 49th hereditary Imam of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims, a major spiritual leader, philanthropist, and influential global figure. He was born on December 13, 1936, and his birthday was celebrated annually by communities around the world. His life embodied a blend of religious stewardship, humanitarian development, and worldly engagement. 

Introduction: The Life and Legacy of a Global Imam

Prince Karim Al Hussaini emerged from European and Muslim aristocratic roots into a role of worldwide influence. From the moment he was named Imam at a young age to his decades-long leadership of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), his impact spanned education, healthcare, cultural preservation, and economic development. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, on December 13, 1936—a date closely associated with his age/birthdate—he became a figure who united spiritual devotion with practical action. 

Although he passed away on February 4, 2025, this profile focuses on his accomplishments, community roles, wealth estimations, and personal relationships without anchoring those details to any current age or year. 

Quick Facts

A Life Forged in Influence and Service

Prince Karim Al Hussaini’s path to global prominence began in a family intertwined with aristocracy and international diplomacy. Born in Geneva to Prince Aly Khan and Joan Yarde-Buller, he experienced a cosmopolitan upbringing—moving between Europe and Africa during his formative years and studying at elite institutions before graduating from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Islamic history. 

At a young age, he was thrust into his life’s defining role: at 20, following the death of his grandfather Aga Khan III, he became the 49th Imam of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims—a role combining deep spiritual responsibility with broad social stewardship. 

Defining moments in Prince Karim Al Hussaini’s journey include:

• Succession to the Imamate and global spiritual leadership 

• Expansion of the Aga Khan Development Network into a global institution 

• Long-term advocacy for pluralism, education, and sustainable development 

The Core Pillars of Prince Karim Al Hussaini’s Wealth

Prince Karim’s estimated net worth has been a topic of global interest and varied analysis. Multiple reputable sources over the years have placed different valuations on his wealth, reflective of his private assets, philanthropic holdings, and the financial structures associated with AKDN and its affiliated enterprises.

The core pillars of Prince Karim Al Hussaini’s wealth include:

• Private estates and real estate holdings: including the Aiglemont estate in France.

• Luxury assets: such as private jets, high-value yachts, and stud farms.

• Business and investment income: enterprises tied to sectors like hospitality, banking, real estate, and development ventures. 

• Religious contributions from followers: historically significant though difficult to itemize publicly. 

Various reports have estimated his net worth in the multimillions to multi-billion dollar range, with some financial profiles and media outlets referencing figures over US$10 billion (though such estimates vary widely and depend on valuation criteria). 

Relationships & Family Life

Prince Karim Al Hussaini’s personal life included two high-profile marriages, both of which ended in divorce.

• In 1969, he married Sarah Frances Croker Poole (Begum Salimah), with whom he had three children: Princess Zahra, Prince Rahim, and Prince Hussain. The marriage ended in divorce in 1995.

• In 1998, he married Gabriele Renate Thyssen (Begum Inaara), and they had one son, Prince Aly Muhammad. That marriage also ended in divorce in the early 2010s. 

Key insights into Prince Karim Al Hussaini’s relationships and personal life:

• His marriages linked him to prominent social circles and international families. 

• His children have taken on roles in business, philanthropy, and community engagement.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond institutional leadership and spiritual guidance, Prince Karim led a lifestyle reflecting broad interests and global mobility.

• Horses and equestrian pursuits: owning and managing world-class stud farms and racehorses.

• Travel and aviation: including ownership of private jets to support his international engagements.

• Philanthropy and culture: championing educational institutions such as the University of Central Asia and philanthropic ventures under AKDN.

Beyond career success, Prince Karim Al Hussaini led a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Strategic investments in cultural heritage and educational infrastructure. 

• International networking that bridged secular leadership and spiritual influence. 

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Estimating the wealth of a figure like Prince Karim Al Hussaini involves both public asset indicators and historical financial reporting:

These broad figures reflect both personal holdings and the complexities of wealth tied to family legacy, philanthropic foundations, and community support structures.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Prince Karim Al Hussaini’s personal life was deeply intertwined with his public image as a spiritual leader, development advocate, and bridge-builder between cultures. Respected by religious adherents and secular partners alike, his legacy extends beyond material wealth to cultural preservation, education access, and global humanitarian engagement.

His leadership helped shape the global Ismaili community’s development model and fostered initiatives across continents, creating lasting institutions and partnerships that continue today. 

Conclusion: A Visionary Figure of Depth and Impact

Prince Karim Al Hussaini stands as a compelling blend of spiritual devotion, international influence, and worldly engagement. From his birth on December 13, 1936, to his decades of leadership, his journey underscores how religious stewardship can intersect with global development and social progress. With a birthday that was celebrated across continents and a net worth shaped by tradition, enterprise, and community support, his story remains one of profound legacy and inspiration.