His Majesty King Mohammed VI Mourns the Passing of Royal Palace Spokesperson and Historian Abdelhak El Mrini
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: His Majesty King Mohammed VI has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Abdelhak El Mrini, the esteemed historiographer of the Kingdom of Morocco and spokesperson for the Royal Palace, who died at the age of 91 during the night between Monday and Tuesday.
In a heartfelt message of condolences addressed to the family of the deceased, the King conveyed his “profound affliction and great sadness” at the loss of a devoted servant of the nation. “We have learned with a profound affliction and great sadness the news of the death of Our faithful servant, the late Abdelhak Lamrini,” the monarch wrote.
The King noted that El Mrini’s death occurred during the sacred days of Dhu al-Hijjah, adding spiritual poignancy to the loss. He extended his deepest sympathies to the family, friends, admirers, and the wider academic and cultural community of Morocco, emphasizing that the country had lost “one of the pillars of their family, one of the intellectual and cultural figures, and one of the faithful servants of the country.”
Over a career that spanned more than six decades, El Mrini made enduring contributions to Moroccan historiography, literature, and diplomacy. The King praised his “remarkable career,” noting that El Mrini’s works will forever remain “a living testimony of his intellectual eminence, his passion for knowledge, his dedication to serving his homeland, and his sincere and unwavering attachment to the constants and sacred values of the nation and the Alaouite Throne.”
Born in Rabat in 1934 into a family from Fez historically connected to the royal court since the time of Sultan Moulay Youssef, El Mrini pursued a distinguished academic journey. He studied at traditional Quranic schools and Moulay Youssef High School before earning doctorates from Strasbourg University and the Faculty of Literature in Fez.
El Mrini began his service at the royal court in 1965 within the Royal Protocol Directorate and later became Director of Royal Palaces, Honors, and Decorations. In 2010, he was appointed Historiographer of the Kingdom, and in 2012, he was named spokesperson for the Royal Palace.
Among his notable works is “The Moroccan Army Throughout History”, which earned the Moroccan Literary Prize in 1968. His scholarly contributions span historical analysis, religious topics, and social commentary, enriching Morocco’s national heritage.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) also mourned his passing, recognizing him as “one of the prominent figures in Moroccan thought, history, and literature.” The organization highlighted his active role in cultural life, including his 2022 Ramadan lecture, “Highlights about Tea in Morocco.”
The French Embassy in Morocco paid tribute as well, remembering El Mrini as “a man with a remarkable career,” and extended condolences to his family and the Moroccan people.
Abdelhak El Mrini leaves behind a profound legacy of scholarship, service, and patriotism. His intellectual and cultural contributions will remain a source of national pride and inspiration for generations to come.
