His Highness Prince Karim Al-Husseini, also known as the Aga Khan IV, has died aged 88 in Lisbon, Portugal.
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The 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan is believed to be the direct decedent of the Prophet Muhammad. Born on 13 December 1936 in Geneva, Switzerland, Prince Karim inherited this near-divine status at age 20 while studying Islamic History at Harvard University.
A spiritual leader, business magnate and billionaire philanthropist – having founded the Aga Khan Development Network, the largest private network dedicated to the elimination of global poverty – the Aga Khan IV was also renowned within the superyacht industry.
In 1967, His Highness co-founded the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda as a non-profit-making sporting association for fellow sailing enthusiasts. The Club, based in Porto Cervo, Italy, would open two incredibly important international regattas in 1980: the Maxi Yacht World Championship and the Swan World Cup. Its latest entry, the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, will celebrate its third year of sailing in 2025.
The Aga Khan IV owned several yachts throughout his life, though Alamshar is perhaps his most famous build. The 50-metre was delivered in 2014 as the only all-gas-turbine-powered yacht in the world and is one of the longest yacht constructions ever recorded, with works spanning approximately 13 years. Alamshar can reach impressive top speeds over 45 knots (reportedly between 60 and 70 in her prime), with naval architecture by Donald L. Blount and a design by British studio RWD and Turin-based Pininfarina.
In 2019, His Highness was announced as the winner of The Legacy Award at the World Superyacht Awards. The judges had this to say: "As well as his many successes in the yachting world, His Highness has been deeply engaged with the work of the Aga Khan Development Network. He has dedicated his efforts to improving living conditions and opportunities for the most vulnerable populations in developing countries."
The Aga Khan IV is succeeded by his eldest daughter Zahra and sons Rahim, Hussain Aga Khan and Aly Muhammad.