Prince Moulay Hassan: Everything You Need to Know About Morocco’s Crown Prince

If you travel to Morocco, you will see his photo in shops, cafés and hotel lobbies, often next to his father, King Mohammed VI. You may also see his name on the news, on a stadium in Rabat, or on posters when Morocco plays a big football match. His name is Prince Moulay Hassan, and he is the Crown Prince of Morocco, the young man who is next in line to the throne.

Many travelers ask us about him during our tours: Who is he? How old is he? Why is he called “Moulay”? We answer all these questions. You will learn about his family, his studies, his military role, his love of sport, the places in Morocco linked to his name, and a few useful travel tips about royal visits and local etiquette.

Prince Moulay Hassan at a Glance

Detail	Info
Full name	Moulay El Hassan bin Mohammed
Title	Crown Prince of Morocco (His Royal Highness)
Born	8 May 2003, at the Royal Palace in Rabat
Named after	His grandfather, King Hassan II
Father	King Mohammed VI
Mother	Princess Lalla Salma
Sister	Princess Lalla Khadija
Dynasty	Alaouite dynasty
School	Royal College, Rabat
University	Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
Languages	Arabic, French, English and Spanish
Military rank	Colonel-Major (Royal Armed Forces)

Who Is Prince Moulay Hassan?

Prince Moulay Hassan is the eldest child and only son of King Mohammed VI. As Crown Prince, he is the heir to the Moroccan throne. This means that, according to the Moroccan constitution, he is expected to become the next King of Morocco one day.

He was born on 8 May 2003 at the Royal Palace in Rabat, the capital city. From a very young age, he was prepared for his future role: a strict education, military training, languages and a growing number of official duties. Today, he regularly represents the King at important national and international events.

For many Moroccans, especially young people, he is a symbol of the future of the country. For visitors, he is simply one of the most recognizable faces in Morocco, together with the King.

Why Is He Called “Moulay El Hassan”?

His name has two parts, and each one has a meaning:

• Moulay is a title of respect. It means something like “my lord” and is used for men of the royal family and for descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. You will hear it in many famous Moroccan names, like Moulay Idriss, the founder of the first Moroccan state, or Moulay Ismail, the great sultan of Meknes.
• El Hassan is his first name. King Mohammed VI chose it to honor his own father, the late King Hassan II, who ruled Morocco from 1961 to 1999.

In the news, you will see both forms: Moulay Hassan and Moulay El Hassan. They mean the same person. In Morocco, people often call him simply “the Crown Prince” or “Sidi Moulay El Hassan” as a sign of respect.

The Royal Family and the Alaouite Dynasty

Prince Moulay Hassan belongs to the Alaouite dynasty, the royal family that has ruled Morocco since the 17th century. It is one of the oldest ruling families in the world. The Alaouites came from the Tafilalt region in the southeast of Morocco, near Rissani and Erfoud, at the edge of the Sahara Desert. Yes, the same area where many of our desert tours to Merzouga pass!

Family member	Relation
King Mohammed VI	Father, King of Morocco since 1999
Princess Lalla Salma	Mother
Princess Lalla Khadija	Younger sister
Prince Moulay Rachid	Uncle (the King’s brother)
King Hassan II	Grandfather (King from 1961 to 1999)
King Mohammed V	Great-grandfather (King at independence in 1956)

Travel tip: In Rissani, you can visit the area linked to the origins of the Alaouite family, including the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, the ancestor of the dynasty. It is an easy stop on the way to the Merzouga dunes.

Childhood and School at the Royal College

Prince Moulay Hassan did his primary, middle and high school studies at the Royal College in Rabat. This is a special school inside the royal grounds. It has a long tradition: King Hassan II created it, and King Mohammed VI also studied there.

One interesting thing about the Royal College is that the prince does not study alone. A small group of students from different regions and backgrounds of Morocco join him in class. The idea is to help the future king grow up with young Moroccans from all over the country and understand their daily life.

In 2020, he finished high school and obtained his baccalaureate in economic and social sciences with honors. It was big news in Morocco, and many families followed the moment on television and social media.

University Studies at UM6P

After high school, the prince joined the Faculty of Governance, Economic and Social Sciences (FGSES), part of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). This is one of the most modern universities in Morocco, with a main campus in Benguerir, between Marrakech and Casablanca, and a campus in Salé, next to Rabat.

His studies focused on subjects like international relations, economics and governance, which are useful for a future head of state. Several sources report that he completed a master’s degree in international relations. Moroccan media also mentioned that he took Mandarin Chinese classes at the university and that he joined the university basketball activities.

Did you know? If you drive from Marrakech to Casablanca on the highway, you pass near Benguerir. The UM6P campus is known for its modern architecture in the middle of a mining region.

Languages Prince Moulay Hassan Speaks

Like many Moroccans, the prince is multilingual. He speaks:

• Arabic, the official language, and Darija, the Moroccan dialect.
• French, widely used in business, education and administration in Morocco.
• English, more and more popular with young Moroccans.
• Spanish, useful with Morocco’s close neighbor across the Strait of Gibraltar.

This mix of languages is very Moroccan. During your trip, you will meet guides, drivers and shop owners who switch between three or four languages in the same conversation. It is part of the charm of the country.

Military Path of the Crown Prince

First Appearance in Uniform

In Morocco, the heir to the throne traditionally receives military training. Prince Moulay Hassan first appeared in military uniform in July 2015, when he was only 12 years old, at a ceremony for new officers presided over by the King.

Ranks in the Royal Armed Forces

Since his teenage years, he has held the rank of Colonel in the Royal Guard, the Royal Army and the Royal Air Force. In 2025, during the celebrations of Throne Day, he was promoted to Colonel-Major, a rank equal to brigadier general.

A New Role at the General Staff

In May 2026, King Mohammed VI appointed the Crown Prince as Coordinator of the Offices and Services of the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces. Many observers saw this as his first real working role in the army, after years of mostly ceremonial duties. Interestingly, King Mohammed VI had a similar role when he was Crown Prince in the 1980s.

Official Duties and Public Appearances

Over the years, the prince has taken on more and more official duties. Here are some of the key moments:

When	Event
December 2017	Joined his father at the One Planet Summit in Paris, as one of the youngest participants
November 2022	Inaugurated the Museum of the Biography of the Prophet and Islamic Civilization at ICESCO in Rabat
September 2025	Inaugurated the rebuilt Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat
September 2025	Opened the El Jadida Horse Show
December 2025	Presided over the opening ceremony of the Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat
May 2026	Appointed coordinator of the Royal Armed Forces General Staff
May 2026	Presided over the Mohammed VI Athletics Meeting, part of the Diamond League, in Rabat

He also presides over graduation ceremonies at military schools, meets foreign leaders and sometimes represents the King abroad.

Prince Moulay Hassan and Sport

Sport is one of the areas where Moroccans see the Crown Prince most often. Morocco is investing a lot in sport, and he is closely linked to this big project.

• Football: He opened the Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco in December 2025, and he attended the semifinal against Nigeria in Rabat wearing the national team jersey. Fans loved this moment.
• New stadiums: He inaugurated the new Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, rebuilt in less than two years with around 68,500 seats.
• Athletics: He presided over the Mohammed VI Athletics Meeting, where Moroccan star Soufiane El Bakkali ran the steeplechase.
• Basketball: He is known to be a basketball fan and played at university.
• Horse riding: He opened the El Jadida Horse Show, one of the biggest equestrian events in Africa.

With Morocco co-hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2030 with Spain and Portugal, you can expect to see the Crown Prince at many more sporting events in the coming years.

15 Fascinating Facts About Prince Moulay Hassan

Short on time? Here are the most interesting facts about the Crown Prince in one easy list. Some of them will surprise you, and they make great conversation topics with your guide or driver during your trip.

1. He was born on 8 May 2003 at the Royal Palace in Rabat.
2. His name honors his grandfather, King Hassan II.
3. He is the eldest child of King Mohammed VI.
4. He belongs to the Alaouite dynasty, which has ruled Morocco since the 17th century.
5. The family’s roots are in the Tafilalt oasis, near Rissani and the Sahara.
6. He studied at the Royal College, the same school as his father.
7. He shared his classroom with students from different regions of Morocco.
8. He earned his baccalaureate in economic and social sciences with honors.
9. He studied at UM6P, one of the most modern universities in Africa.
10. He speaks four languages: Arabic, French, English and Spanish.
11. Moroccan media reported that he took Mandarin Chinese classes.
12. He first wore a military uniform at 12 years old.
13. He holds the rank of Colonel-Major, equal to brigadier general.
14. He opened the Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco.
15. He is a big basketball fan and played at university.

Each of these facts tells a small part of the same story: a young prince prepared step by step, through school, university, the army and sport, for the role he will take one day.

Places in Morocco Linked to Prince Moulay Hassan

You cannot visit the private royal palaces, but you can see many places connected to the Crown Prince and his family. Here are the best ones for travelers:

Place	City	What you can do
Royal Palace (Dar al-Makhzen)	Rabat	See the gates and the large square from outside, where the prince was born
Mausoleum of Mohammed V	Rabat	Visit the tombs of his grandfather Hassan II and great-grandfather Mohammed V
Hassan Tower	Rabat	Walk around the famous unfinished minaret next to the mausoleum
Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium	Rabat	Watch a match in the stadium he inaugurated
Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium	Rabat	The rebuilt stadium named after him, home of FUS Rabat
Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif	Rissani	Discover the roots of the Alaouite dynasty near the Sahara

The Mausoleum of Mohammed V and Hassan Tower

This is the most important royal site open to visitors. The mausoleum is a beautiful white building with a green roof, decorated with zellige tiles, carved cedar wood and marble. Royal guards in red and white uniforms stand at the gates, and some of them sit on horses. Entry is free. Dress modestly and keep your voice low, as it is a place of prayer and memory.

The Royal Palace of Rabat

The Royal Palace, called Dar al-Makhzen, is the official residence of the King. Visitors cannot go inside, but you can see the main gate and the big square from a distance. Follow the guards’ instructions and do not take photos of security staff or restricted areas.

Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium

In the heart of Rabat, the old Moulay El Hassan stadium was rebuilt as a modern urban stadium, designed to be part of the daily life of the city, not only on match days. It hosted games during the Africa Cup of Nations. If you are a football fan, check the match calendar before your trip.

How Moroccans Celebrate His Birthday

Every year on 8 May, Moroccans celebrate the birthday of the Crown Prince. It is not an official public holiday, so shops, banks and sites stay open. But you will notice the celebrations: national TV programs, messages of congratulations in newspapers and on social media, and sometimes flags and photos in public places.

The biggest royal celebration of the year is Throne Day on 30 July, which marks the anniversary of King Mohammed VI coming to the throne. It is a public holiday, and the Crown Prince usually appears next to the King during the official ceremonies.

Travel Tips: Royal Visits and Road Closures

This is a practical tip that most travel blogs forget. When the King or the Crown Prince visits a city, security is very strong. Here is what to expect:

• Roads can close for a short time when the royal convoy passes. Your driver may need to wait or take another route.
• Police are everywhere along the route, and you may see many red flags and royal photos on the streets.
• Some hotels or areas near the royal visit can have extra security checks.
• Be patient: delays are usually short. A good local driver knows how to adapt.
• Do not film security forces or try to get too close to the convoy.

Tip: If you travel with a local driver or guide, ask them to check the news in the morning. They will know about any royal visit in the area and plan the day around it.

Etiquette: Talking About the Royal Family in Morocco

The monarchy is a very important institution in Morocco, and many Moroccans have deep respect for the royal family. As a visitor, a few simple rules will help you:

• Speak about the King and the Crown Prince with respect, even in casual conversation.
• Avoid jokes or negative comments about the royal family in public.
• Do not damage or make fun of royal photos or Moroccan flags.
• When you hear the titles, “His Majesty” is for the King and “His Royal Highness” is for the Crown Prince.
• If a local person proudly shows you a royal photo, a smile and a polite comment is always welcome.

Common Myths About Prince Moulay Hassan

Myth	Fact
He is the King’s only child	He has a younger sister, Princess Lalla Khadija
His birthday is a public holiday	It is celebrated, but it is not an official day off
“Moulay Hassan” and “Moulay El Hassan” are two people	They are the same person, just two spellings
He only has ceremonial roles	Since May 2026, he has a working role in the army General Staff
Tourists can visit the royal palaces	You can only see them from outside, but royal mausoleums are open

Quick Cheat Sheet: Prince Moulay Hassan

• Crown Prince of Morocco, heir to the throne
• Born 8 May 2003 in Rabat
• Son of King Mohammed VI and Princess Lalla Salma
• Named after his grandfather King Hassan II
• Studied at the Royal College and UM6P
• Speaks Arabic, French, English and Spanish
• Rank: Colonel-Major in the Royal Armed Forces
• Best royal site to visit: Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat

Frequently Asked Questions About Prince Moulay Hassan

Related reading: Ultimate 7 Facts on the Moroccan Empire

Final Thoughts

Prince Moulay Hassan is more than a face on a photo in a Moroccan café. He is the future of one of the oldest monarchies in the world, a young man prepared for his role through school, university, the army and public life. For travelers, knowing a little about him helps you understand Morocco better: its traditions, its respect for the royal family and its big ambitions for the future.

Want to see the royal side of Morocco with your own eyes? Visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat, discover the roots of the Alaouite dynasty in Rissani, and end your journey under the stars of the Sahara. Contact us and we will plan a good route for you.

---

Explore our Morocco trips:

Tours from Marrakech: Start in the red city and cross the Atlas to Rissani, the land where the Alaouite dynasty was born, before you sleep in a desert camp in the dunes of Merzouga.

Morocco Desert Tours: The royal family’s roots are in the Tafilalt oasis, at the door of the Sahara. Follow the same road, ride a camel at sunset and spend a magical night in the desert.

Tours from Fes: From the oldest imperial city, travel through Ifrane and the Ziz Valley to Erfoud and Rissani, the historic home of the Alaouites, then on to the golden dunes.

Tours from Ouarzazate: Discover kasbahs, film studios and the Dades and Todra gorges, then continue east to the Tafilalt region and the Sahara with a local driver.

Tours from Tangier: Begin in the north, visit Rabat to see the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and Hassan Tower, then continue to Fes, Chefchaouen and the desert.

Tours from Casablanca: Land in Casablanca, drive one hour to Rabat for the royal sites of the capital, and let us plan the rest of your route across Morocco.

Contact us