King Mohammed VI of Morocco has appointed his son, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, to a critical coordination position within the Royal Armed Forces. According to an official statement released by the Royal Palace on Saturday, the 22-year-old prince has been named “coordinator of the offices and services of the Royal Armed Forces General Staff.”
This strategic position, at the heart of the country’s military structure, is considered one of the most significant official roles the Crown Prince has assumed to date. King Mohammed VI, who also holds the title of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, made the appointment as part of broader efforts to strengthen institutional continuity within the military.
The move is strongly reminiscent of the King’s own path to leadership. In 1985, the late King Hassan II appointed Mohammed VI — then Crown Prince — to a similar role, giving him early exposure to military command and decision-making. Moulay El Hassan’s new appointment stands as a reflection of that same longstanding royal tradition.
Education and Upbringing
Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan completed his primary, middle, and secondary education at the Royal College in Rabat. In 2020, he earned his International Baccalaureate diploma with honors in economics and social sciences. He then continued his higher education at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, completing a master’s degree in international relations in May 2025.
A gifted polyglot, the Prince speaks Arabic, Amazigh (Tamazight), English, French, and Spanish. During his secondary school years, he also attended the Preparatory College for Aeronautical Techniques in Marrakech, where he pursued both academic studies and pilot training.
The Prince has undergone extensive military training as well. From his teenage years, he has held the rank of Colonel in the Royal Guard, the Army, and the Air Force. During the Throne Day celebrations in July 2025, he was promoted to Colonel-Major while attending an officer oath ceremony in the Land Forces uniform.
Growing Official Responsibilities
Having represented the kingdom at numerous high-level events both at home and abroad in recent years, the Crown Prince’s new role is widely seen as a significant step in preparing him for future leadership. In 2017, at just 14 years old, he became the youngest participant at the One Planet Summit in France, drawing international acclaim. His public profile grew further in 2025 and 2026, when he presided over the opening ceremony of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) and carried out a series of diplomatic receptions.
