King Abdullah and Queen Rania marked the 80th anniversary of Jordan’s independence with a series of solemn events attended by nearly everyone. Almost the entire Hashemite Royal Family joined the celebrations commemorating May 25, 1946, the day the Middle Eastern nation officially gained independence from the United Kingdom. Since then, the country has celebrated Independence Day every year on that date.
© Royal Hashemite Court, queenraniaThis is one of the country’s most important national holidays, and it carries special significance for the Royal Family because of its connection to King Abdullah I, the founder of the modern Jordanian state.
Three of Abdullah's and Rania’s Four Children Attend
© Royal Hashemite Court, queenraniaThe King and Queen were joined by three of their four children. The only notable absence was Princess Iman and her husband, Jameel Alexander Thermiotis.
In attendance were:
- Crown Prince Hussein, accompanied by his wife, Princess Rajwa, who wore a sky-blue cape gown with gold detailing at the wrists.
- Princess Salma.
- Prince Hashem, the youngest of the royal siblings.
A Speech for the History Books
During the anniversary ceremony, King Abdullah II delivered an emotional address to the Jordanian people: “I speak to you from this land—a land that has never abandoned its people—on the anniversary of our nation’s independence, a moment forever etched in our hearts; a promise and a covenant we uphold with honor and integrity." Eighty years later, that conviction remains alive in an honorable and resilient people, steadfast in their principles. Through every step of this journey, our homeland has been our compass and our refuge.”
© Royal Hashemite Court, queenraniaThe King also emphasized that Jordan has been home to great civilizations and noted that “on the banks of its river, Jesus Christ was baptized, and it was home to the companions of the Prophet Muhammad and those who followed in their footsteps.”
He further praised the nation’s resilience, saying:
“Despite every challenge, Jordan has safeguarded its borders and security, remained steadfast on its democratic path, and protected its economy from the turbulence of surrounding crises. This is a great nation, limitless in generosity and undeniably Arab at its core (...) Our homeland, resilient through the decades, moves forward with courage and unwavering determination.”
© Royal Hashemite Court, queenraniaMedal Ceremony
King Abdullah II also awarded royal medals to institutions and individuals recognized for their achievements and contributions to Jordan’s progress and modernization.
© Royal Hashemite Court, queenraniaAt a ceremony held at Al Husseiniya Palace, His Majesty presented the First Class Order of Al Istiqlal to:
- The national soccer team, in recognition of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup for the first time in the team’s history, finishing runner-up in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, and embodying national pride.
- The Al Aman Fund for the Future of Orphans, an initiative founded by Queen Rania.
- The Association of Banks in Jordan, for its advancement of the banking sector and promotion of financial stability.
© Royal Hashemite Court, queenraniaOther honorees included Muhannad Hijazi; the Speaking EcoSchool project at Al Rajaa School for the Deaf; the secretary-general of the General Iftaa Department; writer Hazza Barari; Father Yousef Francis Yassa; the Jordan Aid Campaign; architect Ammar Khammash; Sahar Aloul; journalist Jomana Karadsheh; Amjad Masad; pianist and conductor Karim Saeed; and athlete Mohammad Al Jafari.
The celebration concluded with a reception where the joy shared by the King, Queen, and their children was unmistakable.
