New Aga Khan named as Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini

During his time as the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community, the late Aga Khan helped found a charity responsible for running hundreds of hospitals, educational and cultural projects, mainly in the developing world.

He was also known for his immense wealth. Forbes magazine in 2008 estimated his fortune amounted to $1bn (£801m). Business ventures included hotels and telecommunications companies as well as a sizeable investments in horse breeding.

He was a leading owner and breeder of racehorses in the UK, France and Ireland, breeding Shergar, once the most famous and most valuable racehorse in the world.

The new Aga Khan is the eldest son of his late father and Begum Salimah, a British ex-model who converted to Islam and changed her name from Sarah Croker Poole.

The US-educated, Swiss-based Rahim is deeply involved with the network of charities and agencies his father helped spearhead.

According to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) website, Prince Rahim has served on many of its boards and he currently chairs its Environment and Climate Committee.

“Prince Rahim has been particularly concerned with the AKDN’s drive to protect the environment and mitigate the effects of climate change,” the website said, adding that he was also interested in work “addressing the needs of those living in the greatest poverty”.

Prince Rahim has two sons through his marriage to former American fashion model Kendra Spears.