international press
In Rabat, the careful management of information shields much of the royal narrative, yet the king’s absence and rumored health issues have drawn global notice. Major outlets weigh questions about schedule and appearances, sparking debates over transparency and continuity at the highest levels of government. Headlines sometimes imply opacity, prompting readers to seek clarity on how decisions are made and who carries influence in the state apparatus.
Meanwhile, a younger royal figure—Crown Prince Mulay Hassan, who turned 20 this May—has begun taking on a more visible role at official events. He is the son of the king and his former spouse, the princess Tulip. The 2018 divorce left the princess with a lower public profile, while their daughter Lalla Khadija is frequently mentioned in royal circulation narratives.
Questions linger about Princess Salma’s whereabouts since the split, adding layers to the kingdom’s public discourse. Recent reporting highlights shifts within the royal circle and notes the involvement of individuals described as personal allies or security-linked associates who travel with the king and are sometimes portrayed as part of his inner circle.
— Abu Azaitar’s posts and public activity on social platforms illustrate how rumor, spectacle, and reality mingle in the modern royal narrative. Attribution: public posts from Abu Azaitar about events surrounding the royal circle.
Azaitar and the evolving palace network
Observers point to a shift in the palace’s inner circle. Senior advisers who once anchored access to the king appear to have been replaced by trusted lieutenants who now guard pathways to the monarch. Moroccan journalists describe a growing fragmentation of influence, with a royal adviser sometimes labeled as a governor taking the lead on communications and appearances. One reporter notes a widening gap between the traditional circle and newer power brokers within the palace, creating a sense of shifting authority inside the royal machinery.
A prominent description portrays the king as largely detached from day-to-day duties due to health concerns, while state security networks are depicted as the operational backbone of governance. The roster of ten key figures linked to these shadow structures—heads of intelligence, the royal adviser, the head of the Supreme Court, interior and budget ministers, and others—illustrates a governance model where formal institutions share space with covert operations.
In a region marked by persistent poverty and volatility, Morocco has long been seen as a beacon of stability since the 2011 reform wave. Yet the post-pandemic landscape, rising prices, the war in Ukraine, and tensions with Algeria shape a tougher environment. The question of succession remains a live topic, with Moulay Rachid, the king’s brother, often discussed as a balancing force. Some observers describe the current governance arrangement as fragile, likening it to an airplane without a pilot.
These dynamics reveal a broader truth: the state’s legitimacy rests on a blend of historical continuity, religious authority, and the ability to respond to contemporary pressures. The narrative around leadership in Morocco continues to evolve as new voices and networks influence policy pace, national projects, and regional diplomacy.