Mohamed VI is marking the 26th anniversary of his accession to the throne, an occasion he always uses to reinforce national unity and share Morocco’s vision with the world. This year, one of the main events was an official reception at M’diq-Fnideq Square in Tetouan, where the king was joined by Crown Prince Moulay Hassan and his brother, Prince Moulay Rachid, second in line to the throne. The event brought together key institutional, military, religious, and diplomatic figures, but the spotlight was on the women’s national football team, known as the Atlas Lionesses. With this gesture, the king showed his support for women and women’s sports.
The image is making headlines around the world—Mohamed VI acknowledging the strong performance of the women’s national team in the Africa Cup of Nations, where they finished as runners-up. It’s a clear show of institutional support for women’s sports in Morocco and its growing role on the national stage. Standing alongside the players was Jorge Vilda, current coach of the Moroccan team and former coach of Spain, who was dismissed following the Luis Rubiales scandal.
It is no coincidence that the Moroccan monarch chose to spotlight women’s sports. Under the reign of Mohamed VI, key legal reforms have taken place, including changes to the Family Code that strengthened women’s rights in areas like marriage and child custody. He has also made efforts to highlight the achievements of women in sports, diplomacy, and culture.
Still, despite progress, structural challenges remain. One clear example is the limited presence of women in top government roles. Mohamed VI was also the first king to grant his wife, Lalla Salma, the role of First Lady, a position she held until their divorce in 2018. He has given more visibility both at home and abroad to the women in his family than any of his predecessors, even as the royal succession remains reserved for men.
As is tradition, at major institutional events like Throne Day, which is always framed as a moment to reflect on national achievements, the King of Morocco is accompanied by Moulay Hassan as a symbol of continuity. Since childhood, his only son has been prepared for a role as a statesman. His education has followed a carefully structured path beginning with a degree in Law and Economics and now continuing with a postgraduate program in Territorial Studies and Geopolitics.
During the day of celebrations, which includes a ceremony of allegiance to honor the accession of the successor and eldest son of Hassan II, Princess Lalla Khadija, the king’s only daughter, who at 18 has already taken part in institutional life, was seen observing the events from the balcony. The country’s press has interpreted this as a way for the Alaouite royal family to preserve its traditional and centuries-old heritage while also embracing modern values.
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