Africa’s wealthiest monarchy sharpens succession plans as Crown Prince El Hassan takes on military role once held by King Mohammed VI

Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan has taken another major step toward Morocco’s throne after being appointed to a senior military coordination role once held by his father, Mohammed VI, deepening the young royal’s involvement in the affairs of one of Africa’s wealthiest monarchies.

• Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan is increasingly being prepared to succeed King Mohammed VI, taking on more significant military and public roles.
• He was recently appointed coordinator of the Royal Armed Forces’ general staff offices, giving him greater access to military and intelligence matters.
• His rising profile comes amid youth-led protests over economic issues, with the palace positioning him as a symbol of stability, modernisation, and closer connection to Morocco's younger generation.
• The appointment follows a succession pattern similar to that of his father, King Mohammed VI, who was given similar responsibilities before becoming king.

The transition became more visible earlier this month after the Moroccan royal court announced that the prince had been appointed “coordinator of the offices and services of the general staff of the Royal Armed Forces,” a strategic role within Morocco’s military structure.

The appointment places Prince El Hassan, who turned 23 last week, closer to intelligence briefings, defence oversight, military modernisation programmes, and strategic security coordination within one of Africa’s strongest armed forces.

Local media reports described the appointment as another step in preparing the prince to inherit the 400 year old Alaouite dynasty, mirroring the path taken by his father, Mohammed VI, who was appointed to a similar military role by the late King Hassan II in 1985 before ascending the throne.

It also comes at a time when King Mohammed VI, often regarded by Forbes as Africa’s wealthiest monarch, has reduced some public engagements following recurring health concerns, including lower back pain that earlier this year required a period of “functional rest,” according to Moroccan state media.

Public visibility rises as succession focus grows

While there is no indication of an immediate succession, the Moroccan palace has steadily expanded Prince El Hassan’s public profile as he gradually assumes more state responsibilities.

Unlike his grandfather, Hassan II, who was known for his highly visible political style and strong public speeches, his father, Mohammed VI, has maintained a more reserved public presence.

Prince El Hassan is now beginning to carve out his own identity while increasingly representing the monarchy at major national and international events.

In December 2025, the crown prince presided over the opening ceremony of the Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco and inaugurated the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Earlier this year, he also inaugurated the Mohammed VI Tower in Rabat, a 55-storey skyscraper estimated to have cost about $700 million and now considered one of Morocco’s most recognisable modern landmarks.

The prince has increasingly represented the monarchy during meetings with foreign dignitaries, Gulf royals, military officials, and international investors.

Most recently, he presided over a luncheon in Rabat marking the 70th anniversary of Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces on the instructions of King Mohammed VI.

Groomed for leadership in a changing Morocco

As part of his preparation for leadership, the crown prince studied at the Royal College in Rabat, an elite institution attended by members of Morocco’s royal family and selected students from influential Moroccan families.

The palace has carefully shaped Prince El Hassan’s image around stability, diplomacy, and modernisation while positioning him as a younger face for a monarchy navigating economic pressure and rising youth frustration.

Even as Morocco strengthens its position as one of Africa’s wealthiest and fastest-modernising monarchies through major infrastructure and industrial investments, the country witnessed youth-led demonstrations in 2025 over rising living costs, unemployment, inequality, and public spending priorities.

The protests, largely organised online by groups such as “GenZ 212”, a reference to Morocco’s international dialling code, became some of the country’s biggest demonstrations since the 2011 Arab Spring and the 2016 Rif protests.

Prince El Hassan’s growing public emergence also reflects Morocco’s efforts to present a young, globally educated heir increasingly connected to a younger generation focused on economic opportunity and the country’s future.