Embed from Getty Images

Happy Birthday to King Abdullah II of Jordan, who turns 56 today! The eldest son of King Hussein and the British-born Princess Muna. Crown Prince at birth, due to political instability in 1965, his uncle Prince Hassan was appointed Heir instead. Educated in Jordan, the US, and the UK, his education was intercepted with military training, most notably at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. In 1993, he married the Palestinian Rania Al-Yassin. The couple have four children, including his heir, Crown Prince Hussein. In 1999, King Hussein appointed him heir, just weeks before he passed away. King Abdullah promotes a moderate understanding of Islam and is widely regarded as one the most influential Muslims in the world. He is also the Custodian of the Muslim and Christian sacred sites in Jerusalem. I wish HM a very Happy Birthday and Many Happy Returns!