

Abdullah, born in Amman on January 30, 1962, is the son of King Hussein of Jordan and Princess Muna Al Hussein, who was born Antoinette Avril Gardiner in the United Kingdom. The Hashemite dynasty traces its lineage back to the Prophet Muhammad through Hasan ibn Ali, and the family historically ruled Mecca before establishing leadership in Jordan following World War I. Abdullah grew up in an environment of both tradition and modernity, preparing him for future responsibilities.