On April 5, 1939, in Tirana, just two days before the fascist invasion of Albania, Leka I was born in the royal palace, the son of King Zog and Queen Geraldina. The birth of the heir to the throne was celebrated with great jubilation and the Royal Guard saluted with 101 gunshots. Prince Leka began his life in exile, in different countries. After traveling through Europe, the royal family settled in England, initially at the “Ritz” hotel in London. Then, in 1941, he moved for a short period to South Ascot, Berkshire, and then to Parmoor House, Parmor, near the village of Frith in Buckinghamshire. After the war, King Zog, Queen Geraldine and Prince Leka moved to Egypt, where they lived under the protection of King Farouk I. Prince Leka was educated at Parmoor House. In 1946 he continued his studies at the “British Boys’ School”, where he stayed until 1954. In Alexandria, Egypt, he continued his studies at “Victoria College” before going to “Aiglon College” in the town of Vijar Syr Olon in Switzerland , where he graduated in 1956. He spoke several languages fluently, such as Albanian, French, English, Spanish, German, Arabic and Italian. In 1958, after studying for two years at the “Royal Military Academy Sandhurst” in England, he was apointed as a “Second Lieutenant” in the British Army. He also studied economics, political science and oriental languages at the Sorbonne University in France until 1961. Prince Leka officially became heir to the throne and received the title “Crown Prince” on April 5, 1957, when he turned 18. (In the photo: Leka Zogu I)
Text: https://Albanianroyalcourt.al/
Photo: © https://Albanianroyalcourt.al/
Graphic processing: AHCF
