Aly Khan was a prince, a diplomat, a racehorse owner, and a lover of many women. He was the son of the Aga Khan III, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims, and the father of the current Aga Khan IV. He was also the third husband of Hollywood star Rita Hayworth, and the father of her daughter, Princess Yasmin. But his glamorous and adventurous life came to an abrupt end on May 12, 1960, when he died in a car crash near Paris. What caused his fatal accident, and what legacy did he leave behind?
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A Life of Privilege and Passion
Aly Khan was born in Turin, Italy, on June 13, 1911. He was the younger son and only surviving child of the Aga Khan III and his second wife, Cleope Teresa Magliano, an Italian dancer. He had two older brothers who died in infancy, and a younger half-brother, Sadruddin, from his father’s third marriage. Aly Khan grew up in a life of luxury and privilege, traveling around the world with his father and receiving a private education in India, France, and England. He was fluent in several languages, including English, French, Italian, Arabic, Urdu, and Persian.
Aly Khan developed a passion for horses and racing at an early age, inheriting his father’s interest and expertise in the sport. He became a successful owner and breeder of thoroughbreds, winning many prestigious races and trophies. He also became a skilled jockey, riding his own horses in competitions. He was known for his daring and adventurous style, often taking risks and pushing his horses to the limit.
Aly Khan was also a notorious playboy, who had a string of affairs and romances with many women, both famous and obscure. He was married four times, and had four children. His first wife was Joan Yarde-Buller, the daughter of a British peer, whom he married in 1936. They had two sons, Karim (the current Aga Khan IV) and Amyn. They divorced in 1949, after Aly Khan had fallen in love with Rita Hayworth, the glamorous Hollywood actress. He married Hayworth in 1949, and they had a daughter, Yasmin. They divorced in 1953, after Hayworth accused him of infidelity and abuse. His third wife was Gene Tierney, another Hollywood star, whom he married in 1955. They had no children, and separated in 1958. His fourth wife was Bettina Graziani, a French model, whom he married in 1960, shortly before his death. They had no children.
A Career in Diplomacy and Politics
Aly Khan was not only a socialite, but also a diplomat and a politician. He served in the French Foreign Legion and the British Army during World War II, earning several medals and honors for his bravery and service. He was also involved in the independence movement of India and Pakistan, supporting his father’s efforts to secure a homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent. He was a close friend and ally of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, and helped him negotiate with the British and the Indian leaders.
After his father’s death in 1957, Aly Khan was passed over for the succession as the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismailis. His elder son, Karim, was chosen by his grandfather as his successor, becoming the Aga Khan IV at the age of 20. Aly Khan accepted his father’s decision, and devoted himself to his diplomatic career. He was appointed as the ambassador of Pakistan to the United Nations in 1958, and became a vice president of the General Assembly. He was also involved in several international organizations and causes, such as the Red Cross, UNESCO, and the World Muslim Congress. He was respected and admired by his colleagues and peers for his intelligence, charisma, and eloquence.
A Tragic End
On May 12, 1960, Aly Khan was driving his Lancia Aurelia near Paris, accompanied by his chauffeur and his newlywed wife, Bettina. He was on his way to his chateau in Chantilly, where he was hosting a party for his friends and guests. As he was passing through the suburb of Suresnes, he collided with a Citroën driven by a pregnant woman. The impact was so severe that both cars were thrown off the road and into a ditch. Aly Khan suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured skull, a broken neck, and internal bleeding. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died a few hours later. He was 48 years old. The woman in the other car survived, but lost her baby. Bettina and the chauffeur were also injured, but not seriously.
Aly Khan’s death shocked and saddened the world, especially his family, friends, and admirers. He was mourned by millions of people, who remembered him as a prince, a hero, a lover, and a gentleman. He was buried in Salamiyah, Syria, the ancestral home of the Ismaili imams. His tomb is a simple white marble slab, inscribed with his name and dates, and a verse from the Quran: “To God we belong and to Him we return.”
A Lasting Legacy
Aly Khan left behind a lasting legacy, both in his personal and professional life. He was the father of the Aga Khan IV, the current spiritual leader of the Ismailis, who has continued his grandfather’s and father’s work in promoting the welfare and development of the Ismaili community and the Muslim world. He was also the grandfather of Prince Rahim, Prince Hussain, Prince Aly Muhammad, and Princess Zahra, who are involved in various humanitarian and cultural initiatives. He was the father of Princess Yasmin, who is an actress, model, and philanthropist, and the founder of the Aga Khan Foundation USA. He was the grandfather of Princess Khaliya, who is a social entrepreneur and mental health advocate, and Princess Zahra’s children, Sara and Iliyan.
Aly Khan was also a pioneer and a patron of horse racing, who contributed to the advancement and improvement of the sport. He was the owner and breeder of some of the most famous and successful horses in history, such as Petite Etoile, Shergar, and Blushing Groom. He was also the founder and president of the International Racehorse Owners Association, and a member of the Jockey Club of France and Britain. He was inducted into the British Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 1989, and the French Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 1993.
Aly Khan was also a respected and influential diplomat and politician, who played a significant role in the history and affairs of Pakistan and the United Nations. He was a champion of peace, justice, and cooperation among nations, and a supporter of various causes and organizations. He was awarded several honors and decorations, such as the Legion of Honor, the Croix de Guerre, and the Bronze Star Medal.
Aly Khan was a man of many talents and achievements, who lived a life of adventure and romance. He was a prince and a socialite, who charmed and captivated the world with his style and grace. He was a cause of death, who died in a tragic and untimely manner, leaving behind a legacy of love and service. He was Aly Khan, and he will always be remembered.
