Queen Rania with Princess Salma on her graduation day at the University of Southern California. Photo: Queen Rania/Instagram
Queen Rania with Princess Salma on her graduation day at the University of Southern California. Photo: Queen Rania/Instagram
Queen Rania with Princess Salma on her graduation day at the University of Southern California. Photo: Queen Rania/Instagram
Queen Rania with Princess Salma on her graduation day at the University of Southern California. Photo: Queen Rania/Instagram

Queen Rania of Jordan shares pride as she celebrates Princess Salma's graduation


Sophie Prideaux
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Jordan's Queen Rania has spoken of her pride after the graduation of her youngest daughter.

Earlier this week Princess Salma, 22, graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in archaeology.

Both her parents, King Abdullah II and the queen, were in the US for the ceremony, where they watched the princess collect her degree in robes embroidered with the Jordanian flag.

Princess Salma proudly shows off the Jordanian flag on her robes. Photo: Queen Rania/Instagram
Princess Salma proudly shows off the Jordanian flag on her robes. Photo: Queen Rania/Instagram

Sharing photos from the day, Queen Rania spoke of her pride at watching the young princess graduate.

“So proud to celebrate my Salma’s graduation yesterday from the University of Southern California. I can’t wait to see what you do next. Congratulations!,” she wrote on Instagram.

Princess Salma hugs her father, King Abdullah II, as she graduates from the University of Southern California. Photo: Queen Rania/Instagram
Princess Salma hugs her father, King Abdullah II, as she graduates from the University of Southern California. Photo: Queen Rania/Instagram

The pictures show the princess displaying the Jordanian flag on her robes, as well as embracing her father and smiling with her mother.

Princess Salma is no stranger to achievement. In 2020, she became the first young Jordanian woman to complete preliminary pilot training on fixed-wing aircraft, the Royal Hashemite Court said.

King Abdullah II presents Princess Salma bint Abdullah with her wings after completing her pilot training. AFP
King Abdullah II presents Princess Salma bint Abdullah with her wings after completing her pilot training. AFP

Her graduation comes during a bumper year of celebrations for the Jordanian royal family. In March, Princess Iman, 26, married Jameel Thermiotis, at the family’s palace on the outskirts of Amman.

The princess, who wore a custom Dior gown, was walked down the aisle by her elder brother, Crown Prince Hussein, who will celebrate his own wedding to Saudi fiancée Rajwa Al Saif next month.

The couple will tie the knot on June 1 at Zahran Palace, almost 30 years after his parents wedded there. The king and queen were married on June 10, 1993, meaning they also have a milestone to celebrate in the coming weeks.

  • The Jordanian monarch's elder daughter Princess Iman and Jameel Thermiotis during their wedding in Amman on March 12, 2023. AFP
    The Jordanian monarch's elder daughter Princess Iman and Jameel Thermiotis during their wedding in Amman on March 12, 2023. AFP
  • The groom places the ring on the finger of his bride. AFP
    The groom places the ring on the finger of his bride. AFP
  • The couple cut the cake following the ceremony. AFP
    The couple cut the cake following the ceremony. AFP
  • The couple smile for photographers after the ceremony. AFP
    The couple smile for photographers after the ceremony. AFP
  • The couple wed in Amman in the presence of family, friends and dignitaries. AFP
    The couple wed in Amman in the presence of family, friends and dignitaries. AFP
  • The wedding took place at King Abdullah's palace in the Dabouq district, west of Amman. AFP
    The wedding took place at King Abdullah's palace in the Dabouq district, west of Amman. AFP
  • Crown Prince Hussein walks his sister Princess Iman down the aisle. Getty
    Crown Prince Hussein walks his sister Princess Iman down the aisle. Getty
  • The princess, 26, wore a custom Dior white gown with a lace neckline and cuffs, and a trailing veil. AFP
    The princess, 26, wore a custom Dior white gown with a lace neckline and cuffs, and a trailing veil. AFP
  • She also wore a diamond tiara reportedly owned by her grandmother, Princess Muna Al Hussein, mother of King Abdullah. AFP
    She also wore a diamond tiara reportedly owned by her grandmother, Princess Muna Al Hussein, mother of King Abdullah. AFP
  • Princess Iman hugs her mother, Queen Rania. AFP
    Princess Iman hugs her mother, Queen Rania. AFP
  • Crown Prince Hussein looks on as his father, King Abdullah, congratulates Princess Iman. AFP
    Crown Prince Hussein looks on as his father, King Abdullah, congratulates Princess Iman. AFP
  • Crown Prince Hussein and his Saudi fiancee Rajwa Al Saif. AFP
    Crown Prince Hussein and his Saudi fiancee Rajwa Al Saif. AFP
  • King Abdullah and Queen Rania welcome the Jordanian monarch's uncle Prince Hassan bin Talal and his wife Princess Sarvath Al Hassan. AFP
    King Abdullah and Queen Rania welcome the Jordanian monarch's uncle Prince Hassan bin Talal and his wife Princess Sarvath Al Hassan. AFP
  • Crown Prince Hussein at the wedding ceremony of his sister Princess Iman. AFP
    Crown Prince Hussein at the wedding ceremony of his sister Princess Iman. AFP
  • The couple sit alongside King Abdullah during the ceremony. AFP
    The couple sit alongside King Abdullah during the ceremony. AFP
  • King Abdullah looks on as Princess Iman signs her marriage certificate. AFP
    King Abdullah looks on as Princess Iman signs her marriage certificate. AFP
  • King Abdullah and Queen Rania with the bride and the groom. AFP
    King Abdullah and Queen Rania with the bride and the groom. AFP
  • King Abdullah and Queen Rania with members of the royal family and the bride and groom, after the wedding ceremony. AFP
    King Abdullah and Queen Rania with members of the royal family and the bride and groom, after the wedding ceremony. AFP
Updated: May 13, 2023, 9:46 AM