The heads of the Albanian monarchy, Crown Prince Leka II and Crown Princess Elia, announced in January they plan to divorce.
The couple, who have been married since 2016, say they will fully commit to being the best parents they can for their sole daughter, Princess Geraldine.
The Situation Surrounding the Albanian Monarchy
Albania’s royal family is not like others around the world in that there are hereditary pretenders to the throne.
The nation was under Ottoman rule for centuries until it ended in 1912. After its downfall, the nation became a monarchy once again, ruled over by King Zog I from 1928 until 1939.
Communist Rule Over Albania
Unfortunately, Albania’s new monarchy didn’t last long, and after an invasion from Italy in 1939, the royal family was forced into exile.
After World War II, Zog tried to reclaim kingship, but the new Communist Party ruling over Albania banned him from returning. The political party dominated and governed for decades until communist rule ended in 1990.
Crown Prince Leka
A 1997 referendum proposed reinstating the monarchy and making Zog I’s son, Leka, the official king. While it was voted against, many still considered him the king of Albania.
Eventually, Leka died in 2011, and his son, Leka II, became the sole heir to the Albanian crown and became known as Crown Prince Leka.
Happy Beginnings for the Couple
Before officially becoming the head of the monarchy, Prince Leka II met his soon-to-be wife, Elia Zaharia, in 2008.
As a talented singer and actor, Elia was famous across the nation of Albania. Just two years after meeting, Prince Leka II asked her to marry him.
Wedding Bells for the Royals
Eight years after they first met, Prince Leka and Elia got married in Tirana in the east of the nation.
The representatives of over 20 royal families from around the world attended the ceremony at the royal palace. Elia’s title was officially changed to Crown Princess Elia.
Nothing Lasts Forever
Less than a decade after officially tying the knot, it appears a happy ever after was not in the cards for the heads of the Albanian crown.
In mid-January, it was announced via a joint statement from the royal couple that they had set plans into place to get divorced.
Modern Breakups
In typical modern-era fashion, the couple released the short announcement on social media.
According to Vogue, one translation of the text read, “Since the marriage has lost its function, they have decided to resolve it with mutual consent by starting the necessary legal procedures.”
Plans to Commit to Their Daughter’s Future
In the original Instagram post, the royal couple also spoke about the future of their daughter, Princess Geraldine.
They wanted to reiterate that while they are having their own personal troubles, the couple will do everything they can to ensure their daughter is safe, well-educated, and happy in life.
Elia Makes Further Announcements
Princess Elia would later post a longer update on her own personal Instagram account, according to Hello! Magazine.
Shortly after uploading the lengthy update, the crown princess deleted the post.
Crown Princess Believes in Family Values
Speaking in the statement, Princess Elia said she never wanted to consider divorce as a possibility, as she believes in strong family values.
“This is not at all a reality that makes me happy, as I believe in family values as the most precious thing! I would never have chosen for my daughter to grow up with separate parents, but sometimes separation is the only option,” she wrote, via Hello! Magazine.
Moving On with Her Life
“What matters most is that my baby girl experiences this moment as easily as possible. Thank you very much to all of you who wrote to me and gave me courage,” said Elia.
She continued, “Despite these difficult months I’ve gone through, your kindness has given me strength. I wish you health and happiness in your families.”
