Prince Ali Khan: The Rake of Royalty
Prince Ali Khan’s life unfolded like an extraordinary saga—one filled with opulence, scandal, and heartbreak. Born into one of the most influential families in the world, Prince Ali’s life was shaped by his father, Aakhan III, the spiritual leader of millions, and the immense wealth and power that came with it. The heir to a prestigious dynasty, Prince Ali seemed to have it all, but his story would be far from a simple fairy tale. His life, defined by luxury, intrigue, and deep personal struggles, would captivate the world and leave behind a trail of broken hearts and headlines.
A Life of Luxury
In 191, Prince Ali was born into a family whose wealth and influence were unparalleled. His father, Aakhan III, was not only a spiritual leader to millions but also held vast land holdings and enjoyed immense political sway. Prince Ali was raised in unimaginable luxury, with residences across England, France, and India. His family’s fortune allowed them to maintain one of the world’s most exceptional stables of thoroughbred horses. His every desire seemed fulfilled, but as is often the case with the ultra-privileged, his life was anything but simple.
Though the young prince had the world at his feet, his childhood was lonely. His father, as a religious leader, was constantly traveling, while his Italian mother, a socialite and artist, hosted lavish parties that often kept her away from her son. This lack of attention and affection would shape Prince Ali’s future in ways that would later become evident in his numerous high-profile affairs and relationships.
A Heart for Romance and Scandal
From a young age, Prince Ali had a reputation for being a ladies’ man. His conquests were numerous, and many were highly publicized. Before reaching his mid-20s, the prince had already attracted the affections of debutantes and socialites, but his most notorious affair came with his cousin, a lover he shared with none other than Edward VIII, the Prince of Wales. These early romances set the tone for the years to come—one filled with high-profile scandals.
In 1933, Prince Ali’s passionate nature led him to pursue Joan Yard Buller, an English socialite and wife to Thomas Guinness, heir to the Guinness Empire. The prince, who was immediately smitten, wasted no time in courting her, sending her flowers and secret notes. Eventually, the affair was exposed, and Thomas Guinness took the matter to court, suing both his wife and Prince Ali. The divorce proceedings were a media sensation, further cementing Ali’s reputation as a notorious rake.
Despite the public scandal, Prince Ali’s lifestyle remained extravagant. In 1939, at the age of 26, he earned a pilot’s license, becoming a skilled aviator. He spent his free time racing cars, skiing, and indulging in risky, thrill-seeking activities. His daredevil spirit would later serve him well in World War II, where he worked as a British intelligence agent in the Middle East. His position as an aristocrat provided the perfect cover, though his ability to charm women posed a constant challenge. His love affairs during the war became legendary, and soon Prince Ali Khan was known across Europe as one of the most promiscuous men of his time.
A Marriage to Rita Hayworth
One of the most talked-about chapters in Prince Ali’s life came when he became infatuated with Hollywood starlet Rita Hayworth. The prince’s obsession with Hayworth began in the late 1940s, after seeing her in a film that left him captivated. Determined to make her his, Prince Ali used his connections in Hollywood to arrange an introduction, and after some persistence, he won her heart.
However, their relationship was far from perfect. For one, Prince Ali was still married to Joan Yard Buller, and their affair quickly became a global media frenzy. His family, particularly his father, Aakhan III, was horrified by the scandal and urged him to end the relationship. Yet, Prince Ali remained steadfast, even when Hayworth became pregnant with their child, Yasmin, who would later receive the title of Princess Yasmin.
Despite the birth of their daughter, the marriage between Prince Ali and Rita Hayworth was fraught with difficulties. His reputation for womanizing and his family’s disapproval cast a dark cloud over their union. In the end, Hayworth found herself disillusioned with the marriage and left her husband in 1951 after discovering his affair with actress Joan Fontaine. Hayworth filed for divorce, citing extreme cruelty, and their marriage crumbled.
The Tragic End
Even after his divorce from Hayworth, Prince Ali’s affairs did not stop. His next obsession was actress Jean Tierney, with whom he became engaged in 1952. However, his relationship with Tierney was even more tumultuous than his previous ones. Tierney, already emotionally fragile, suffered a mental breakdown after the prince callously rejected her after an intense argument. She was later admitted to a mental institution.
As time passed, Prince Ali’s life spiraled further out of control. He continued to chase after women, gambling, and womanizing. His family, dismayed by his behavior, distanced themselves from him. And even though he had a daughter to raise, his lack of commitment to his daughter Yasmin and his relationships only deepened his tragic fall.
Ultimately, Prince Ali Khan’s life was one marked by excess, self-destruction, and constant public scrutiny. His relationships with some of the most beautiful women in the world, including Rita Hayworth, may have appeared glamorous from the outside, but they were also a reflection of his deep insecurities and need for validation. His story is one of incredible privilege and devastating consequences—a tale of a prince who could conquer the hearts of many, but could never conquer his own demons.
