Published: Sunday, July 08, 2007
The Province
http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=d25a1a76-abf6-4137-a3aa-ecddcef5475f&k=39918
The Aga Khan -- born Prince Karim Aga Khan IV -- is an intriguing blend of the spiritual and secular.
He was a 20-year-old Harvard student in 1957 when his grandfather, the Aga Khan III, died and left him spiritual leader of the 15 million Ismaili Muslims scattered in 25 countries around the world.
A billionaire businessman, he owns a chain of luxury hotels and raises thoroughbreds at an estate in France.
Worldly, cultured and intensely private, the 70-year-old British citizen rubs shoulders with world leaders, tycoons and royalty. He was a friend of the late prime minister Pierre Trudeau.
The title "His Highness" was conferred upon him by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 and again by the Shah of Iran in 1959.
The Aga Khan is lauded for his philanthropic work in Asia and Africa. Through the Aga Khan Development Foundation, he has fought for the elimination of global poverty and the promotion of Islamic culture and arts.
In 2005, the Aga Khan was made an Honourary Companion of the Order of Canada. Only five other non-Canadians, including Nelson Mandela and Vaclav Havel, have received the award.