by Scott Mehl  © Unofficial Royalty 2013

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani with his wife Sheikha Mozan bint Nasser Al-Misnad.  Photo credit: Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP/Getty Images.

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani abdicated in favor of his 33-year old son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on June 25, 2013.  Hamad had been Emir since 1995 when he overthrew his father.

The new Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Photo credit: Fadi Al-Assaad/Reuters.

The new Emir is the son of Hamad and his second wife Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al-Misnad.  He has two wives – Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani (his second cousin), and Sheikha Anoud bint Mana Al-Hajri – and seven children.  Sheikh Tamim was named Crown Prince of Qatar in 2003 after his elder brother renounced his claim to the throne.

BBC: Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad hands power to son Tamim
Guardian: Emir of Qatar hands power to his son in peaceful transition

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