Crown Princess Elia of the Albanians

by Scott Mehl
© Unofficial Royalty 2021

photo: Albanian Royal Court

Crown Princess Elia is the wife of Crown Prince Leka II of the Albanians, the current pretender to the former Albanian throne. She was born Elia Zaharia on February 8, 1983 in Tirana, Albania, the daughter of Gjergj Zaharia, a school teacher and principal, and Yllka Mujo, a well-known Albanian actress. Elia has one younger brother, Amos, who is also an actor and film director.

Elia attended the Arts Lyceum in Tirana, and during that time launched her music career, joining Spirit Voice – the country’s first “girl band” which became very successful. After graduating in 2002, she moved to France where she studied drama at the National Conservatory in Bordeaux from 2003-2005. She then studied at a prestigious private drama school – Cours Florent – in Paris from 2005- 2007, before attending the University of Vincennes in Saint-Denis where she graduated in 2010 with a degree in theater. A successful actress, Elia has performed numerous times with Albanian National Theatre, as well as in various film and commercial productions.

During her time in Paris, Elia first met Crown Prince Leka, and a relationship quickly developed. Their engagement was announced in May 2010. Since that time, Elia has taken a very active role in the work of the royal court, accompanying the Crown Prince on visits around the world to other royalty and world leaders. In May 2012, she founded The Queen Geraldine Foundation, named in honor of Queen Geraldine of the Albanians, who worked tirelessly to improve conditions for the Albanian people. The foundation works to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need, and toward a peaceful and equal society in Albania.

 

Elia and Crown Prince Leka II were married in a civil ceremony held at the Royal Palace in Tirana on October 8, 2016. A religious blessing from all the country’s religious leaders followed. The wedding was attended by numerous members of foreign noble and royal families. Guests included:

On October 22, 2020, the Crown Princess gave birth to the couple’s first child – a daughter, named Geraldine, in honor of the late Queen Geraldine. The baby was born on the 18th anniversary of the Queen’s death in 2002.

On January 16, 2024, it was announced that Crown Prince Leka, the current claimant to the defunct throne of Albania, and Crown Princess Elia were ending their marriage.

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