Above: HRH Prince Gharios El Chemor and HH Princes Sheikha Hend Al Qassemi holding the decorations of the Order

The United Arab Emirates is one to the most prosperous monarchies of the Middle East. The Al Qassemi Family rules two principalities: Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.

Yesterday, HRH Prince Gharios El Chemor has bestowed upon HH Sheikha Hend bint Faisal Al Qassemi, Princess of Sharjah, the rank of Dame Commander of the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel.

Despite of the young age, the princess is a great intelectual being an architect, writer, artist and educator. Amongst many enterprises, she’s the founder of the International Dubai Fashion Week and the Velvet magazine.

Her Highness is related to Prince Gharios through a grandmother’s link to the El Chemor (El Shoummar) family.

Above: the brevet of “Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honorable Order of Omukama (King) Chwa II Kabalega”

The kingdom of Bunyoro was established in the 16th century by Rukidi-Mpuga out of the northern portion of the Kingdom of the Songora also known as the Chwezi Empire or Empire of Kitara. At its height, the Bunyoro kingdom controlled the Great Lakes region of Africa, one of many small states in the region. The earliest stories of the kingdom having great power come from Uganda and Rwanda. During the first regime of Milton Obote, the Kingdom of Bunyoro initially benefited from regaining the two “lost counties” of Buyaga and Bugangaizi following a 1964 referendum. It was, however, forcefully disbanded in 1967. The kingdom, together with three others, Buganda, Busoga, Toro, remained banned during the regime of dictator Idi Amin (1971–1979) and the second regime of Milton Obote (1980–1985) and remained banned until 1993.

In 1993, the Kingdom was re-established and in 1995 the new constitution of Uganda was made, allowing and recognizing the Kingdoms. The current Kingdom covers the districts of Buliisa District, Hoima district, Kibaale District, Kakumiro District, Kagadi District, Kiryandongo District and Masindi District.

Bunyoro remains as one of the five constituent kingdoms of Uganda, being fully protected and legally recognized by the Republic.

Last month, HRH Prince Gharios El Chemor was recognized and honored by His Majesty the King (Omukama) of Bunyoro-Kitara with the rank of Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honorable Order of the Omukama (King) Chwa II Kabalega. Also, the Royal House of Ghassan was fully recognized by the Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara along with all the titles and Orders.

Above: the full recognition of the Royal House of Ghassan and the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel

The Royal House of Ghassan signed a treaty of full recognition and friendship with the Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara.

We would like to thank His Excellency Peter Gummersbach, Count of Mparo, Viscount of Kahoora, for the intermediation.

Watch this BBC documentary and learn more about the kingdom

https://youtu.be/3-sJKp_iJxU

Above: HRH Prince Gharios El Chemor with Dr Michael Hesemann in front of the United Nations Headquarters in NY

Last Monday, the world remembered the over 6 million victims of the terrible Jewish Holocaust. January 27th it’s the International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Prince Gharios El Chemor was the only Arab dignitary present at the special event hosted by the permanent mission of the Holy See in the UN and organized by the Pave the Way Foundation presided by His Excellency Gary Krupp, GCSG, OStJ DCS. One of the main lecturers was the president of the Prinz Gharios Stiftung (Prince Gharios Foundation in Germany) Dr Michael Hesemann speaking about the role of the Catholic Church and Pope Pious XII during WWII.

Accompanying the prince was the Main Representative of the Royal House of Ghassan in the UN, Dr Robert Goldman. The Royal House of Ghassan is in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations.

Above: Prince Gharios and Dr Robert Goldman inside the United Nations headquarters in NY