On April 22, 1987, a young Mohammed VI was captured in a historic moment in Marrakesh, marking the early years of a future king destined for greatness. Before Sofia of Spain pursued her studies in Paris, other royal figures, including the current King of Morocco, chose France as their academic haven. Mohammed VI, who holds a doctorate in law from the University of Nice, exemplifies the royal tradition of seeking education abroad.
Despite their aversion to aging, monarchs understand the importance of preparing for succession well in advance. On August 21, 1963, when Hassan II welcomed the birth of his son, he recognized that his primary role was not just to raise a child but to cultivate a future king. Hence, Sidi Mohammed, as he was known, undertook his education at the Royal College, situated within the royal palace, specifically designed to train members of the Alaouite dynasty.
It was here that the future Mohammed VI completed his baccalaureate in 1981 before continuing his studies at the Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences in Rabat. He earned a law degree in 1985, presenting a thesis on “The Arab-African Union and Morocco's Strategy in International Relations.” Shortly thereafter, he also acquired a higher certificate in political sciences and a diploma in advanced studies leading to a doctorate in public law.
To support his academic pursuits, Hassan II encouraged his son to venture beyond Morocco’s borders, positioning him as an envoy to strengthen ties with Europe. In 1988, the future king undertook a significant internship with Jacques Delors, who was then the President of the European Commission. Mohammed VI successfully defended his doctoral thesis at the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis on October 29, 1993, focusing on “Cooperation between the European Economic Community and the Arab Maghreb Union.”
Recognition and Honor
For the evaluation of his law doctorate, Sidi Mohammed assembled a distinguished jury that included the Prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, the General-President of Togo, several eminent French intellectuals, and approximately twenty Moroccan professors. During this pivotal examination, Maurice Torelli, a professor at the University of Nice, expressed gratitude to the candidate for selecting their university, highlighting Nice's Mediterranean charm and its close ties to Morocco. Torelli stated, “You have chosen Nice, a Mediterranean city so close to Morocco by its shores, landscapes, history, and people, close in heart and spirit… This distinction touches and honors us.”
Upon completing his thesis defense, the son of Hassan II received the accolade of “very honorable” along with the jury's commendations. Meanwhile, Hassan II remained in Rabat, receiving a different form of congratulations through a personal note. “The jury members wish to express their gratitude for facilitating yet again the meeting of Moroccan and French universities, allowing our two legal traditions of Arab-Muslim and Latin to converge. They express their most respectful sentiments to Your Majesty and assure you of their complete dedication.” A graduate son meant a grateful father.
As reported by parismatch.com.
