Aga Khan IV and Begum Inaara Aga Khan divorced after 12 years, 7 months of marriage. The settlement was reportedly an estimated $78M. Details inside.
Figures are reported estimates. Last updated Oct 2026.
Spiritual leader's long-running divorce from a German princess.
Prince Karim Aga Khan IV was the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, a philanthropist and racehorse owner who lived largely in France. His second wife, the Begum Inaara, was born Gabriele Thyssen, a German woman who had previously married Prince Karl Emich of Leiningen and was known as Princess Gabriele. They married in 1998 and had a son, Aly Muhammad, born in 2000. The marriage ended in a long and bitter legal dispute, which became one of the best-known divorces in European high society.
The Aga Khan's wealth came from the gifts of his followers, which funded the Aga Khan Development Network, from his hotel, media and banking interests, and from a famous horse-breeding and racing empire in France and Ireland. His estimated fortune ran to the billions, though much of it was tied to institutions and foundations. His wife's wealth came from her earlier marriage and from her family background.
The couple married in 1998. By the early 2000s the marriage had broken down, and they separated, with the divorce proceedings beginning in the courts of France and England. The case dragged on for around a decade. A final settlement was reached in 2011, after about 12 or 13 years. The Aga Khan later spent his time between France and the Bahamas, and died in Lisbon in February 2025 at the age of 88.
The press reported the final deal as about £50 million, or roughly $78 million, although the exact terms were not made public. The Begum had earlier received a much smaller sum from the French courts, and her lawyers had sought a much larger share. The settlement came after a decade of legal disputes in several countries.
The reported figure reflects a compromise after years of argument. The Aga Khan's wealth was largely linked to his position and to foundations rather than to personal shares, which made it hard to define what counted as marital property. The different approaches of the French and English courts to dividing assets also made the dispute complex and long.
The Aga Khan's institutions and his racing business were not affected, and he continued his philanthropic work. The Begum remained in France and was reported to have spent time on her charitable and cultural interests. The case was an unusual example of a divorce involving a religious leader of a worldwide community.
The Aga Khan divorce is small beside the largest cases on this list, but it is notable for its length and its international legal tangle. It resembles the Berezovsky case in involving more than one legal system, and it shows how long cross-border divorces can run.
The Aga Khan became the leader of the Ismailis in 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather. He was a leading owner of thoroughbred racehorses, and his colors were seen at major European races. The £50 million figure is a press estimate.
Begum Inaara Aga Khan's reported settlement was about $78 million.
They married in 1998 and divorced in 2011, a marriage of roughly 13 years.
No prenuptial agreement was reported.
Yes, the family is reported to include 1 children.
Included in settlement.
Reported assets include: Racing stables, Chantilly estate, island in the Bahamas.
The reported figure reflects a compromise after years of argument. The Aga Khan's wealth was largely linked to his position and to foundations rather than to personal shares, which made it hard to define what counted as marital property.
* Settlement terms were not publicly disclosed. This figure is an estimate.