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King of the Maldive Islands
Royal Standard
Last to Reign Mohamed Fareed I 7 March 1954 – 11 November 1968
Details
Style	His Majesty
First monarch	Koimala
Last monarch	Mohamed Fareed I
Formation	1117
Abolition	November 11, 1968 (1968-11-11)
Residence	Royal Palace
Website	Official website

The monarchy of the Maldive Islands, commonly referred to as the sultan of the Maldives, was a constitutional form of government of the Maldive Islands by which a elective monarch reigns as the head of state. He was regulated by Maldivian constitution. The last king to reign was Mohamed Fareed who reigned from March 1954 to 11 November 1968 until the abolition of the sultanate.

The monarch and their immediate family perform a range of official, ceremonial, diplomatic, and representational duties. There were eight known ruling dynasties, Theemuge dynasty, Hilaalee dynasty, Utheemu dynasty, Hamawi dynasty, Dhevvadhoo dynasty, Isdhoo dynasty, Dhiyamigili dynasty and Huravee dynasty from 1117 until its abolition, following an constitutional referendum held in 1968.

The monarchical era saw the rise and fall of various dynasties, including the Hilaalee and Isdhoo dynasties. In 1953, the then–Maldive Islands transitioned to a republic and Mohamed Amin Didi was nominated as president, however, the monarchy was restored in 1954 with the ascension of Sultan Muhammad Fareed Didi. His reign continued until the monarchy was abolished in 1968. The Maldives then became a republic, with then–prime minister Ibrahim Nasir serving as the first president of the newly established Second Republic. Historical records indicate that the position of king in the Maldives dates back to the 4th century BCE. However, the precise number of monarchs who have ruled the Maldives remains unclear.

In 1954, sultan Muhammad Fareed Didi adopted the title of "King" with the style of "His Majesty." During British protectorate in the Maldive Islands, which spanned from 1887 to 1965, the sultan's powers were taken away. It retained as a nominal position but had to follow British directives on matters of governance and foreign policy.

History

1932–1968

On December 22, 1932, during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddeen III, the 10th monarch of the Huraa dynasty, the Maldive Islands ratified its first constitution. The constitution, however, was not a response to popular demand for rights; many of its provisions were unfamiliar to the general public. Rather, it arose from political tensions between the monarchy and emerging leaders. The constitution was subsequently abrogated amidst strained relations, leading to Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddin III's deposition and exile to Fuvahmulah on 2 October 1934.

Following these events, Hassan Nooraddeen II ascended to the throne, with Muhammad Fareed Didi, son of Athireegey Abdul Majeed Rannaban'deyri Kilegefaanu, serving as prime minister. During this period, the prime minister held governmental authority while the Sultan remained the ceremonial head, known as the Waliyul Amr. Political instability persisted until 1943, when both the king and prime minister resigned abruptly, leading to interim governance by a caretaker committee. Subsequent constitutional changes in 1943 saw Abdul Majeed Rannaban'deyri Kilegefaanu, elected as king, although he never accepted the title and passed away in 1952. This created a leadership vacuum, ultimately filled by Mohamed Amin Didi, who concurrently held the roles of prime minister and interior minister. His assumption of the title Waliyul Amr marked the beginning of the Maldives' transition from monarchy to republic.

The transition gained momentum on April 12, 1952, when the People's Majlis debated and formed a special committee to explore the shift to a republic. Following discussions at Mohamed Amin Didi's residence, Athireege, a decision was made to establish a republic, ratified by a vote in Malé on April 16, 1952. Mohamed Amin Didi was appointed as the first head of state of the republic, supported by Chief Justice Ibrahim Faamudheyri Kilegefaanu and others advocating for the change.

The first republic, however, proved short-lived. Established on 1 January 1953, it lasted only until 21 August 1953, when a "revolution" led by Ibrahim Faamudheyri Kilegefaanu and Ibrahim Muhammad Didi dissolved the republic. Subsequently, a new constitution aligning with monarchy was passed in January 1954, followed by general elections in Malé on February 5, 1954, which restored the monarchy.

On 7 March 1954, Muhammad Fareed Didi ascended the throne as Sultan Mohamed Fareed I, ratifying a new constitution. He appointed Ibrahim Faamudheyri Kilegefaanu as prime minister, but political disputes, including over the British lease of Gan in Addu Atoll, led to Kilegefaanu's resignation in 1957. Ibrahim Nasir succeeded him as prime minister the following day.

The restoration of the monarchy was challenged again in 1967, leading to a vote by the People's Majlis on November 15, 1967, to change the government system. This decision was validated by a referendum on 15 March 1968, with 93.34% of voters supporting the establishment of a republic. Ibrahim Nasir, chosen as the presidential candidate, won public approval on September 27, 1968, and became the first president of the Second Republic of the Maldives, following the approval of the Republic Constitution on 11 November 1968. Thus, with the establishment of the Second Republic and Ibrahim Nasir's presidency, the traditional Maldivian monarchy concluded its historical role, transitioning into the annals of antiquity.