Khaberni - Mohamed Shabana revealed the behind-the-scenes of the royal visit that sparked a widespread interaction on social media in Egypt, following the visit of King Ahmed Fouad II, the son of King Farouk I, to his uncle's house, the late artist Abdel Halim Hafez, in the Zamalek area in Cairo.
In exclusive statements to "Erem News", Shabana explained that the visit was coordinated in advance between sovereign entities and the family and heirs of the late artist, about two weeks before the arrival of King Ahmed Fouad II from his residence in Switzerland, coinciding with the 49th anniversary of the death of Abdel Halim Hafez, he said.
He added that the family received him and his wife and several of his companions with great hospitality, noting that he expressed immense happiness and amazement during his tour inside the house, which lasted about an hour and a half, in his words.
He indicated that the King was keen to inspect the various corridors of the house, from the bedrooms to the sitting and reception areas, and he showed particular interest in the belongings of the late artist, pointing out that he wrote a significant word in the visitors' book expressing his great love for the artist Abdel Halim Hafez.
Shabana continued, Fouad II sat on the home’s balcony and some rooms commonly frequented by the late artist, where extensive conversations about his artistic career and his favorite songs took place.
He mentioned that he feels nostalgic in Switzerland when listening to Abdel Halim Hafez's songs, confirming that he is among the Arab artists he prefers alongside Fairuz.
Shabana concluded his statements by saying that King Ahmed Fouad II expressed his admiration for the way and mechanism the heirs maintained the house and its belongings unchanged, considering that it rivals the homes of big international stars like Elvis Presley, indicating the efforts made to preserve it as a cultural landmark open for official and public visits, according to his words.
