Stéphane Bern’s New Book Explores Mohammed VI and Morocco’s Monarchy
Stéphane Bern is set to publish a book about King Mohammed VI and the history of Morocco’s monarchy. Due out in France on October 14, the book promises a portrait of the sovereign based on testimony gathered from people in his circle.
Twenty-seven years on the throne, four centuries of family history and testimony gathered in Morocco’s circles of power. Stéphane Bern has chosen to devote his next book to Mohammed VI. The host of “Secrets d’histoire,” who is no stranger to palaces and royal families, promises this time to take readers behind the scenes of the Alaouite monarchy.
The book, titled “Mohammed VI: Heritage and Destiny of the Alaouite Monarchy,” will be published on Wednesday, October 14, by Albin Michel. Across 368 pages, the French journalist sets out to trace the history of a dynasty that has been in power since 1666, under Moulay Rachid, before turning to the king who has occupied the throne since July 1999.
But the book is not limited to a succession of rulers. Its publisher describes an account spanning the history of 29 sultans and three kings, from the origins of Morocco’s monarchy to the transformations of the contemporary kingdom. It is a way of placing Mohammed VI’s reign within a much older political and religious heritage.
Testimony gathered from people close to the king
This is above all what makes the book intriguing. In its official description, Albin Michel says Stéphane Bern had access to figures from the inner circles of power. Their conversations are said to have helped him enrich his portrait of the sovereign and revisit the changes that have taken place since his accession to the throne.
The publisher does not reveal the identities of these sources or the episodes they recount. It highlights the transition from a traditional sultanate to a modern monarchy, as well as the king’s dual role as head of state and commander of the faithful.
This is not the first time Stéphane Bern has taken an interest in Morocco’s royal family. In 2017, he devoted an episode of “Secrets d’histoire” to Moulay Ismaïl, the Alaouite ruler he compared at the time to Louis XIV. The programme took him to several historic sites in Morocco, including in Fès.
