Farouk I 1920-65
King of Egypt

Born in Cairo, he was educated privately in England. On ascending the throne, he dismissed the premier, Nahas Pasha, and for a while devoted himself to schemes of economic development and land reform. In 1942, with Axis troops threatening Egypt, Great Britain insisted on the re-appointment of Nahas Pasha. After the war, his lifestyle became increasingly flamboyant, and he alienated the armed forces, especially after defeat by Israel (1948). In 1948 he dissolved his first marriage with Princess Farida, and he married Narriman Sadek (1951). General Neguib's coup d'�tat (1952) forced Farouk to abdicate. He was exiled to Italy and in 1959 he became a citizen of Monaco.

Bibliography: Barrie St Clair McBride, Farouk of Egypt: A Biography (1968)