Key Facts
- ✓ King Mohammed VI has not appeared publicly since the Africa Cup of Nations began in Morocco.
- ✓ The monarch's absence is directly attributed to back pain, as confirmed by his personal physician.
- ✓ The continental football tournament is being hosted in the kingdom and is scheduled to run until mid-January.
- ✓ This represents a significant deviation from protocol, as the sovereign typically attends such major national events.
Royal Silence
The eyes of the football world are on Morocco, but one key figure is conspicuously missing from the festivities. King Mohammed VI has not been seen in public since the continental championship began.
This absence is particularly notable given the event's location within the kingdom. The sovereign's non-appearance has sparked widespread curiosity and concern among observers.
The Medical Explanation
The reason for the monarch's withdrawal from public life is a matter of health. According to his personal physician, the King is experiencing significant back pain.
This medical condition has prevented him from undertaking his usual public duties during this critical period. The diagnosis explains the complete lack of visibility from the country's highest office.
"douleurs au dos"
The specific nature of the discomfort has been identified as the primary cause for his absence. This health issue has effectively sidelined the sovereign from the major international event.
"douleurs au dos"
— King's Personal Physician
A High-Profile Event
The Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) is a premier tournament, and its current edition is hosted by Morocco. The competition runs through the middle of January, marking a significant period for the nation.
Typically, the King would be a central figure at such a prestigious event. His absence is felt deeply given the tournament's importance to national pride and international standing.
- Hosted entirely within the kingdom
- Running until mid-January
- Major continental sporting event
- Traditionally attended by the sovereign
The timing of the health issue coincides exactly with the tournament's start, creating a notable gap in royal representation.
Public Visibility
Since the competition's opening match, there has been a complete absence of public appearances by the King. This total lack of visibility is unusual for a head of state during a major national event.
The personal physician's communication serves as the sole official explanation for this unprecedented situation. It provides clarity to a public that has noticed the monarch's silence.
While the King remains out of the public eye, the tournament continues its scheduled progression across the country. The focus remains on the matches, but the royal absence is a persistent undercurrent.
Institutional Continuity
Despite the sovereign's health issues, the kingdom continues to function. The event is proceeding as planned under the existing organizational structure.
The back pain affecting the King is a temporary medical condition. The statement from his physician indicates that this is the specific reason for his current seclusion.
The situation highlights the operational resilience of the state. Even without the visible presence of its monarch, the hosting of the CAN continues to showcase Morocco on the global stage.
Looking Ahead
The primary concern remains the King's recovery from his back pain. His return to public duties will likely coincide with an improvement in his medical condition.
The continental football competition will conclude in mid-January. Until then, the monarch's health status will continue to be a point of interest for both domestic and international observers.
