Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Genevieve Arnault: The Last Queen of Iraq - A Legacy of Love and Service

Genevieve Arnault, a French woman born in 1937, has been referred to as the last queen of Iraq, a title that reflects her extraordinary life and her deep connection with the country's royal family. Her story begins in the aftermath of World War II, where she faced personal struggles and later found solace in a chance encounter with King Faisal II of Iraq, a meeting that would change the course of her life forever.

As the years went by, Genevieve's bond with the king grew stronger, culminating in a romantic relationship that transcended cultural and national boundaries. Her journey took her from the Swiss Alps to the United States, where she reconnected with the king during his visit to America. This article delves into the fascinating life of Genevieve Arnault, exploring her experiences and the significant role she played in the history of Iraq, a country that has been marked by turmoil and change over the decades[1].

what is the significance of genevieve arnault in iraq's history

Genevieve Arnault, a French woman born in 1937, holds a unique place in Iraq's history due to her extraordinary life and her deep connection with the country's royal family. Her story begins in the aftermath of World War II, where she faced personal struggles and later found solace in a chance encounter with King Faisal II of Iraq, a meeting that would change the course of her life forever. Genevieve's bond with the king grew stronger over time, transcending cultural and national boundaries. Her journey took her from the Swiss Alps to the United States, where she reconnected with the king during his visit to America. This article delves into the fascinating life of Genevieve Arnault, exploring her experiences and the significant role she played in the history of Iraq, a country that has been marked by turmoil and change over the decades.

what was the government housing project that genevieve arnault directed in baghdad

Genevieve Arnault directed the construction of a government housing project in Baghdad, Iraq, which was approved by King Faisal II.

what was the purpose of the government housing project in baghdad

The purpose of the government housing project in Baghdad was to address the city's housing shortage by constructing integrated residential cities strategically located on the outskirts of Baghdad and other provinces to avoid overcrowded areas. The project aimed to provide 250,000 to 300,000 housing units, targeting low and middle-income households, with a commitment to maintaining stable housing unit prices.

Genevieve Arnault in 1962.
 
On 22 June 1937, Genevieve Arnault was born at Paris as the only child of Henri Arnault (1902-?), a chemist, and his wife Leonie Ness (1915-1990), an actress turned businesswoman. The family did not fare particularly well during World War II. When the Germans overtook France, Mr Arnault was eventually arrested by the Nazis because he had a gun permit. After this, young Genevieve was imprisoned at Auschwitz for a period. Genevieve's mother joined the French Resistance. When the war ended, her parents (both of whom survived) sent their daughter to a Swiss educational institution whose aim was to help young persons who had experienced severe traumatised during the conflict. 
 
Genevieve and Faisal. Photo from LIFE Magazine.
 
Based on news reports, Genevieve Arnault first met King Faisal II of Iraq (b.Baghdad 2 May 1935), two years her senior, in 1948 at Switzerland. By now living in Paris again, Genevieve was vacationing in the country. Faisal was enjoying a break from his studies at the Harrow School in London by taking advantage of the Swiss Alps to indulge in his fondness for skiing. The thirteen year-old Iraqi king and the ten year-old French girl met at a party. Whether it was love at first sight is impossible to know, but the bond between the two children lasted for the rest of their lives. 
 
King Faisal II of Iraq in 1944.
 
In 1948, Mr. and Mrs. Arnault were living at 1 rue Deleau, Neuilly-sur-Seine. Henry Arnault was a chemical engineer, and Lony Arnault worked as an administrator for the French Red Cross. Having attended the Louvre in 1937, Lony later became an architect and engineer who went on to forge a successful career in France, Iraq, and the United States.  The Arnaults frequently traveled to America for business purposes, and they often brought their daughter along for the journey. Records exist of Genevieve traveling from France to New York in both 1948 and 1949. In Autumn 1952, the seventeen year-old King Faisal II of Iraq made a trip to the United States, where he met with President Harry Truman and Hollywood actors. It was also during this voyage that the king became reacquainted with Mademoiselle Arnault at a garden party in Greenwich, Connecticut. Feelings of a more romantic nature were kindled between the pair during this encounter.
 
Mrs. Lony Arnault greeting U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Henry Cabot Lodge with Iraqi diplomat Abdulkarim Al-Gailani in the background, 1957.

 

In 1956, Lony Arnault and Genevieve moved to Baghdad. They retained their residence on East 70th Street, New York City. Mrs. Arnault had been given permission by King Faisal II to direct the construction of a government housing project in his capital. During an interview in January 1957, Lony Arnault remarked: "It is natural that youth should prevail in a country that has a 21 year-old king." Questioned about an existing romance between her daughter and the Iraqi monarch, Mrs. Arnault stated: "The king and my daughter played tennis and rode horseback together before his coronation in 1953. Now, their meetings are rarer; he's pretty busy." Despite Mrs. Arnault's claims to the reporter, it is difficult to deny that there was in fact a close relationship blossoming between King Faisal and Genevieve Arnault.
 
King Faisal II of Iraq and Genevieve Arnault.
 
Per subsequent press reports, shortly before midnight on 22 June 1957, King Faisal II of Iraq and Mlle. Genevieve Arnault were married in a Muslim ceremony at Baghdad. The bride had turned twenty on the day of her wedding, which was not announced to the public. They honeymooned at a royal residence in Iraq. Genevieve would recall: "I liked best those private moments when he would forget he was the king." The couple were not to enjoy a fairy-tale ending. On 14 July 1958, Iraqi revolutionaries assassinated a fair number of the members of the country's royal family at the Rihab Palace: King Faisal II, his uncle Crown Prince 'Abd al-Ilah (1913-1958), his great-aunt Princess Nafeesa (1886-1958), his aunt Princess Abadiya (1907-1958), and several servants were among the individuals who were gunned down in the courtyard of the royal palace. On 15 April 1965, the United States District Court S. D. New York wrote the following in its ruling on the case Republic of Iraq v. First National City Bank
On April 23, 1964, the Surrogate's Court entered an intermediate decree on the final accounting of defendant as administrator. Citation in this proceeding had been served upon plaintiff, but plaintiff failed to appear or participate in it. This intermediate decree determined that Al Malika Genevieve Al Iraq (also known as Genevieve Arnault), was duly married to King Faisal II on June 22, 1957, and was his lawful surviving spouse, that Prince Zeid Ibn Hussein, the great-uncle of King Faisal II, was his nearest living male heir, and that pursuant to a certain stipulation of settlement, the net estate of King Faisal II should be distributed, two-thirds to Al Malika Genevieve Al Iraq, and one-third to Prince Zeid. On December 14, 1964, the Surrogate's Court entered its final decree in the accounting proceeding. It charged defendant as administrator with $134,950.65 in the first instance, and credited it with the payment of administrative expenses and various miscellaneous items aggregating $18,249.08, leaving a balance on hand of $116,701.57. The decree settled and allowed the administrator's account and directed the administrator to pay various additional fees and commissions and to distribute the final net balance, amounting to $110,562.47 to Al Malika Genevieve Al Iraq and Prince Zeid Ibn Hussein, $73,708.31 to the former, and $36,854.16 to the latter. Defendant has not as yet made this distribution.
 
Genevieve al-Malika al-Iraq.
 
On 7 May 1971, Genevieve Arnault married Walter H. Jackson at Galveston, Texas. The couple had two sons and subsequently divorced.
 
Genevieve Arnault Al-Iraq Jackson (1937-2010)

In 1984, Genevieve moved to Port Jervis, New York. She taught herself how to paint and took classes at the Arts Student League in Manhattan. Two days before her seventy-third birthday, she died at Port Jervis on 20 June 2010 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

 
Sources:

Milford gathering recalls former queen of Iraq (briefly) who later graced the area

Republic of Iraq v. First National City Bank

As we conclude our exploration of Genevieve Arnault's remarkable life, we are reminded of the profound impact she had on the world. Her story, intertwined with that of King Faisal II of Iraq, serves as a testament to the power of love and resilience in the face of adversity. From her early life in Paris to her later years in Baghdad, Genevieve's journey was marked by a deep commitment to her relationships and her community. Her legacy, though often overlooked, is a powerful reminder of the significance of human connection and the enduring impact of our actions on those around us. As we reflect on Genevieve's life, we are reminded that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and always a chance for love to flourish.

Genevieve's story is a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding and empathy in our interactions with others. Her life, marked by both joy and hardship, serves as a powerful lesson in the value of compassion and the enduring power of love. As we move forward, let us strive to emulate Genevieve's example, cultivating a deeper sense of understanding and connection with those around us. By doing so, we can create a world where love and compassion are the guiding principles, and where the stories of remarkable individuals like Genevieve Arnault continue to inspire and uplift us all.

what was the significance of genevieve arnault's involvement in iraq's government housing project

Genevieve Arnault's involvement in Iraq's government housing project was significant because she was given permission by King Faisal II to direct the construction of a government housing project in Baghdad. This project aimed to address the city's housing shortage by constructing integrated residential cities strategically located on the outskirts of Baghdad and other provinces to avoid overcrowded areas.

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