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French Court to Rule on Aga Khan Divorce, Lawyer SaysPARIS (Reuters) - A French court has ruled it can hear the divorce application made by top racehorse owner and breeder the Aga Khan, his office said Sunday. The Aga Khan, 66, a British citizen, is the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community of about 20 million followers.
In a Dec. 23 decision, the court said it would also rule on any financial maintenance due during the divorce proceedings, the statement quoted the Aga Khan's French lawyer Laurent Chambaz as saying.

The Aga Khan and his wife the Begum Aga Khan have filed for divorce, it emerged today.The couple married in May 1998 and have a four-year-old son, Prince Aly. They have been separated for over a year.
The Aga Khan, a British citizen, is the spiritual leader of the world's Ismaili Muslims.
His wife Begum Inaara is a German national who was known as Princess Gabriele Zu Leiningen before the marriage. She lives in Berkshire.
Her spokesman, Lord Bell of Bell Pottinger, said: 'The Begum considers the separation and divorce proceedings to be private matters and will be making no comment.'

In response to numerous press inquiries resulting from reports in the media, the Secretariat of His Highness the Aga Khan confirms that His Highness and his wife have been separated for more than 18 months and are currently living apart. The Aga Khan filed for divorce in France four months ago.
In conformity with the long-standing practice of not commenting on the private lives of either His Highness or members of his family, no other statement will be made in this regard.

Department of Public Affairs
The Secretariat of His Highness the Aga Khan
Aiglemont
60270 Gouvieux, France