I was brought up in the Muslim religion," says the publicity-shy prince, who was 65 yesterday. "My father insisted that I learnt the Koran and encouraged me to understand the basic traditions and beliefs of Islam but without imposing any particular views. He was an overwhelming personality but open-minded and liberal."

"This is Paradise before the Fall, where man and beast were living in harmony and nature was respected," he says, looking at his prized possession, a water-colour entitled The Court of Gayumars. From the famous 16th-century Shahnama or Book of Kings created for Shah Tahmasp

The Aga Khan Legion was established in December 15, 1940. About 50 leaders gathered for the purpose of Diamond Jubilee projects in which Prince Aly Khan had presided. Valiahad Prince Aly Khan told the gathering that he had found great happiness in this founding of the Aga Khan Legion. He said that even though the Ismaili community was small in comparison to other communities, through its sense of brotherhood and unity and good organisation it would be able to achieve great objectives.