Mona El-Solh

Mona El-Solh daughter of Riad Al Solh the first prime minister in Lebanon immediately after independence from France, born during the post-colonial era that witnessed the birth of Arab nationalism. Her father held the office of prime minister between 1943 and 1945, and again from 1946 until he was assassinated in 1951, having been a key figure in Lebanon's fight for independence.

Mona, a progressive member of the Saudi royal family and advocate for political reforms, married Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia in the late 1950s. The marriage was seen as an important alliance between two prominent Arab families. The couple had three children:[14] Prince Al Waleed bin Talal, Prince Khalid bin Talal and Princess Reema bint Talal.

Prince Al Waleed bin Talal (Arabic: الوليد بن طلال) born March 7, 1955 in Jeddah () is a Saudi Arabian businessman and investor. He is the head of Kingdom Holding Company, a multi-sector investment company active in sectors such as real-estate, hospitality and media. Al Waleed is known worldwide for his investments in some Citigroup, Twitter and New York City Plaza Hotel.

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Throughout their marriage, which began two years ago, Prince Talal was known for his progressive views and campaigning for constitutional changes in Saudi Arabia. Prince Talal had openly opposed the Saudi regime in early 1960s and called for a more democratic kingdom. This forced him to live in exile and created a rift between the royal family. He later made peace with the royal family but remained an advocate of reform until his dying day.

The life of Mona El-Solh is an epitome example of the politics and social climate of Lebanon and Saudi Arabia in a particular era within the Middle East. Her family background and her own experiences shed light on the intricacies of Arab politics and society in the middle of the 20th Century.