The Shock Royal Engagement: 5 Things To Know About Blerta Celibashi, Crown Prince Leka II's New Girl
The Albanian Royal Family is once again in the global spotlight, following a dramatic series of events that began with a shock divorce and culminated in a surprise engagement. The royal world was captivated when Crown Prince Leka II of Albania, the head of the House of Zogu, officially announced his engagement to Miss Blerta Celibashi in October 2025, just over a year after his marriage to Crown Princess Elia Zaharia ended. This whirlwind romance has captured the imagination of royal watchers, introducing a new, glamorous figure into the royal fold and signaling a fresh chapter for the uncrowned King.
The announcement, made via an official statement from the Royal Court of Albania, confirmed that the Prince had found love again with a professional photographer who had been a trusted figure in his close circle. The transition from a quiet, post-divorce life to a highly public engagement has been swift, with Blerta Celibashi now stepping into the role of the future Crown Princess of the Albanians. This article provides a deep dive into the Prince’s new fiancée, the timeline of their relationship, and the context of the Zogist Royal Family's modern history.
Crown Prince Leka II & Fiancée Blerta Celibashi: A Complete Profile
The new royal couple has a fascinating story, rooted in the political and cultural life of Albania's capital, Tirana. Their profile is a blend of ancient royal lineage and modern professional achievement.
Crown Prince Leka II (Leka Anwar Zog Reza Baudouin Msiziwe Zogu)
- Title: Head of the House of Zogu, Crown Prince of the Albanians.
- Born: March 26, 1982, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Parents: Crown Prince Leka I and Susan Cullen-Ward (known as Queen Susan).
- Grandparents: King Zog I of the Albanians and Queen Geraldine Apponyi de Nagyappony.
- Education: Sandhurst Royal Military Academy, Albania's Military Academy, and a postgraduate degree from the Albanian Army Staff College.
- Career: Served as an advisor to the President of Albania, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of the Interior.
- First Marriage: Married actress and singer Elia Zaharia in 2016. Divorced in April 2024.
- Child: Princess Geraldine (named after his grandmother, Queen Geraldine).
Miss Blerta Celibashi
- Role: Future Crown Princess of the Albanians, Professional Photographer.
- Age: Reported to be 26 or 27 years old (as of her recent birthday).
- Occupation: A highly regarded professional photographer based in Tirana.
- Political Affiliation: She previously worked as a photographer for the Democratic Party (PD), a major political entity in Albania.
- Relationship Timeline: Went public with Prince Leka in September 2024 at a public event, the Carpathia West Ball.
- Engagement: Officially announced in October 2025 by the Royal Court of Albania.
The Whirlwind Romance: From Shock Divorce to Royal Engagement
The narrative of the new relationship is intrinsically linked to the end of Prince Leka's first marriage, creating a captivating story for the world's press. The speed and public nature of the new engagement have been key to the global interest in the Albanian Royal Family.
The End of a Royal Fairytale: The Divorce from Elia Zaharia
In January 2024, Crown Prince Leka II and Crown Princess Elia Zaharia announced their separation after eight years of marriage. The news came as a significant shock to the Albanian people and royal followers, as the couple had been seen as the modern face of the Zogist monarchy. Their 2016 wedding was a grand affair attended by royals from across Europe. The official divorce was finalized by a Tirana court in April 2024, with both parties reportedly agreeing to the settlement. A primary concern for the couple remains the co-parenting of their daughter, Princess Geraldine, who was born in 2020.
Blerta Celibashi: The New Face in the Royal Circle
Just months after the separation, rumors began to circulate about Prince Leka's new love interest. The relationship with Blerta Celibashi became official in September 2024 when the couple made their first public appearance together at the high-profile Carpathia West Ball. Blerta, a professional photographer, was not a complete outsider, having been part of the Prince's social and professional orbit for some time. Her background in photography and political work in Tirana offers a modern, grounded contrast to the traditional expectations of a royal partner.
The Surprise Engagement of October 2025
The relationship moved quickly, culminating in the official engagement announcement in October 2025. The Royal Court of Albania released a formal statement, expressing the royal family's happiness and sharing their joy with the Albanian people. The announcement solidified Blerta’s position and put an end to speculation, confirming that she will be the future Crown Princess. The statement also confirmed that the engagement was a private affair, with the couple giving a brief, behind-the-scenes glimpse of the moment on social media, describing their happiness.
The House of Zogu: A Legacy of the Albanian Monarchy
To understand the significance of this new relationship, one must appreciate the history of the Albanian Royal Family, the House of Zogu. Although the monarchy was abolished in 1944, the family continues to hold a significant symbolic role and cultural influence in Albania.
Key Figures and Entities in the Zogist Royal Family
The family's lineage is short but dramatic, having been established in the early 20th century.
- King Zog I: The founder of the modern dynasty, he was proclaimed King of the Albanians in 1928, laying the foundations of the modern Albanian state.
- Queen Geraldine: A Hungarian Countess who became Queen Consort, known for her beauty and philanthropic work. She is the namesake of Prince Leka's daughter, Princess Geraldine.
- Crown Prince Leka I: The father of the current Prince Leka II, he was born two days before the Italian invasion of Albania in 1939, leading to the family's long exile. He was known as the 'uncrowned King.'
- Susan Cullen-Ward (Queen Susan): An Australian art teacher who married Leka I and became Crown Princess of the Albanians.
- The Royal Court of Albania: The official body that manages the family's public affairs, which released the formal engagement statement for Prince Leka II and Blerta Celibashi.
Topical Authority and Context
The engagement of Crown Prince Leka II and Blerta Celibashi is more than just a personal event; it is a moment of continuity for the House of Zogu. Blerta's public role as a professional photographer and her connection to Albanian political life through her work with the Democratic Party (PD) is seen by some as a modernizing step for the royal house. Her presence at official events, such as the Carpathia West Ball, signifies a full acceptance into the royal fold. The relationship has generated intense public interest, with a focus on details like the staggering price of the engagement ring and the couple's social media glimpses into their life in Tirana.
The story of Prince Leka II's "new girl" is a fresh, modern chapter in a long-standing royal saga. Blerta Celibashi has quickly transitioned from a professional figure to the future Crown Princess, proving that even in a non-reigning monarchy, love can still capture the world's attention.
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