US top model Kendra Spears became a princess, but her fairy-tale romance with the wealthy Prince Rahim lasted only nine years. Since then, the once-celebrated runway talent has disappeared from the public eye.
Their love story reads like a Hollywood drama: Over ten years ago, acclaimed American top model Kendra Spears, now 34, met the well-established Prince Rahim, 53, the eldest son of the late Karim Aga Khan IV (†88), the religious leader of the Ismaili Muslims. Allegedly, supermodel Naomi Campbell, 54, played matchmaker at a glamorous party.
Things moved quickly: engagement in April 2013, wedding the same year. She gave up her modeling career. But after two children and nine years of marriage, their love fell apart, and her princess title vanished…
Royals Nobody Knows: From Top Model Kendra Spears to Princess Salwa
In 2012, Kendra Spears was an in-demand model. After participating in the “Ford Supermodel of the World” contest in 2008—the world’s biggest modeling competition—she skyrocketed to success. She graced the runways of luxury brands like Gucci, Christian Lacroix, Lanvin, Hermès, and Valentino. Spears appeared on countless “Vogue” covers, as well as in “Elle,” “Allure,” and “Numero.” She was also the face of major advertising campaigns for brands like Calvin Klein, Etro, and Diane von Fürstenberg. Additionally, she fronted the campaigns for beloved perfumes such as Armani Code and Moschino’s Pink Bouquet.
Everything seemed to be going perfectly—until, at around 23 years old, Kendra Spears met the love of her life: Prince Rahim. She swapped casual runway looks for pearl necklaces and elegant suits. On April 15, 2013, the couple announced their engagement in France. Kendra’s appearance changed noticeably.
A Lavish Wedding, a Princess Title, and a Life Devoted to Family
The couple tied the knot in traditional attire at the breathtaking fairy-tale Château de Bellerive on Lake Geneva, Switzerland—Rahim’s birthplace. Kendra Spears dropped her birth name and officially became Princess Salwa Aga Khan. The family settled in Geneva.
Their love was soon blessed with children. On April 11, 2015, their first son, Irfan (now 9), was born. Almost two years later, in London, Princess Salwa gave birth to their second son, Prince Sinan (now 8). Their first family portrait was shared in March 2017 on the official Facebook page of the Ismaili leader, Karim Aga Khan.
Where Is Former Princess Salwa Now?
While Prince Rahim continued fulfilling his duties as a key figure in the Aga Khan Development Network, Salwa focused on raising their children. The roles were clearly defined—modeling parties, runways, and her own career became a thing of the past. Was this the reason for their eventual split? One can only speculate.
In November 2022, it was revealed that the couple had quietly divorced in February of that year. The news emerged in a newsletter from “the.ismaili,” the official website of the Ismaili community. Prince Rahim is said to still be living in Geneva with their two sons.
As for former Princess Salwa? Her current whereabouts remain unknown. She has no social media accounts and has not made any public statements or appearances since her split.
