On September 20th, 2023, Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan visited the NBC's office where she granted an interview and sat down with TODAY's Hoda Kotb and discusses the situation of the globe and how she continues to find optimism for the future.
When asked by Hoda about the state of the world and how in a dark place it is in, and how through her speeches, she brings out the light and how do you see – how do you find that hope? And how does she convey it? Her Majesty replied, "Well, you know, you're right. I think our world is at an inflection point, you know, and it seems like polarization is really a defining feature of our world. Whenever we see somebody who disagrees with us, it has become natural to demonize them."
Her Majesty continue with, "And when you see everything through a political lens, it becomes very difficult to come together over any issue. And the irony is that the issues that we're facing today, from climate change, to migration, to inequality – those all need solutions that come from collaboration. So, if we're not talking to one another, we're not going to be able to find resolution to some of these issues. And I just feel like, we need more engagement that is rooted in optimism and hope, rather than fear.
And, you know, there's this wave of populism around the world that's using people's fears and insecurities for leaders to gain popularity. And that's not finding – that's not very helpful, it's not finding solutions. So I think we need to focus more, not on the why, for example, when it comes to climate change, but on the how: How do we find solutions?"
She also discusses raising her four children in public and guiding them through social media and technology.
Speaking about HRH the Crown Prince and her other children, Her Majesty replied, saying this "It's just scary how time flies, right? I mean, you know, as parents, I think it's our job to, you know, take care of our kids until they are old enough to go out into the world… but that doesn't make it easy when that day comes, actually. And, you know, in the span of three months, from the end of March to the beginning of June, I had two children get married and two graduate. I mean, what was I thinking?"
When speaking about being now an empty nester, she replied this,"I'm an empty nester right now, you know, and it's just this wave of emotions. You know, with Iman, it was a new experience for our family because she's the first one to get married. And there was so much planning and anticipation, culminated in a really beautiful and emotional day. Nothing can prepare you for the moment you see your daughter in that white dress. You know, the mixture of emotions – pride at the strong and independent woman she's become, joy for her joy, sadness for her leaving home… it all comes together and nothing can prepare you for that."
Look Details:
For the interview, Her Majesty wore her green EMILIA WICKSTEAD Jody denim shirt dress. Paired with her Fendi Pale Green Peekaboo Bag, her Chaumet JOSÉPHINE AIGRETTE RING White gold, Chaumet Pendant Joséphine Aigrette White Gold Pearl Diamond and Dior Abstract Print Canvas Pointed Toe Pumps
