Kendra Spears, now known as Princess Salwa Aga Khan, is expecting her first child. The American model married Prince Rahim, the eldest son of His Highness Aga Khan IV, just over a year ago in Geneva, Switzerland. The news was announced with the "greatest happiness" on the official website of the Ismaili Muslim community – a group of people united in their allegiance to Aga Khan IV.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince Rahim and Kendra Spears at their September 2013 wedding
"Around the world, Ismailis are gathering in Jamatkhanas (place of worship) to celebrate the happy news," the statement online read, before adding that "warmest wishes" had been sent to Rahim and Kendra. The 26-year-old fashion model earned her royal title after marrying her husband, 43, in a private ceremony in September 2013. The brunette beauty, who goes by the Twitter description, "a model, among other things," wore a traditional ivory and gold dress lined with gold embroidery on her big day. Kendra also had her hair swept back in a classic bun, showing off her thick diamond earrings and matching tiered necklace.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince Rahim, 43, and Kendra Spears, 26, are expecting their first child
Prince Rahim and Kendra wed in a picturesque service in the grounds of the Château de Bellerive, overlooking the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland. The lovebirds were surrounded by their family and close friends for the celebration and, following in the royal family's custom, had a traditional Muslim ceremony. The nuptials started with the recitation of a traditional "qasida" in the Farsi language, a poem that speaks in praise of someone. This was then followed by the "nikah", the marriage ceremony that was overseen by His Eminence Sayyed Muhammad Musawi, a prominent Shia faith leader.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKendra Spears was styled as Princess Salwa Aga Khan following her marriage
Kendra, who has been compared to Cindy Crawford for the mole on her upper lip, has modelled for respected fashion houses such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana. The Seattle-born beauty is not the only model to marry into the royal family. Her father-in-law married British model Sarah "Sally" Croker-Poole, and his grandfather was married to iconic actress Rita Hayworth.
