Morocco marks 40th day of late King Hassan II's passing away

King Mohammed VI of Morocco will chair this Monday a religious service at Mohammed V mausoleum in Rabat in commemoration of the 40th day of the passing away of his father, King Hassan II.

It is the custom in Morocco to commemorate this anniversary before 40 days have fully elapsed since the death.

Moroccans were invited by a statement of the Ministry of Waqf (Islamic endowments) and Islamic Affairs to go massively to mosques to pray for the rest of the soul of the late king.

On Sunday, the royal family held a private ceremony in the mausoleum where the late sovereign was buried beside his father, King Mohammed V, and his brother, Prince Moulay Abdellah.

Another official statement of the Ministry of Royal Household, Protocol and Chancellery said that the period to receive condolences from national and foreign personalities and delegations will end on August 30.

On August 31, the mausoleum will be open to members of the government, the parliament and all Moroccan institutions, political parties, associations and organizations.

A forty-day mourning period was proclaimed on July 23 following the passing away of the king of Morocco, 70, of a heart attack in a Rabat hospital.