Life seems to be turning a new page for Albania’s Crown Prince Leka II, who has just announced his engagement to wedding photographer Blerta Celibashi.
The news comes not long after a highly publicized and painful split from his former wife, Princess Elia Zaharia, which brought an eight-year royal marriage to an end.
On Sunday, the 43-year-old prince shared the joyful update on Instagram, accompanied by two elegant portraits of himself and Blerta looking lovingly at each other.
The caption, released on behalf of the Royal Court, read that the engagement was “joyfully celebrated on October 11, 2025, in Ksamil, Southern Albania, surrounded by family and close friends.”
The announcement also extended gratitude to the Albanian people for their warm wishes.
A Love Reintroduced to the Public
While many Albanians have followed Prince Leka’s life closely over the years, his relationship with Blerta quietly blossomed after his separation.
He officially introduced her to royal life during a gala dinner in September last year, where she attended as his guest.
Since then, Blerta has frequently accompanied him to official events and engagements, gradually stepping into the public eye.
Dressed in a flowing white gown, Blerta appeared radiant in the engagement photos — a symbol, perhaps, of new beginnings for the royal heir.
The End of a Royal Marriage
Before finding new love, Prince Leka’s previous marriage had already drawn national attention.
He and Princess Elia Zaharia tied the knot in 2016 in one of Albania’s most significant royal ceremonies in modern history — the country’s first royal wedding since the end of communism.
Over twenty royal families attended, including Prince Michael of Kent, a cousin of King Charles.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Princess Geraldine, in 2020.
Her name honored her great-grandmother, Queen Geraldine, wife of King Zog I, Albania’s first monarch.
But in January 2024, the pair announced they were separating, releasing a joint statement saying their union had “lost its function.”
They emphasized their shared commitment to co-parenting their daughter, noting that Geraldine’s wellbeing would remain their top priority.
Turbulence and Legal Trouble
Unfortunately, the separation was far from peaceful.
In March, tensions erupted into a physical altercation involving the prince, his ex-wife, and her father, Gjergj Polikron Zaharia.
Footage of the incident quickly went viral online, prompting both sides to issue statements.
According to the Royal Court, Prince Leka was “physically attacked with strong objects” and had submitted the video to police as evidence.
Princess Elia, however, claimed she was simply trying to stop a fight between her father and the prince, expressing deep distress over the situation.
In the aftermath, a court ruling required both Leka and Elia to remain five metres apart, citing safety concerns and domestic violence allegations.
The order underscored how bitter the once-celebrated union had become.
From Heartbreak to Renewal
Despite the turmoil, Prince Leka has clearly chosen to focus on rebuilding his life.
His engagement to Blerta signals not only a personal renewal but also a new image for Albania’s symbolic monarchy — one that is more modern, open, and grounded in public goodwill.
Through his official social media, the prince has continued to share glimpses of his public commitments and philanthropic work.
At last year’s gala dinner introducing Blerta, he praised hosts Anton Konstantin and David Alexander Jenkins for their efforts to strengthen ties between Albanian and American entrepreneurs, and to support charitable causes.
A Look Back at Albania’s Royal Heritage
Although Albania has been a republic since the monarchy was dissolved in 1943, the royal family continues to hold historical and cultural significance.
Prince Leka II is the only son of King Leka I, who served as head of the House of Zogu until his death in 2011.
Educated at the Royal Military College Sandhurst, Leka has worked in Albania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, and as an adviser to the president.
His cousin, Skënder Zogu, remains heir presumptive since the prince has no sons.
The family’s story is one marked by resilience: King Zog I and Queen Geraldine fled Albania in 1939 following the Italian invasion.
After years of exile across Greece, Turkey, and Egypt, they eventually settled in France.
Though stripped of power under communist rule, their descendants remain a living link to Albania’s royal past.
Looking Ahead
Prince Leka’s engagement to Blerta Celibashi represents a new beginning both personally and symbolically.
After years of public scrutiny and painful headlines, the Albanian royal now appears ready to move forward — embracing love, stability, and hope for the future.
As the royal family shared in their announcement, the engagement marks “a joyful occasion,” and perhaps a long-awaited moment of peace for the House of Zogu.