Prince Leka of Albania: The Real Story Behind the Royal Divorce and That New Engagement

You probably haven’t thought about the Albanian throne in a while. Honestly, most people haven’t. But if you’ve been scrolling through royal news lately, you might have seen some pretty wild headlines about Prince Leka of Albania.

He’s the guy who looks more like a Silicon Valley tech lead than a Balkan monarch. Tall, quiet, and usually tucked away in Tirana, Leka has suddenly become the center of a very modern, very messy royal drama. We’re talking police reports, viral videos of shouting matches, and an engagement that happened a lot faster than anyone expected.

What Really Happened with Prince Leka and Elia Zaharia?

For about eight years, Prince Leka and Elia Zaharia were the "it" couple of Albania. She was a famous actress and singer; he was the heir to a defunct throne trying to make himself useful in modern diplomacy. They got married in 2016 in a ceremony that felt like a bridge between Albania’s rocky past and its European future.

Then, things fell apart.

In January 2024, they dropped the bombshell: they were divorcing. They said the marriage had "lost its function." Kinda cold, right? But it got weirder. Just a few months later, a video leaked. It showed a physical confrontation between Leka, Elia, and her father, Gjergj Zaharia. It was the kind of thing you’d expect from a reality TV show, not a Royal Court. There were claims of violence, protection orders were filed, and for a minute there, the dignity of the House of Zogu was looking a bit shaky.

The court eventually finalized the divorce in April 2024. Elia had to drop the "Zogu" surname and go back to Zaharia. It wasn't the "amicable" split the press releases claimed.

The New Chapter: Enter Blerta Celibashi

If you think Leka took a year to "find himself" after the split, think again. Rumors had been swirling for ages that he was seeing the family photographer, Blerta Celibashi.

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It turns out the rumors had legs.

By September 2024, Leka and Blerta were going public. Then, in October 2025—just 18 months after the divorce papers were dry—they announced their engagement. They celebrated in Ksamil, which is this stunning coastal spot in Southern Albania. Most people were surprised by the speed of it all. But in the world of exiled royalty, I guess things move fast when you’re the last man standing in your dynasty.

Blerta isn't just a "plus one" either. She’s already been seen working with the Queen Géraldine Foundation. That’s the charity Leka’s family runs to help with education and poverty in Albania. It’s a clear sign that she’s being groomed for a very specific public role.

Who is Prince Leka, Anyway?

To understand why this matters, you have to know who this guy actually is. He wasn't born in a palace in Tirana. He was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1982.

His life has been a weird mix of high-stakes politics and total exile.

• The Birth Miracle: When he was born, the South African government actually declared his maternity ward to be "Albanian territory" for 24 hours. They wanted to make sure the heir was born on "home soil" even though the communists back in Albania would’ve laughed at the idea.
• The Name Game: His full name is a mouthful: Leka Anwar Zog Reza Baudouin Msiziwe Zogu. It's a tribute to a bunch of leaders, including the Shah of Iran and the King of the Belgians.
• The Sandhurst Connection: Like his father and grandfather, he went to Sandhurst in the UK. He was actually named the "Best Foreign Student."

He’s not just a guy with a title. He’s actually worked in the Albanian government. He served as an advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the President’s office. He’s basically a diplomat who happens to have a crown in his closet.

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Why the Albanian Monarchy Still Matters (Sorta)

Albania isn't a monarchy. It’s been a republic for a long time. But Prince Leka of Albania holds a weird spot in the national psyche.

He doesn’t have political power. He can’t pass laws or veto anything. But he represents a version of Albania that existed before the brutal Hoxha dictatorship. For some, he’s a symbol of stability. For others, he’s just a historical curiosity.

The interesting thing is that the Albanian state actually treats him with a lot of respect. They invited the family back in 2002. They gave them back some of their properties. They let him work in the government. It’s a very "it’s complicated" relationship.

Common Misconceptions About the Prince

People get a lot wrong about Leka.

First, he’s not trying to stage a coup. His father, Leka I, actually tried to return in 1997 during some national chaos, and it didn't go well. Leka II is much more "new school." He’s about soft power and charity.

Second, some people think he’s incredibly wealthy. While the family has some assets and property, they aren't the British Royals. They live a relatively "normal" upper-class life in Tirana. You might see him walking his dogs or at a local café.

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What’s Next for the House of Zogu?

The big question now is the succession. Leka has a daughter, Princess Geraldine, with his ex-wife Elia. She was named after his grandmother, the "White Rose of Hungary."

In the old days, the House of Zogu followed "Salic Law," which meant only men could inherit the throne. But it’s 2026. Leka has hinted that the rules could change. If he and Blerta have children, the family tree gets even more interesting.

If you're following this story, here is what you should keep an eye on:

• The Wedding: Expect a big event in Tirana or on the coast. It’ll be a "who’s who" of the remaining European royals who still show up for each other.
• The Foundation: Watch how Blerta’s role grows. If she becomes the face of their charity work, it’s a sign she’s been fully accepted by the royalist "old guard."
• Diplomatic Moves: Leka often travels to Kosovo and other regions. He’s a big supporter of Albanian interests abroad, and he’ll likely keep using his "Prince" brand to open doors that regular politicians can't.

Honestly, Leka's life is a masterclass in how to stay relevant when your "job" doesn't officially exist anymore. Whether you care about the crown or just the drama, the Prince of Albania isn't going anywhere.

If you're interested in modern royalty, your next step is to look into the Queen Géraldine Foundation's current projects. It's the best way to see how the family actually spends their time and money in Albania today.