As Albania Disintegrates, Exiled King Returns To Offer His Services

After 58 years in exile, the man who considers himself king of Albania returned to his country of birth on Saturday and called for a referendum on restoring the monarchy.

Thousands of people jostled with police outside Tirana’s airport to catch a glimpse of Leka, who traveled by private jet to talk with the leaders of Europe’s poorest country about giving the monarchy another try. Soldiers blocked enthusiastic crowds from entering the airport ground.

In the city, people waved banners and Albanian national flags as the king’s column of cars wound through the rainy streets.

The king’s return coincides with the arrival of a multinational force to secure the delivery of aid and restore order in a country that has been in turmoil for months.

“It’s a wonderful time for me, but also a time of pain because of what Albania is going through,” Leka said in an interview.

Leka, 58, has lived abroad since he was 3 days old. His father fled Albania with his family in 1939 when Italian troops invaded.

Leka’s father had declared himself King Zog I of Albania in 1928, ruling for 11 years until the invasion. When Zog died in France in 1961, a government in exile swore in Leka.

Leka has said he would be willing to serve his country should Albanians give the monarchy another try. In 1993, Leka tried to enter the country on an old royal passport, but was thrown out after less than 24 hours.