AMMAN, Jordan (AP) -- King Abdullah named his wife, Rania, the queen of Jordan on Sunday, and described her as "my partner" in serving the country and the Arabs.
Palace officials said the new designation will have no bearing on the status of Abdullah's stepmother, Queen Noor, who has held the title of queen since she married the late King Hussein in 1978.One official said, however, that Noor, 47, will be referred to as "queen mother" -- a designation that traditionally carries less involvement in affairs of the state.
The title of "Her Majesty, the great Queen" was bestowed on Rania, 28, in a letter from her 37-year-old husband that was read over state television.
He said her background as a commoner helped her better understand "the hopes and outlooks of people." She "truly believes in their causes," the king said.
Earlier, palace officials said Rania's designation was not aimed at sidelining Noor, the American-born wife of Hussein, who died of cancer on Feb. 7 at the age of 63.
"Protocol dictates that His Majesty King Abdullah's wife becomes queen to be able to attend state functions as the first lady of Jordan," an official said on customary condition of anonymity.
He said a coronation ceremony for King Abdullah and Queen Rania might take place after the three-month mourning period for Hussein ends on May 7.
Noor is assured of a continuing role in Jordan.