Leka Zogu (born April 5, 1939), by monarchists called King Leka I, is the only son of King Zog I and Queen Geraldine. Two days after his birth in Tirana, his father was forced into exile, and soon officially replaced on the throne by Victor Emmanuel III of Italy. Leka was appointed heir apparent of the Albanian throne in 1957. Since the end of World War II, Albania has been a republic, but since 1961 Leka has nevertheless titled himself King of the Albanians (originally proclaimed at the Albanian National Assembly in a Paris exile). He also titles himself sovereign Grand Master of the Orders of Scanderbeg, Fidelty and Bravery.
A referendum in 1997 to return the monarchy was not passed, but some Albanians still see him as their king.
LekaZogu's father, Ahmet Zogu (1895-1961), came from a patriarchal family of the Mati region in central Albania.
In his program, LekaZogu says he is king of the Albanians, is in favor of an Albania consisting of all regions populated by Albanians, and one of his priorities is the unification of Albania and Kosovo.
As far as his Albanian citizenship is concerned, it appears that LekaZogu considers himself a citizen of his Albanian kingdom, and it is not known whether he has applied for Albanian citizenship.
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