Embattled president Mahomed Nasheed of the Maldives resigned today in the face of growing protests and a police mutiny. He handed power to his deputy Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, saying continuing in power would result in his having to use force against his people.
Former political prisoner Mahomed Nasheed beat president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in 2008 and finished a dictatorial regime that had replaced the century old sultanate of the Maldives in 1968. Although governed as an independent Islamic sultanate from 1153 to 1968, the Maldives was a British protectorate from 1887 until 25 July 1965.
After independence from the UK the sultanate continued to operate for another three years under King Muhammad Fareed Didi. On 11th November 1968, the monarchy was replaced by a republic under the presidency of Ibrahim Nasir.
King Muhammad Fareed Didi, who died one year after he was deposed, had been the first Maldivian Monarch to assume the title of "King" with the style of "Your Majesty" rather than Sultan.
More on the Maldive Royal Family on their website.
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