Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Princess Leila Pahlavi's Tragic Life and Death
Princess Leila Pahlavi was born into a royal family in Iran.
When she was nine years old, her family had to leave Iran because of a revolution.
They moved around a lot and never felt at home.
Leila had a hard time adjusting to her new life and suffered from many health problems, including depression and eating disorders.
She tried to stay out of the public eye and avoided attention.
Sadly, she died in a hotel in London when she was 31 years old.
The doctors said she died from taking too many medicines.
Her story shows how hard it can be to lose your home and everything you know.
Princess Leila Pahlavi was the youngest daughter of the last Shah of Iran and Empress Farah Pahlavi, born on March 27, 1970, in Tehran.
She fled Iran with her family at the age of nine due to the Iranian Revolution, leading to a life of exile and constant movement.
Leila struggled with chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, severe anorexia, and dependence on prescription medication throughout her adulthood.
She largely avoided public life and was known for her elegance and restraint, but also for her withdrawal and discomfort with attention.
Leila was found dead in her room at London's Leonard Hotel on June 10, 2001, at the age of 31, with an inquest concluding a probable suicide by overdose of prescription barbiturates and cocaine.
- Who
- Princess Leila Pahlavi, youngest daughter of the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and Empress Farah Pahlavi
- What
- Her life in exile and tragic death by probable suicide
- When
- Born on March 27, 1970; died on June 10, 2001
- Where
- Born in Tehran, Iran; died in London, UK; buried in Paris, France
- Why
- Struggled with chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, severe anorexia, and dependence on prescription medication due to her life in exile and the loss of her royal status and home
- Birth Date
- March 27, 1970
- Birth Place
- Tehran, Iran
- Parents
- Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and Empress Farah Pahlavi
- Death Date
- June 10, 2001
- Death Place
- London, UK
- Cause of Death
- Probable suicide by overdose of prescription barbiturates and cocaine
- Burial Place
- Paris, France