The gentleman in question, Abdul Ali Seraj, has assumed the title of prince and sardar. He is actually the younger son of the 20th son of King Habibullah Shah (r 1901-1919). His father's mother was Zamarud a Shigani "consort". The children of these "consorts" (concubines) were never considered princes and never enjoyed the title. They may have been elevated to the personal title of Sardar for performing some service service or for merit, but the title wasn't really hereditary. Under King Amanuallah these junior lines were ordered to adopt surnames. Hence the Seraj, taken from the title of King Habibullah.
This all sounds like a repeat of the sorry saga of Sharif Ali in Iraq a few years ago.
Such folk appear to do damage to, and do not enhance, the monarchist cause.
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