Luxor4u

Here is a little biography concerning some of the relationships of Queen Hetepheres II and her daughter. Some of these biographies are quite difficult to get right, and perhaps Sesen would like to make any comments or additions when she has time ??

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Queen Hetepheres II and her daughter Meresankh III

Hetepheres II was a princess and daughter of Khnum-Khufu (Cheops). She was a famous queen who was originally married to Prince Kawab, her half-brother, and heir and the intended successor of Khnum-Khufu (Cheops). Unfortunately he died before his father and so did not succeed him. Hetepheres II then married king Djedefre whose succession had been disputed by the family. Nevertheless, she did survive about 8 years as queen. Djedefre also died rather unexpectedly, and the powerful princes of the time who favoured Khafre (Chephren), were able to project him to the throne, although Prince Ankhaf appears to be the next one strictly in line.
Perhaps in anticipation of Prince Ankhaf’s accession to the throne, Hetepheres went on to marry him, but the powerful princes of the time who favoured Khafre (Chephren) apparently won over the succession rights. They did, however, reward the loyalty of prince Ankhaf and he became Vizier to Khafre. The princess Meresankh III then married Khafre to become Queen, and Hetepheres II seems to have consoled herself with the situation. Meresankh III did not survive her mother, however, and she was provided with a magnificent tomb by her, who on her own death decided not to be entombed with her husband Prince Ankhaf, but chose to spend eternity with her daughter. Prince Ankhaf was buried in tomb no: Giza tomb no; G7510.

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here are the main players in the scenario:


Hetepheres II on the left. Meresankhe III on right.






King Khafre

Interesting that Meresankh III, as shown in the statue, does not have a wig or headdress like her mother but a close fitting skull cap. Is that normal for a princess or queen? Is it in fact her or a male family member?

the portraits are taken from a statue, the one concerned, photographed full length. There is no doubt it is Meresankhe III

mother but a close fitting skull cap. Is that normal for a princess or queen? Is it in fact her or a male family member?