There is not much information about her childhood and adolescence but the memoirs of Ashraf Pahlavi shows that unlike her sister, she was not interested in politics and spent her time mostly on her personal affairs and interests and felt more comfortable in the role of a traditional housewife. She accepted the presidency of the Red Sun and Lion society only to keep her public prestige. She also presided over the Women’s Circle which was formed by Reza Shah to encourage the removal of veils.
She also loved animals, and Mehrdad accepted that, even when it included wild animals. Their home life at the Pearl Palace (designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation) included twelve dogs, chimps, peacocks, exotic birds, and a cheetah given to them by the president of Kenya. Mehrdad would say that the 1979 upheaval was not a revolution but a revolt, bringing destruction and mayhem. The Princess and Mehrdad were in the United States when it happened. His request to return was denied by the Shah, saying it was too dangerous. He did finally return to check on his staff and assure the department was still functioning properly. But Khomeini’s supporters didn’t care about culture and fine arts. Lawlessness overran the country and he had to leave.
