The Afghan Royal Family, primarily associated with the Durrani Empire, ruled Afghanistan from the mid-18th century until the monarchy was abolished in 1973. The most notable monarch was King Zahir Shah, who reigned from 1933 to 1973 and is often remembered for his efforts to modernize the country and promote education. After the monarchy's fall, the royal family went into exile, with Zahir Shah living in Italy for decades. In 2002, he returned to Afghanistan and was welcomed as a symbol of unity, although he did not reclaim the throne. The family's legacy continues to influence Afghan culture and history.