Queen Elizabeth II talks to Jordan's King Hussein at a state dinner in London's Guildhall for the start of the VE (Victory in Europe) Day 50th anniversary celebrations, May 6, 1995. Hussein, who became a key force for stability in the turbulent Middle East in more than four decades as ruler of his strategically placed nation, died Sunday Feb. 7, 1999. The king was 63. The announcement was made by Information Minister Nasser Judeh. The cause of death was heart failure, said senior palace officialswho were with the king when he died. Members of the royal family, including Queen Noor, his wife, were with him. (AP Photo/Simon Kreitem-WPA POOL)