Monarchy of Lesotho Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids King of Lesotho
Morena a Lesotho
Coat of arms of Lesotho
Incumbent

Letsie III since 7 February 1996

Details
Style	His Majesty
Heir apparent	Lerotholi Seeiso
First monarch	Moshoeshoe I (as paramount chief)
Formation	1822
Residence	Royal Palace, Maseru
Website	https://theking.parliament.ls/

The monarchy of Lesotho is how the country of Lesotho is governed. In this system, a king or queen becomes the head of state because they were born into the royal family. This means the title is passed down from parent to child.

Lesotho was known as Basutoland until 1966. The king's powers are set out in the country's main rulebook, called the Constitution. This makes Lesotho a constitutional monarchy, where the king follows the rules of the constitution. The king is called Marena in the Sotho language, which means "Kings." The singular word for King is Morena.

The current king is King Letsie III. He became king on 7 February 1996, after his father, King Moshoeshoe II, passed away. This is King Letsie III's second time on the throne. His first reign was from 12 November 1990 to 25 January 1995.

How a New King is Chosen
King's Allowance
Past Kings and Chiefs of Lesotho
Royal Standards
See also

How a New King is Chosen

Choosing the next king in Lesotho follows special rules. These rules are written in Chapter V of the country's Constitution.

The "College of Chiefs" is a group of important leaders. They can choose who will become king if the current king dies or leaves the position. They follow the traditional laws of Lesotho to make this decision.

If someone has already been chosen by the College of Chiefs, and they are able to become king, then that person will take the throne. If more than one person has been chosen, the one with the first right will become king.

If no one has been chosen beforehand, the College of Chiefs will quickly meet. They will then choose a person to be the new king, following Lesotho's traditional laws. The person they choose will then become the king.

King's Allowance

The King of Lesotho receives money each year to help with his official duties. This amount is about 52,778 US dollars annually.

Past Kings and Chiefs of Lesotho

Lesotho has had many leaders over the years. Before 1966, when Lesotho became fully independent, these leaders were called Paramount Chiefs. After 1966, they were known as Kings.

Paramount Chiefs of Basutoland (1822–1966)

Moshoeshoe I: 1822 – 18 January 1870
Letsie I: 18 January 1870 – 20 November 1891
Lerotholi Letsie: 20 November 1891 – 19 August 1905
Letsie II: 21 August 1905 – 28 January 1913
Nathaniel Griffith Lerotholi: 11 April 1913 – 23 June 1939
Simon Seeiso Griffith: 3 August 1939 – 26 December 1940
- Gabasheane Masupha (regent): 26 December 1940 – 28 January 1941
- 'Mantšebo Amelia 'Matšaba (regent): 28 January 1941 – 12 March 1960
Moshoeshoe II: 12 March 1960 – 4 October 1966

Kings of Lesotho (1966–Present)

Name	Lifespan	Reign start	Reign end	Notes	Family
Moshoeshoe II (1st reign)	(1938-05-02)2 May 1938 – 15 January 1996(1996-01-15) (aged 57)	4 October 1966	12 November 1990 (24 years, 39 days)	Son of Simon Seeiso Griffith	House of Moshoeshoe
Letsie III (1st reign)	(1963-07-17) 17 July 1963 (age 61)	12 November 1990	25 January 1995 (4 years, 74 days)	Son of Moshoeshoe II	House of Moshoeshoe
Moshoeshoe II (2nd reign)	(1938-05-02)2 May 1938 – 15 January 1996(1996-01-15) (aged 57)	25 January 1995	15 January 1996† (355 days)	Son of Simon Seeiso Griffith	House of Moshoeshoe
Letsie III (2nd reign)	(1963-07-17) 17 July 1963 (age 61)	7 February 1996	Incumbent (29 years, 146 days)	Son of Moshoeshoe II	House of Moshoeshoe