Monarchy of Lesotho facts for kids
Quick facts for kids King of Lesotho |
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| Morena a Lesotho | |
Coat of arms of Lesotho
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| Incumbent | |
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| Letsie III since 7 February 1996 |
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| 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 a special way of governing Lesotho. In this system, a king or queen from the same family rules as the head of state. Their powers are guided by the country's main rulebook, called the Constitution. This means Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy.
The current king of Lesotho is King Letsie III. He became king on February 7, 1996, after his father, King Moshoeshoe II, passed away. This is King Letsie III's second time on the throne. His first time as king was from November 12, 1990, to January 25, 1995.
Contents
How a New King is Chosen
Rules for Royal Succession
The rules for who becomes the next king of Lesotho are written in Chapter V of the country's Constitution. These rules explain how a new king is chosen when the current king dies or leaves the throne.
The College of Chiefs' Role
A special group called the College of Chiefs decides who will be the next king. They follow the traditional laws of Lesotho to pick the right person. If they have already chosen someone before the king's death, that person becomes the new king. If no one has been chosen yet, the College of Chiefs quickly meets to pick a new king. The person they choose then becomes the ruler.
King's Pay
What the King Receives Annually
The King of Lesotho receives money each year to help with his royal duties and expenses. This amount is called a "privy purse." Currently, it is about 52,778 US dollars every year.
Kings and Paramount Chiefs of Lesotho
Leaders Before Independence (1822–1966)
Before Lesotho became fully independent in 1966, its leaders were known as Paramount Chiefs. They played a very important role in guiding the nation.
- Moshoeshoe I: 1822 – January 18, 1870
- Letsie I: January 18, 1870 – November 20, 1891
- Lerotholi Letsie: November 20, 1891 – August 19, 1905
- Letsie II: August 21, 1905 – January 28, 1913
- Nathaniel Griffith Lerotholi: April 11, 1913 – June 23, 1939
- Simon Seeiso Griffith: August 3, 1939 – December 26, 1940
- Gabasheane Masupha (regent): December 26, 1940 – January 28, 1941
- 'Mantšebo Amelia 'Matšaba (regent): January 28, 1941 – March 12, 1960
- Moshoeshoe II: March 12, 1960 – October 4, 1966
Kings of Independent Lesotho (1966–Present)
After gaining independence in 1966, the leaders of Lesotho were officially called Kings.
| Name | Lifespan | Reign start | Reign end | Notes | Family | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moshoeshoe II (1st reign) |
2 May 1938 – 15 January 1996 (aged 57) | 4 October 1966 | 12 November 1990 (24 years, 39 days) |
Son of Simon Seeiso Griffith | House of Moshoeshoe |  |
| Letsie III (1st reign) |
17 July 1963 | 12 November 1990 | 25 January 1995 (4 years, 74 days) |
Son of Moshoeshoe II | House of Moshoeshoe | |
| Moshoeshoe II (2nd reign) |
2 May 1938 – 15 January 1996 (aged 57) | 25 January 1995 | 15 January 1996† (355 days) |
Son of Simon Seeiso Griffith | House of Moshoeshoe | |
| Letsie III (2nd reign) |
17 July 1963 | 7 February 1996 | Incumbent (29 years, 169 days) |
Son of Moshoeshoe II | House of Moshoeshoe | |
- Regent Head of State
Sometimes, a regent acts as the head of state when the king is not able to rule.
- Queen 'Mamohato: June 5, 1970 – December 5, 1970, March 10, 1990 – November 12, 1990 and January 15, 1996 – February 7, 1996
Timeline of Lesotho's Rulers
Royal Standards
Flags Representing the King
Royal Standards are special flags that represent the King or the monarchy. Lesotho has had different Royal Standards over the years.
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Royal Standard of Lesotho 1966–1987.
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Royal Standard of Lesotho 1987–2006.
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Royal Standard of Lesotho from October 4, 2006.
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More to Explore
- Politics of Lesotho
- History of Lesotho
- List of prime ministers of Lesotho
See also
In Spanish: Anexo:Reyes de Lesoto para niños
