Letsie III facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Letsie III |
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Letsie III in 2019
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| King of Lesotho | |||||
| First reign | 12 November 1990 – 25 January 1995 | ||||
| Predecessor | Moshoeshoe II | ||||
| Successor | Bereng Seeiso Moshoeshoe II | ||||
| Second reign | 7 February 1996 – present | ||||
| Coronation | 31 October 1997 | ||||
| Predecessor |
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| Heir apparent | Lerotholi Seeiso | ||||
| Born | Seeiso Bereng 17 July 1963 Scott Hospital, Morija, Basutoland (now Lesotho) |
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| Spouse |
Anna Motšoeneng
(m. 2000) |
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| Issue Detail |
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| House | Seeiso | ||||
| Father | Constantine Bereng Seeiso Moshoeshoe II | ||||
| Mother | Mamohato | ||||
| Religion | Catholic | ||||
| Signature |  |
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Letsie III (born Mohato Bereng Seeiso on 17 July 1963) is the current King of Lesotho. He became king after his father, Moshoeshoe II, had to leave the country in 1990. His father returned briefly in 1995. However, he died in early 1996, and Letsie became king again.
As a constitutional monarch, King Letsie's role is mostly ceremonial. This means he performs important duties for the country but does not govern. In 2000, he declared HIV/AIDS a natural disaster in Lesotho. This led to a quick national and international response to the health crisis.
Contents
About King Letsie III
Early Life and Education
Letsie III was born on 17 July 1963. His birthplace was Scott Hospital in Morija, a town south of Maseru, the capital city. He went to school in the United Kingdom at Ampleforth College.
After that, he studied at the National University of Lesotho. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Law there. He continued his studies at other universities. These included the University of Bristol, Wolfson College, Cambridge, and Wye College. He finished his studies in 1989 and returned to Lesotho.
Becoming King
On 16 December 1989, he was made the Principal Chief of Matsieng. This is an important traditional leadership role.
His official crowning ceremony, called a coronation, happened on 31 October 1997. It took place at Setsoto Stadium. King Charles III of the United Kingdom, who was then the Prince of Wales, attended the event.
On 1 December 2016, King Letsie III received a special role. He was named a Special Ambassador for Nutrition by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This happened in Rome, Italy.
Personal Life
Marriage and Children
In 2000, King Letsie married Karabo Motšoeneng, who became Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso. They have two daughters and one son:
- Princess Mary Senate Mohato Seeiso, born on 7 October 2001 in Maseru.
- Princess 'Maseeiso Mohato Seeiso, born on 20 November 2004 in Maseru.
- Prince Lerotholi David Mohato Bereng Seeiso, born on 18 April 2007 in Maseru.
Religion and Faith
King Letsie III is a Catholic. He is one of only two Catholic rulers outside of Europe. The other is the Māori Queen Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō. He is a member of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George. He is known for promoting his Catholic faith's values in Lesotho.
Patronages
A patron is someone who supports an organization or activity. King Letsie III is the patron of the Prince Mohato Award. This award is also known as Khau ea Khosana Mohato.
Honours and Awards
National Honours
King Letsie III holds several important honours from Lesotho. As King, he is the Grand Master of these orders:
Lesotho : The Most Dignified Order of Moshoeshoe (Order of Dignity).- Lesotho : The Most Courteous Order of Lesotho.
- Lesotho : The Most Meritorious Order of Mohlomi (Order of Achievement).
- Lesotho : The Most Loyal Order of Ramatseatsane (Distinguished Service Order).
- Lesotho : The Most Gallant Order of Makoanyane (Order of Bravery).
He also has the Outstanding Service Medal.
Foreign Honours
He has received an honour from a royal family outside Lesotho:
Two Sicilian Royal Family: He is a Bailiff Knight Grand Cross of Justice of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George. He received this on 8 October 2013.
See also
In Spanish: Letsie III de Lesoto para niños
