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 | Mohato Bereng Seeiso 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 | Roman Catholicism | ||||
| Signature |  |
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Letsie III, born Mohato Bereng Seeiso on July 17, 1963, is the King of Lesotho. Lesotho is a country in Southern Africa. He became king after his father, King Moshoeshoe II, had to leave the country in 1990.
His father briefly returned as king in 1995. However, King Moshoeshoe II passed away in a car accident in early 1996. Letsie III then became king again for his second time.
As a constitutional monarch, King Letsie III's role is mostly ceremonial. This means he performs important duties like opening Parliament, but the government makes the daily decisions. In 2000, he announced that the HIV/AIDS situation in Lesotho was a major disaster. This led to a quick response from both Lesotho and other countries to help fight the illness.
Contents
About King Letsie III
Early Life and Education
King Letsie III was born on July 17, 1963. His birthplace was Scott Hospital in Morija, a town south of Lesotho's capital, Maseru. 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, including the University of Bristol and Wolfson College, Cambridge. He finished his education in 1989 and returned to Lesotho.
Becoming King
On December 16, 1989, he was given the important role of Principal Chief of Matsieng. This was before he became king.
His official crowning ceremony, called a coronation, happened on October 31, 1997. It took place at Setsoto Stadium in Lesotho. Charles, who was then Prince of Wales, attended the special event.
Work for Nutrition
On December 1, 2016, King Letsie III received a special honor in Rome. He was named a Special Ambassador for Nutrition by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This organization works to end hunger and improve food security worldwide.
Family Life
Marriage and Children
In 2000, King Letsie III married Karabo Motšoeneng. Her royal name is Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso. They have two daughters and one son.
- Princess Mary Senate Mohato Seeiso was born on October 7, 2001.
- Princess 'Maseeiso Mohato Seeiso was born on November 20, 2004.
- Prince Lerotholi David Mohato Bereng Seeiso was born on April 18, 2007.
All their children were born at Maseru Private Hospital in Maseru.
Religious Beliefs
King Letsie III is a member of the Catholic Church. He is one of only two Catholic leaders of countries outside of Europe. The other is the Māori queen Nga wai hono i te po. He is known for promoting the values of his Catholic faith in Lesotho.
Honors and Awards
National Honors
King Letsie III holds several important honors from Lesotho:
- Grand Master of the Most Dignified Order of Moshoeshoe (Order of Dignity).
- Grand Master of the Most Courteous Order of Lesotho.
- Grand Master of the Most Meritorious Order of Mohlomi (Order of Achievement).
- Grand Master of the Most Loyal Order of Ramatseatsane (Distinguished Service Order).
- Grand Master of the Most Gallant Order of Makoanyane (Order of Bravery).
- He also received the Outstanding Service Medal.
International Honors
- From the 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 honor on October 8, 2013.
See also
In Spanish: Letsie III de Lesoto para niños
