List of monarchs 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/ |
This article tells you about the kings (or monarchs) of Lesotho. Lesotho was also called Basutoland until 1966. In the Sotho language, a king is called Morena. If you're talking about more than one king, you say Marena.
Contents
How a King is Chosen in Lesotho
This section explains how a new king is chosen in Lesotho. This process is written down in the country's main rulebook, called the Constitution of Lesotho. The current King of Lesotho is Letsie III.
Choosing the Next King
The Constitution says that a special group called the College of Chiefs can choose who will become king next. They follow the traditional laws of Lesotho. If the current king dies or leaves office, the person they chose will become the new king.
If no one has been chosen yet, the College of Chiefs will quickly meet. They will then choose a new king based on Lesotho's traditional laws. The person they choose will then become the King.
What the King Earns
The King of Lesotho receives money each year to help with his official duties and expenses. This money is called a "privy purse." It amounts to about 52,778 US dollars every year.
Kings and Chiefs of Lesotho (1822–1966)
Before 1966, the leaders of Lesotho were called Paramount Chiefs. After 1966, when Lesotho became an independent country, they were called Kings.
Here is a list of the leaders from 1822 to 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)
Lesotho became fully independent in 1966. From this point, its leaders 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, 133 days) |
Son of Moshoeshoe II | House of Moshoeshoe | |
Regents of Lesotho
A regent is someone who rules a country when the king or queen is too young, ill, or away.
- Queen 'Mamohato: 5 June 1970 – 5 December 1970, 10 March 1990 – 12 November 1990 and 15 January 1996 – 7 February 1996
Timeline of Kings and Regents
This timeline shows when each king and regent ruled Lesotho.
Royal Flags
These are the special flags used by the King of Lesotho. They are called Royal Standards.
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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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See also
In Spanish: Anexo:Reyes de Lesoto para niños
