Moshoeshoe II of Lesotho facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Moshoeshoe II |
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King Moshoeshoe II in 1970
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| King of Lesotho | |||||
| Reign | 4 October 1966 – 12 November 1990 | ||||
| Predecessor | Himself as Paramount Chief of Basutoland | ||||
| Successor | Letsie III | ||||
| Reign | 25 January 1995 – 15 January 1996 | ||||
| Predecessor | Letsie III | ||||
| Successor | Letsie III | ||||
| Born | 2 May 1938 Morija, Basutoland (now Lesotho) |
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| Died | 15 January 1996 (aged 57) Maloti Mountains, Lesotho |
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| Burial | Thaba Bosiu | ||||
| Spouse | Tabitha 'Masentle Lerotholi Mojela | ||||
| Issue Detail |
Letsie III Prince Seeiso Bereng Seeiso Princess Constance Christina 'Maseeiso |
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| House | Moshoeshoe | ||||
| Father | Simon Seeiso Griffith | ||||
| Mother | 'Mabereng | ||||
| Religion | Christian Church | ||||
Moshoeshoe II (born Constantine Bereng Seeiso) was a very important leader in Lesotho, a country in Southern Africa. He was born on May 2, 1938, and passed away on January 15, 1996.
Before Lesotho became fully independent, he was the Paramount Chief of Basutoland from 1960 to 1966. After Lesotho gained its independence from Britain in 1966, he became the King of Lesotho. He served as King from 1966 to 1990, and then again from 1995 until his death in 1996.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Moshoeshoe II was born with the name Constantine Bereng Seeiso. He was a descendant of Moshoeshoe, who founded the nation of Lesotho. This is where he got his royal name.
Young Constantine went to school at the Roma College in Lesotho. Later, he moved to England for more education. He studied at Ampleforth College and then at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. While in England, he enjoyed activities like hunting, shooting, and fishing.
His Time as King
Moshoeshoe II's power as King was often limited. His time on the throne was interrupted two times.
Early in his reign, Chief Leabua Jonathan became the Prime Minister of Lesotho. Prime Minister Jonathan took control of the government. In 1970, after his party lost an election, Jonathan suspended Moshoeshoe to regain power. Moshoeshoe had to go into temporary exile in the Netherlands. A few months later, Jonathan allowed Moshoeshoe to return and be King again.
In 1986, Jonathan himself was removed from power. The King then gained some more authority. However, in 1990, Moshoeshoe was removed from his position. His son, Letsie III, was then made King. Moshoeshoe went into exile in the United Kingdom.
He was brought back to the throne in 1995. Sadly, in 1996, he died in a car accident. His son, Letsie III, became King again a month later.
During the times of political trouble in 1970 and 1990, and for a month after his death in 1996, his wife, 'Mamohato, acted as regent. A regent is someone who rules when the king or queen cannot.
Timeline of His Reign
- 1960–1966: He was the Paramount Chief of Basutoland.
- 1966: He was crowned as King Moshoeshoe II of Lesotho.
- 1970: He was sent away from Lesotho for a short time.
- February 1990: His powers as King were taken away.
- November 1990: He was removed from the throne, and his son Letsie III became King.
- 1990–1992: He lived in exile in the UK.
- January 1995: He was made King again.
- January 1996: He passed away, and Letsie III became King.
His Passing
King Moshoeshoe II died at 57 years old in a car accident. This happened early in the morning on January 15, 1996. His car went off a mountain road. The driver of the car also died in the accident.
A government statement said that Moshoeshoe had left at 1 AM to visit his cattle in Matsieng. He was returning to Maseru through the Maloti Mountains when the accident happened.
His Family
Moshoeshoe II married Princess Tabitha 'Masentle Lerotholi Mojela in 1962. She later became known as Queen 'Mamohato of Lesotho. They had two sons and one daughter:
- Prince David Mohato Bereng Seeiso, who later became King Letsie III of Lesotho (born July 17, 1963).
- Prince Seeiso Bereng Seeiso of Lesotho (born April 16, 1966).
- Princess Constance Christina 'Maseeiso (born December 24, 1969 – died September 7, 1994).
Honors and Awards
Moshoeshoe II received many honors during his life.
Orders of Lesotho
He was the Grand Master of several important orders in Lesotho, which are like special groups that give awards:
Lesotho : Grand Master of the Most Dignified Order of Moshoeshoe.- Lesotho : Grand Master of the Most Courteous Order of Lesotho.
- Lesotho : Grand Master of the Most Meritorious Order of Mohlomi.
- Lesotho : Grand Master of the Most Loyal Order of Ramatseatsane.
International Honors
He also received awards from other countries:
South Africa : Supreme Companion of the Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo (given after his death, on April 20, 2006).
Iran : Commemorative Medal of the 2500th Anniversary of the founding of the Persian Empire (October 14, 1971).
See also
In Spanish: Moshoeshoe II de Lesoto para niños
