Sovereign: Letsie III David Mohato Bereng Seeiso, King of Lesotho (Scott Hospital, Morija, Lesotho, July 17th, 1963).
Son of King Moshoeshoe II (1938-1996) and Princess Tabita 'Masentle Lerotholi Mojela (Queen Mamohato Bereng Seeiso) (1941-2003).
Succeeds his father King Moshoeshoe II (1938-January 15th, 1996). Letsie III was King already from November 12th, 1990, but abdicated in favour of his father on January 25th, 1995. He was reinstalled as King on February 7th, 1996.
Coronation: Maseru, Lesotho, October 31st, 1997.
Motto: Khotso, Pula, Nala (Peace, Rain, Prosperity).
Religion: Roman Catholic.
Married (2000): Karabo Anna Mots'oeneng (1976) - now Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso.
Children:
Succession:
The College of Chiefs may at any time designate the person (or the persons, in order of prior right) who are entitled to succeed as a king after his death. So more than one person can be designated to be capable of succeeding the king. One of them has the first right to succeed.
Postal address:
The Royal Palace Secretariat
P.O. Box 527
Maseru
Lesotho
History:
Lesotho is entirely surrounded by South Africa, and is a member of the Commonwealth. Until April 30th, 1965 Basutoland was a British protectorate. Then it became an autonomous kingdom. Moshoeshoe II, paramount chief of Basutoland, became the King. The country became an independent kingdom under the name of Lesotho on October 4th, 1966. Moshoeshoe II in February 1970 fled the country after a conflict with the prime minister, but could return on December 5th, 1970, after having promised not to meddle with politics anymore in the future. In February 1990 he fled the country again after a conflict with another prime minister, who in 1986 had gained power after a military coup d'état. In November 1990 his eldest son, Letsie III, succeeded as King. The military dictatorship fell in 1993, and Lesotho became a democracy. King Letsie III however took all power in 1994. After protests he abdicated on January 25th, 1995, in favour of his father. King Moshoeshoe II died in a tragic car accident on January 15th, 1996, and Letsie III again became king. Lesotho now is a constitutional monarchy.