Mswati III, King of Eswatini, reigned 1986 – present; Credit – Wikipedia
The Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland, renamed Eswatini in 2018) is a landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by Mozambique and South Africa. A British protectorate beginning in 1903, the country gained its independence in 1968. There have been ancient kings and chiefs of the Swazi people dating back before 1745. From 1745, the rulers from the House of Dlamini have been Kings of Swaziland and Kings of Eswatini. Since 1986, the government has been an absolute diarchy, ruled jointly by a King and a Queen Mother.
There is no heir to the throne. A special traditional council called the Liqoqo decides which of the king’s wives shall be “Great Wife” and “Indlovukazi” (She-Elephant / Queen Mother). The son of this “Great Wife” will automatically become the next king.
House of Dlamini (1745 – present)
Rulers since 1899
- King Sobhuza II of Swaziland (reigned 1899 – 1982)
- Queen Mother Ntfombi of Eswatini (one of the 70 wives of Sobhuza II, regent 1983 – 1986, joint head of state 1986 – present)
- King Mswati III of Eswatini (joint head of state 1986 – present)