King Mswati III of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is one of the world’s last remaining monarchs who practices polygamy. Since ascending to the throne in 1986, King Mswati III has made headlines not only for his lavish lifestyle and political rule but also for his significant number of wives. As of recent reports, the king is married to 16 women, a number that fluctuates as marriages come and go according to royal tradition. Each wife enters a unique path after marrying the king, leading to varying fates, privileges, and challenges within the royal household. Some wives enjoy the trappings of wealth and influence, while others struggle with the complexities of being part of a polygamous royal family.

Here, we look at the different fates and lives of the 16 wives of King Mswati III, revealing the complexities and challenges faced by women in the royal household.

King Mswati III: The Polygamous Monarch

King Mswati III’s practice of polygamy is deeply rooted in his culture and tradition. In Eswatini, polygamy has been a long-standing cultural practice, and the king’s many marriages are seen as a symbol of his wealth, power, and status. The king is allowed to marry as many wives as he sees fit, a privilege that is entrenched in the Monarchical laws of Eswatini, which place him as the head of the royal family.

Each marriage is a significant political and social event in Eswatini, and the king’s wives are expected to represent the traditional values of the kingdom, participate in ceremonies, and support the king’s reign in various ways. Over the years, some of the wives have played prominent public roles, while others have maintained a more private existence. The lives of these women, as varied as they are, reflect the complexities of being part of a polygamous and sometimes controversial royal family.

The First Wife: Queen Inkhosikati LaDube – The Longest-Standing

Queen Inkhosikati LaDube is one of King Mswati III’s first wives and holds the position of the first wife, which comes with a significant degree of prestige and influence within the royal family. Having been married to the king for decades, she has remained one of the most prominent figures in Eswatini’s royal circle. As the mother of several children, Queen LaDube’s role is crucial in shaping royal succession and maintaining traditional values.

While she enjoys the privileges of being the first wife, she is also deeply involved in philanthropy and charity work, supporting initiatives in education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. Queen LaDube’s life reflects a combination of traditional royal duties and modern activism, as she works to bridge the gap between cultural tradition and contemporary social issues.

The Youngest Wives: Navigating Tradition and Modernity

The younger wives of King Mswati III often have different experiences compared to the older wives. These women are often chosen in traditional ceremonies, which involve the king selecting young girls, sometimes even teens, to become his wives. Although they are married into a life of luxury and prestige, their fates can be marked by isolation, intense competition among the co-wives, and the pressure of living up to royal expectations.

In recent years, some of the younger wives have taken on more public roles, representing Eswatini at international events and charity functions. However, they often face scrutiny for their involvement in polygamous marriages, which have been criticized by human rights organizations, especially when it involves young women.

Despite the luxuries that come with royal life, some younger wives report feeling emotionally isolated, particularly when they are not the king’s favorite or if they do not bear children. The dynamics of the royal household can also mean that many of the younger wives are overshadowed by more established queens who have borne children and gained favor.

The Political Alliances: Wives with Strong Political Roles

Some of King Mswati III’s marriages serve as strategic political alliances. Queen Makhosetive Dlamini, one of the more politically prominent wives, has played an instrumental role in Eswatini’s foreign relations, particularly with neighboring South Africa. As the sister of the kingdom’s prime minister, her marriage to the king was seen as a union that strengthened political ties between the royal family and the political elite.

While some wives remain primarily symbolic figures, others have gained more direct influence, using their marriage to King Mswati as a platform for furthering their own political ambitions. These queens often become active in shaping royal decisions, attending state functions, and even influencing national policies, especially those related to the welfare of women and children.

Life in the Shadow of Jealousy and Rivalry

One of the most significant challenges that the wives of King Mswati III face is inter-wifely rivalry. In polygamous marriages, especially in such a large and visible family, jealousy and competition for the king’s attention can lead to drama and emotional turmoil. For example, the relationship between Queen LaMbikiza and Queen Mswati’s younger wives has often made headlines for the perceived tensions between the senior queens and the newcomers.

Each queen is assigned her own separate household and is responsible for maintaining her own royal court. However, disputes over the king’s affections or issues of succession can cause rifts. Wives who are not in the king’s favor or who are childless may face ostracism from the royal family and even the public.

In some cases, this competition leads to deep emotional stress for the women involved. Despite the luxuries and public appearances, being a wife to King Mswati often involves walking a tightrope of sibling rivalry, media scrutiny, and constant political and social pressures.

The Child-Bearing Role: Motherhood and Succession

A major aspect of a royal wife’s life is her role as a mother. The succession of the throne is a key issue in Eswatini’s monarchy, and the king’s wives are expected to produce children, particularly male heirs. Some wives are known to have had numerous children, while others struggle to bear offspring.

The pressure to have children, especially male children, is immense. Women who are unable to bear children are sometimes seen as less successful in their marriages. On the other hand, wives who give birth to sons are seen as having secured their place in the royal family, with their children potentially being next in line for the throne.

Escaping the Spotlight: A Few Wives Lead Private Lives

Not all of King Mswati III’s wives have embraced the public life that comes with being part of the royal family. Some wives prefer to stay out of the media spotlight, focusing on their families, business ventures, or personal interests. These more private wives often maintain a relatively low profile, avoiding public appearances and choosing to live more modestly.

For example, Queen LaNtombi, the daughter of a former royal family member, has kept a relatively quiet and private life compared to some of the more public figures within the royal circle. While she supports the king’s agenda, she doesn’t often make media appearances or engage in public political affairs.

The Controversy and Criticism: Global Scrutiny of the Polygamous System

King Mswati III’s polygamous marriages have long been a source of international controversy. Human rights groups and international media have frequently criticized the practice, especially as it involves younger women who may not have full agency in their decision to marry the king. The king’s lavish lifestyle, combined with the extreme poverty faced by many in Eswatini, has drawn public outcry, with critics accusing him of misusing resources that could otherwise address the nation’s economic issues.

Some of the wives have become the target of criticism as well, with allegations that they are complicit in maintaining a system of inequality. However, others defend the king’s right to marry multiple wives as part of Eswatini’s cultural heritage.

Conclusion: A Complex Life in the Royal Court

The lives of the 16 wives of King Mswati III are complex, marked by privilege, power, rivalry, and emotional struggles. While some wives enjoy the luxuries that come with being part of the royal family, others face challenges ranging from jealousy and emotional isolation to immense public scrutiny. The role of a wife to a polygamous king is one that blends tradition with the complexities of modern society, creating a delicate balance between privilege and pressure. As King Mswati III continues his reign, the lives of his wives will remain an intricate part of Eswatini’s royal history.