King Mswati III, the ruler of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland), has long been a figure of intrigue due to his polygamous lifestyle and large family.
The king, who ascended the throne in 1986, has married numerous wives over the years, a practice deeply rooted in his nation’s traditional customs and royal succession practices.
As of recent years, the king has been known to have 16 wives, a number that has fluctuated over time as he continues to marry.
The Polygamous Tradition of Eswatini’s Royal Family
Polygamy has been a long-standing tradition among the Swazi monarchy, and King Mswati III’s marriages are not only a personal choice but also a reflection of cultural and historical values.
The practice is seen as a symbol of the king’s power and ability to expand the royal lineage.
In Eswatini, the king’s multiple wives are often viewed as an indication of his wealth, influence, and status.
The wives of King Mswati III are highly regarded in Eswatini, each holding specific roles within the royal family and the nation.
While the king has faced criticism and international scrutiny over his polygamy, particularly with regard to the country’s economic challenges and issues of gender equality, his marriages remain an important aspect of Eswatini’s monarchy.
List of King Mswati III’s Wives & Their Ages
Here’s a look at the 16 wives of King Mswati III, along with their ages.
It’s important to note that some of the dates of birth may be unclear, as they are not always publicly disclosed, but the ages mentioned are based on available information.
- Queen LaMashwama
Age: Approximately 50-55 years old
Queen LaMashwama is one of King Mswati’s longest-serving wives.She was married to him in 1986, shortly after he ascended to the throne.
As one of the most senior queens, she plays a significant role in royal duties.
Queen Nompumelelo
Age: Mid-40s
Queen Nompumelelo, also known as Queen Mswati II, is a prominent wife of King Mswati III.She married the king at a young age and has been with him for many years.
Queen Buhle
Age: Early 30s
Queen Buhle is another one of King Mswati III’s wives.Known for her beauty and poise, she is part of the royal family’s younger generation of queens.
Queen Sibonelo
Age: Early 30s
Queen Sibonelo has been married to King Mswati III for several years and is one of his more recent queens.She holds an important position in royal ceremonies and public events.
Queen Mthokozisi
Age: Late 20s to early 30s
Queen Mthokozisi married King Mswati III in her early 20s and is known for her grace and style.She is one of the younger queens in the royal family.
Queen Inkhosikati
Age: Mid-40s
Queen Inkhosikati has been with King Mswati for many years and is regarded as one of his primary wives.She is involved in both local and international royal duties.
Queen Nomthandazo
Age: Mid-40s
Queen Nomthandazo is another senior wife, and she is often seen accompanying the king on state visits and public engagements.
Queen Zena
Age: Mid-30s
Queen Zena is a more recent addition to King Mswati’s wives, and her age and beauty have made her a prominent figure in royal events.
Queen Nothando
Age: Late 30s to early 40s
Queen Nothando has been married to King Mswati III for several years and is involved in both cultural and royal leadership roles in Eswatini.
Queen Fikile
Age: Early 30s
Queen Fikile married the king in the mid-2000s and is considered one of the younger wives of King Mswati III.
Queen Thandekile
Age: Mid-30s
Queen Thandekile is also one of the younger queens.She married the king at a young age and has continued to play an important role in the royal family.
Queen Sibongile
Age: Late 30s
Queen Sibongile is involved in various royal and charity activities.She is also a member of the younger group of wives.
Queen Nomvuselelo
Age: Mid-30s
Queen Nomvuselelo is known for her involvement in both local culture and politics.She married King Mswati III during his reign and holds a significant place among his wives.
Queen Lungile
Age: Early 40s
Queen Lungile is another wife of King Mswati III, known for her grace and maturity.She is involved in several public engagements with the royal family.
Queen Tiyandza
Age: Early 30s
Queen Tiyandza has been a wife of King Mswati III for several years.Like many of the younger queens, she is a figure of elegance and public attention.
Queen Tsandzile
Age: Mid-20s to early 30s
Queen Tsandzile is one of the newest wives of King Mswati III and is often seen at public functions representing the royal family.
The Role of the Queens in Eswatini
Each of King Mswati III’s wives holds a special place in the royal hierarchy.
The queens play key roles in the governance of Eswatini, engaging in cultural, social, and charitable activities.
They also represent the king at various official events, both domestically and internationally.
The royal wives are expected to maintain the cultural traditions of Eswatini, including the famous Reed Dance (also known as umhlanga), where young women from across the country gather to honor the queen mother and the king.
This event is seen as one of the most important cultural events in the country.
Criticism and Public Perception
While King Mswati III’s marriages are celebrated in Eswatini as part of the country’s royal traditions, the king’s polygamous lifestyle has been a subject of global controversy.
Critics argue that the practice is out of touch with modern gender equality standards, especially as Eswatini is one of the few African monarchies that still embrace polygamy on such a scale.
Furthermore, the royal family has faced scrutiny over Eswatini’s economic challenges, with some questioning the public spending on royal ceremonies and the maintenance of such a large family.
