Swaziland is one of the last monarchies in Africa and home to the world's longest royal reign in recorded history. For 82 years (from 1899 to 1982) King Sobhuza II was the monarch of Swaziland, the smallest mainland country in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Lion of Swaziland, the Great Mountain, the Bull, the Son of the She-elephant or the Inexplicable, were just some of the names he was known by. Crowned in 1899 when just four months old, King Sobhuza II ascended the throne aged 22. During his lifelong reign he led crucial stages in the country's history including gaining independence from Britain in 1969.

In 2016, King Mswati III, youngest son of King Sobhuza II will celebrate his 30th anniversary on Swaziland's throne. Now 47, he took the throne at just 18, making him the world's youngest ruling monarch, at the time.

Swaziland's monarchy has a complex structure, with the whole process cloaked in secrecy by the Royal Council. Unlike other royal successions the throne is not simply passed to the King's eldest son. Although it is hereditary (all Kings come from the Dlamini clan) in Swaziland, the new King must be a minor and be the only son of the new King Mother. One of the reasons for this, is to ensure the new King is healthy, strong and has a long reign ahead of him.

King Mswati III personifies the nation of Swaziland and is the figurehead that represents traditional Swazi life and central to all celebrations and events in the country. Talks are already underway with the Royal Council and Parliament to arrange King Mswati's 30th celebrations in April 2016. Will King Mswati III beat Queen Elizabeth II's sixty-three year reign?

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Adele Cutler, Swaziland Tourism PR


Tel: +44 (0)1664 823750   M: +44 (0) 7976 578988    
adele@kamageo.com 

NOTES TO EDITOR:

Swaziland Tourism Website: www.thekingdomofswaziland.com


For more Swaziland pictures click HERE

Download HERE The Kingdom of Swaziland brochure