Lesotho royal family is the current reigning family for the kingdom of Lesotho formerly called Basutoland. They are members of the Moshoeshoe dynasty names after the first king who consolidated clans into what today is called Lesotho (Land of BaSotho). The Moshoeshoe dynasty is huge with several members and descendants.
Photos: Royal Lesotho Archives
Royal Titles
- King – Motlotlehi or Khosi or Rabasotho
- Queen – Mofumahali Motlotlehi
- Prince – Khosana
- Princess – Khosatsana
- Paramount Chief – Moren eMoholo, wrongly used for Kings duing the colonial period
- Principal chief – Morena oa Sehloho
- Chief – Morena
- Chieftainess – Mofumahali (also used for married women)
- (Special Acknowledgement to Queen Sekhothali Seeiso Mabhena )
Monarchs/Kings of Lesotho
- King Moshoeshoe I – 1822 to 18 January 1870
- King Letsie I- 18 January 1870 to 20 November 1891
- King Lerotholi Letsie – 20 November 1891 to 19 August 1905
- King Letsie II – 21 August 1905 to 28 January 1913
- King Nathaniel Griffith Lerotholi – 11 April 1913 to 23 June 1939
- King Simon Seeiso Griffith – 3 August 1939 to 26 December 1940
- Chief Gabasheane Masupha (regent): 26 December 1940 – 28 January 1941
- Queen ‘Mantšebo Amelia ‘Matšaba (regent): 28 January 1941 – 12 March 1960
- King Moshoeshoe II– 12 March 1960 to 1990/1996
- King Letsie III – 1996 – current
King Moshoeshoe I
King Moshoeshoe is known as the founder of Lesotho nation. He was born in 1786 at Menkhoaneng, Mokhachane and Kholu of the Mokoteli clan. In 1810 he married Mabela, the daughter of Chief Seepheephe of the Bafokeng clan. In 1811, their first child, a son named Mohato (Letsie) was born. Other children were born in the following years, and he married additional wives. He became ruler of Basotho nation (people of Lesotho) from 1822 until 1870 and was one of the most successful Southern African leaders of the 19th century, Moshoeshoe combined aggressive military counteraction and adroit diplomacy against colonial invasions. His sons include
- King Letsie I
- Chief (Morena) Masupha (1820-1899)
- Chief (Morena) Molapo
- Chief (Morena) Nehemiah Sekhonyana
- Chief Majara (Morena) Ntalime Moshoeshoe (1829 – 1858)
- Chief Makhobalo
- Sofonea
- George
- Tsekelo
King Letsie I
King Letsie I was born in 1811 as the first son of King Moshoeshoe I and Queen ‘Mamohato. He reigned from 1870 to until his death in 1891. He married queen ‘Mantai, daughter of chief Khoabane of Berea. His children include
- King Lerotholi
- Prince Bereng
- Prince Theko Letsie, chief of Thaba Bosiu
- Princess Senate
- Prince Nkuebe – his daughters Tsebo
King Lerotholi Letsie
Lerotholi was born in 1836 in the house of Mohato (later named Letsie I) and ‘Mamotena. He reigned from 1891 until 1905. His chidren include
- King Letsie II
- King Nathaneil Griffith
- Princess Letsabisa
King Letsie II
King Letsie II was born in 1869 as the eldest son of the second house of Lerotholi and heir to the throne. He fought beside him his father in the 1899 siege of Thaba-Bosiu mountain against his uncle Masupha. He succeded his father and reigned from 1905 to 1913
King Nathaneil Griffith Lerotholi
King Griffith was born in 1871 at Likhoele, Mafeteng district to King Lerotholi. He was named after Colonel C. D. Griffith, the governors agent in Basutoland at the time of his birth. His father placed him to reign in 1897 at Phamong in the district of Mohale’s Hoek, over the Baphuthi clan who refused to acknowledge his authority for a number of years. He succeeded his brother in 1913 and reigned until 1939. Hew married four daughters of Chief Prince Nkuebe, son of King Moshoeshoe. They include
- Mofumahali Mabatho
- Mofumahali Sebueng
- King Simon Seeiso
- Mofumahali Thakane
- Mofumahali Tsebo
King Simon Seeiso Griffith
King Simon succeeded his late father in 1939 but reigned for only 10months before his passing in 1940. He was succeded by his senior wife Queen Mantsebo as regent for his young son King Moshoeshoe II. Gabasheane served as regent for a short time. His 11 wives and children include
- 1st Queen Mantsebo
- Princess Ntsebo Lydia Seeiso-married to the son of chief Nkhahle Lebona of Thaba-Tsoeu.
- 2nd Queen Mabereng Sekhothali
- King Moshoeshoe II (Prince Constantine Bereng Seeiso)
- Prince Mathealira Seeiso , Principal chief of Mokhotlong
- Prince Masupha David Seeiso
- Princess Mampoi Seeiso
- Princess Mathaabe Seeiso
- Princess Thakane Seeiso
- 3rd Queen Maleshoboro Seeiso
- Prince Leshoboro Seeiso
- Mofumahali Mamoramang
- Mofumahali Ntoetse
- Mofumahali Mosenyehi
- Mofumahali Motlakamang
- Mofumahali Joalane
- Mofumahali Maleront i(Mabatho)
- Mofumahali Maliako Kefeletsoe
- Mofumahali Montseng source ; P. Bereng, Haboo, (Maseru, Lilala Publications, 2008)
Campbell Collections
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Queen regent Mantsebo Seeiso
Queen Mantsebo Amelia Seeiso was a queen consort of Lesotho then Basutoland as the senior wife of late Paramount chief or Morena Simeon Seeiso Griffith who died in 1940 after a 10 months on the throne. She was born in 1902 to Chief Sempe Nkuebe, grandson of King Letsie I, thus she was a great grand daughter of King Letsie I. Together they had a daughter Ntsebo who couldn’t inherit the throne as per tradition. The next in line was her step son the later King Moshoeshoe II from the second wife. The sons of Moshoeshoe chose her as regent after the death of her husband from 1940 to 1960. Queen regent Mantsebo is recognised has having set foundations for Lesotho constitutional monarchy. In 1957 she toured europe including London and Rome. She died in 1964.
See more here – Queen Mantsebo Seeiso
Marjmarkh
King Moshoeshoe II
King Moshoeshoe II was born Prince Constantine Bereng Seeiso by late King/ Paramount chief Simon Seeiso Griffith and one of his wives. he ruled under the regency of his step mother Paramount chieftainess Mantsebo until 1960 when he took cover. He became King of modern Lesotho in 1966 taking the name Moshoeshoe II after the first king Moshoeshoe I. He passed away in 1996. His children with his only wife Queen Mamohato include
- King Lestie III (Prince David Mohato Seeiso)
- Prince Seeiso Bereng Seeiso, Principal chief of Matsieng
- Princess Christina Maseeiso
Photos: Royal Lesotho Archives
Queen mother ‘MaMohato Bereng Seeiso
Queen mother ‘Mamohato Bereng Seeiso was born as Tabitha ‘Masentle Mojela, daughter of the chief of Tsakholo. She married Future King Moshoeshoe II in 1962 and they had three children. She was the founder of Hlokomela Bana (Take care of children) in Lesotho. Queen ‘Mamohato would serve thrice as regent and as Queen mother on ascension of his eldest son King Letsie III. She passed away in 2003.
Photos: Royal Lesotho Archives
King (Motlotlehi) Letsie III
King (Motlotlehi) Letsie III born David Mohato Bereng Seeiso is the King and Head of state of Lesotho. He is the eldest son of late King Moshoehoe II and late Queen ‘Mamohato. He was officially crowned in 1997 to succeeed his late father. He had served previously as king between 1990-1995 when his father had been sent to exile. In 2000, he married Anna Karabo Motšoeneng now Queen Masenate with three children.
- Princess Senate Mary Mohato Bereng Seeiso
- Princess ‘Maseeiso Mohato Bereng Seeiso
- Crown Prince Lerotholi Mohato Bereng Seeiso
Photos: Royal Lesotho Archives
Queen (Mofumahali Motlotlehi) ‘MaSenate Mohato Bereng Seeiso
Queen (Mofumahali Motlotlehi) is the Queen consort and only wife of King Letsie III. She works for advancement of various charities for Lesotho people like Hlokomela Bana, SOS children, Red cross etc. She accompanies the King to various state functions locally and abroad.
Photos: Royal Lesotho Archives
Photos : Courtsey
Princess (Khosatsana) Senate Mary Mohato Bereng Seeiso
Princess Senate is the eldest child of King Letsie III and Queen ‘Masenate ,born on 7th October 2001. On reaching 18 she was tasked as a champion of ending child marriages in Africa Campaign. She is also the patron of Coalition on the Rights of the Child, UNICEF Lesotho and chairs the children and youth parliament.
Photos: Princess Senate Seeiso
Princess (Khosatsana) ‘Maseeiso Mohato Bereng Seeiso
Princess Maseeiso is the second child of King Letsie III and Queen Masenate.
Photos: Royal Lesotho Archives, Ministry of Home affairs
Crown Prince (Khosana) Lerotholi Mohato Bereng Seeiso
Prince Lerotholi is the only son and heir to the only male succession throne of Lesotho. Youngest child of King Letsie III and Queen Masenate .
Photos: Prince Lerotholi Seeiso
Prince (Khosana) Seeiso Bereng Seeiso and family
Prince seeiso bereng seeiso is the younger and only brother to king Letsie III of Lesotho. he has previously served as Ambnassador to United Kingdom and Senate president. He is the Royal Principal chief of Matsieng taking after his elder uncle Prince Masupha. Prince Seeiso is the cofounder of SEntebale with Prince Harry of UK. He, accompanied by his wife Princess ‘Mabereng Seeiso have represented the King to UK royal weddings of Prince William and Prince Harry. Together they have three children.
- Prince Bereng Constantine Seeiso
- Princess ‘Masentle Tabitha Seeiso
- Prince Masupha David Seeiso
Photos: Royal Lesotho Archives
Late Princess (Khosatsana) Maseeiso Christina Bereng Seeiso
Princess Christina Maseeiso was the only daughter of king Moshoeshoe II and Queen Mamohato. She passed away in 1994 after a brief illness.
Prince (Khosana) Masupha David Seeiso and family
Prince Masupha David Seeiso is an uncle to King Letsie III . He was the younger brother to late King Moshoeshoe II and a son to late King/Paramount Chief Simon Seeiso Griffith. He was married to late Princess ‘Mabereng Masupha with three children. Prince Masupha served as the elder royal Principal chief of Matsieng which is now occupied by his nephew. He has represented lesotho to King Zwelonke of Xhosa royal funeral
- Princess Sekhothali Seeiso (Now Queen Sekhothali Mabhena of Ndebele, South Africa)
- Princess Khopotso Masupha Seeiso
- Prince Constantine Bereng Masupha Seeiso
Photos: Queen Sekhothali Seeiso Mabhena
Prince (Khosana) Principal chief Mathealira Seeiso and family
Prince Mathealira Seeiso is the late uncle to the King Letsie III. He was a yonger brother to late King Moshoeshoe II and son to late King/Paramount Chief Simon Seeiso Griffith. He was inaugurated as the Principal Chief of Mokhotlong in 1966. He married in 1969 to Mofumahali MaLerotholi with children. He was the royal Principal chief of Mokhotlong (died 2021) and was succeeded by his son Lerotholi
- Prince Lerotholi Mathealira Seeiso
- Princess Mathabo Mathealira Seeiso
Photos: Royal Lesotho Archives
Other royal members or Descendants
The Moshoeshoe royal dynasty has other several chiefs, cousins, members and descendants from the male and female lines. The Principal chiefs and chiefs are also descended from King Moshoeshoe I.
Chiefs of Lesotho
The Kingdom of Lesotho has around 192 Chiefs
The royal chiefs of Lesotho are an important aspect to the Lesotho monarchy. 22 hereditary Principal chiefs sit in the upper house or senate which has 33 members. Their main role is to amend legislation & bills from the national assembly and succession customary
They include
- Principal Chief of Matsieng
- Principal Chief of Phamong
- Principal Chief of Thaba Bosiu
- Principal Chief of Leribe
- Principal Chief of Matelile
- Principal Chief of Malingoaneng
- Principal Chief of Qacha’snek
- Principal Chief of Makhoakhoeng
- Principal Chief of Ha Majara
- Principal Chief of Botha-Bothe
- Principal Chief of Tebang
- Principal Chief of Kueneng
- Principal Chief of Ha-Ramabanta
- Principal Chief of Tsikoane
- Principal Chief of Tajane
- Principal Chief of Taung
- Principal Chief of Likhoele
- Principal Chief of Ha Maama
- Principal Chief of Rothe
- Principal Chief of Ha ‘Mamathe
- Principal Chief of Quthing
- Principal Chief of Mokhotlong
Source : Senate of Lesotho
Current Principal chiefs are
- Matsieng – Principal Chief Seeiso Bereng Seeiso (Acting)
- Leribe – Principal Chief Joel A. Motšoene
- Teyateyaneng – Principal Chief Sempe Khabasheane Masupha
- Ha Majara – Principal Chieftainess ‘Mamolapo Majara
- Tajane – Principal Chief Thato ‘Mako Mohale
- Koeneng – Principal Chief Peete Lesaoana Peete
- Makhoakhoeng – Principal Chief Tumane Matela
- Taung – Principal Chief Moeketsi Moletsane II
- Malingoaneng – Principal Chief Qetho Sekonyela
- Mokhotlong – Principal Chief Lerotholi Mathealira Seeiso (Acting)
- Likhoele – Principal Chief Lerotholi Seeiso
- Phamong – Principal Chieftainess Nthati Bereng
- Rothe – Principal Chieftainess Nthupi Bereng
- Ha Ramabanta – Principal Chief Bereng Seeiso Api
- Quthing – Principal Chief Seeiso Nkuebe
- Thaba-Bosiu – Principal Chief Khoabane Theko
- Qacha’s Nek – Principal Chief Mojela C. Makhaola
- Tebang – Principal Chief Khoabane Mojela
- Butha-Buthe – Principal Chief Retšelisitsoe Mopeli
- Tsikoane, Peka and Kolbere – Principal Chieftainess Pontšo Seoehla Mathealira
- Ha Maama – Principal Chief Mitchell S. Maama
- Matelile – Principal Chief Moholobela S. Moholobela
- Special thanks to Griffiths Nathaneal Lerotholi Theko
Independent Ward Chiefs (not officially declared as Principal Chiefs but are more or less on the same footing)
- Likueneng – Chieftainess ‘Makholu ‘Mualle Moshoeshoe
- Thaba-Tšoeu – Chief Qajela Lebona
Under principal chiefs are many chiefs
Lesotho Royal weddings
Embed from Getty ImagesRoyal wedding of King Letsie III
Photo : Prince Bereng Masupha
Photo : Royal Archives Lesotho
Coronations
Embed from Getty ImagesPalaces
- Matsieng Royal Palace/village
- Maseru Royal Palace
Sources
P. Bereng, Haboo, (Maseru, Lilala Publications, 2008)
Royal Museum and Archives
Essays on the Aspects of Political Economy of Lesotho 1500-2000, (Roma, National University of Lesotho, 2002)
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