Mswati III of Swaziland

Mswati III (born Makhosetive Dlamini on April 19, 1968) is the King of Swaziland and head of the Swazi Royal Family. In 1986, he succeeded his father Sobhuza II as ruler of the southern African kingdom. He is generally considered to be one of the last absolute monarchs in the world, as he has the authority to appoint the country’s Prime Minister, members of the cabinet, and the judiciary. However, he is bound to a certain degree by Swazi traditions and he does not have the authority to choose his heir.

The king currently has fourteen wives and 23 children. A Swazi king’s first two wives are chosen for him by the national councillors. There are complex rules on succession. According to tradition, he can only marry his fiancées after they have fallen pregnant, proving they can bear heirs. Until then, they are termed liphovela, or “brides”. His children are:

HRH Prince Majaha
HRH Princess Sikhanyiso
HRH Prince Lindaninkosi
HRH Princess Temaswati
HRH Princess Tiyandza
HRH Princess Tebukhosi
HRH Prince Bandzile
HRH Princess Sibahle
HRH Princess Temtsimba
HRH Princess Sakhizwe
HRH Prince Mcwasho
HRH Prince Saziwangaye
HRH Princess Makhosothando