Birthday Of King Mswati III
In Eswatini, the birthday of King Mswati III is a public holiday observed on the 19th of April. He is currently the king of Eswatini and the head of the Swazi Royal Family. On April 25, 1986, he was crowned Mswati III at the age of 18 years old. This made him the youngest ruling monarch in the world at that time.
Eswatini (Public holiday)He now rules Eswatini, along with the Queen Mother, as an absolute monarch. On his birthday, the national football stadium is often used for elaborate celebratory events. These birthday parties can include dancers, the display of thousands of Swazi flags, and a full military parade.
The History of the Birthday of King Mswati III
On April 19, 1968, King Mswati III was born at the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital in Manzini, Swaziland. He was born to the late King Sobhuza II and Queen Ntfombi—who now serves as the Queen Mother. Currently, King Mswati III has 15 wives—two of which are appointed by the state—and 23 children.
In 1983, he was named Crown Prince of Eswatini, and on April 25, 1986, he was crowned king at the age of 18 years old. This made him the youngest king at the time. He is the last absolute monarch in Africa—which means that he is responsible for appointing Eswatini’s Prime Minister and some of the representatives in the upper and lower chambers of the legislature.
Observing the Birthday of King Mswati III
In Eswatini, this holiday is observed with a large, and usually very expensive, birthday party thrown by the government for the King. This celebration can include traditional dancers, a full military parade, and the display of thousands of flags.
This day is also a public holiday, meaning that it is a day off for the general population, and many places are closed on this day. Government offices and schools are closed, as are most banks and retail outlets.
Eswatini (Public holiday)
