In a continuation of a long-standing tradition, King Mswati III of Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy, has welcomed his 13th wife, Phindile Nkambule, into the royal fold. This significant addition to the king’s family tree comes as a reminder of the unique customs and practices that continue to thrive in the small southern African nation.
Phindile Nkambule’s journey into the royal household began in 2005 when she was just 17 years old, becoming a wife to King Mswati. Over the years, she has grown her family with the monarch and is now a mother to one son, in addition to her five daughters from her marriage to the king.
The rich tapestry of King Mswati’s matrimonial life also includes other notable wives:
Inkhosikati La Ngangaza: Carol Dlamini, King Mswati’s fourth wife, entered into marriage with the monarch in the 1980s. Together, they have four children, forming a strong family bond that spans decades.
Inkhosikati La Mbikizi: As the third wife after the two ritual wives, she holds a special place in the king’s heart. She is the mother of three children, including Princess Sikhanyiso, who shares a close relationship with her father.
Inkhosikati La Ntentesa: Although she is the eleventh wife, she has one child of her own, emphasizing the diverse family dynamics within the royal household.
Inkhosikati La Magongo: King Mswati’s eighth wife boasts a heritage enriched by both Portuguese and African influences. In 2002, she entered into marriage with the king and gave birth to her only child. Her presence has extended beyond the borders of Eswatini, as she attended significant events such as the inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa as the fifth democratically elected president of South Africa in 2019, alongside the king.
Inkhosikati La Fogiyane: A beauty queen before her marriage to King Mswati in 2014, she is now his fourteenth wife. Their union has resulted in two young daughters, adding a new chapter to the royal family.
The institution of monarchy in Eswatini is deeply rooted in tradition and is characterized by its polygamous nature. Each wife holds a unique role within the royal family, contributing to the rich cultural mosaic of the nation.
As King Mswati III expands his family, Eswatini continues to be a place where ancient customs coexist with modern realities, creating a distinctive tapestry of tradition, culture, and royalty.