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International royals

Zulu King’s coronation postponed as court battle begins

The coronation of Zulu King Misuzulu has been postponed as a court battle begins over who should succeed the late King Goodwill Zwelithini.

The coronation has been indefinitely postponed after Misuzulu put a halt to the ceremonies after devastating floods left 400 people dead.

Prince Mbonisi – the uncle of Misuzulu – has contested his nephew’s right to the throne. The Prince has appealed a court decision dismissing the succession case believing another court may rule in his favour. The case will be appealed to the Supreme Court of Appeal.

The Prince also argued through his attorney that holding the coronation while in such a legal dispute would lead to confusion and credibility questions.

King Goodwill died at the age of 72 on 12 March 2021. He had six wives and 28 children. His Great Wife was Mantfombi Dlamini, the daughter of King Sobhuza II of Swaziland; she was the mother of contested King Misuzulu.

Misuzulu was heir presumptive upon his father’s death and was named as the next monarch on 7 May 2021 through the reading of Queen Mantfombi Dlamini’s Will. The Queen died on 29 April 2021.

His appointment was met with protests from members of the family who have argued it was unconstitutional. The High Court dismissed the case in March 2022, and President Ramaphosa of South Africa has since released a certificate declaring Misuzulu as monarch.

About author

Brittani is from Tennessee, USA. She is a political scientist and historian after graduating with a degree in the topics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in December 2014. She also holds a master's degree from Northeastern University. She enjoys reading and researching all things regarding the royals of the world. She's been researching, reading, and writing on royalty for over a decade. She became Europe Editor in October 2016, and then Deputy Editor in January 2019, and has been featured on several podcasts, radio shows, news broadcasts and websites including Global News Canada, ABC News Australia, WION India and BBC World News.