Apart from personal milestones and regnal Jubilees of Sovereign Monarchs, this year saw major festivities around two State-founding anniversaries. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan marked its 80th Independence Day with usual pomp and pageantry on 25 May; while the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho hosted a series of extraordinary nationwide festivities to celebrate its "Diamond Jubilee" - or 60th anniversary of Independence on October 4, 2026. Both countries were previously reliant to The United Kingdom, Transjordan as a protectorate until 1946, Basutholand as a Commonwealth colony, until 1966. For The Hashemite Kingdom the annual choreography of events was merely as usual, with The Royal Family, military & civil officials attending an evening celebration at Al Husseiniya Palace; which included a proud speech by HM King Abdullah II, awards of distinguished civil servants with national orders, traditional performances & replicas from the Hashemite Kingdom's historic achievements. For Lesotho, a series of lengthy national activities leading up to The Diamond Jubilee, under the theme "honouring our past, shaping our future", were unveiled long beforehand, and a near month-long events beginning with a national prayer (September 9) led to the 60th Independence Day, on October 4. The day of the milestone incorporated hours of ceremonies, parades, prayers & performances at Setsotho National Stadium; attended by foreign dignitaries, with King Mswati III of Eswatini delivering his Congratulation speech to King Letsie III on their behalf, and the latter reaffirming the historic friendship between Africa's two "sister Kingdoms". Jubilee Logos had been released for both Jordan & Lesotho.
For the 80th anniversary of The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's Independence, the logo was released by The Royal Hashemite Court, months in advance. The Independence Day, Monday, 25 May was celebrated at Al Husseiniya Palace, the venue of such state ceremonies, in the evening. King Abdullah II arrived in procession, escorted by The Red Royal Motorcade, and received a Royal Salute from The Dais of Honour; The National Anthem was also performed. His Majesty was accompanied by his wife Queen Rania Al Abdullah, sons Crown Prince Al Hussein & Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II, daughter Princess Salma bint Abdullah II, daughter-in-law Princess Rajwa Al Hussein, mother Princess Muna Al Hussein and other members of The House of Hashim; The Royal Hashemite Court, members of the government, military and civilian officials. The ceremony, dedicated to the Hashemite Kingdom's achievements during its eight decades of Independence, incorporated screenings, shows and (military & folklore) performances, recreating the progress of the past into an anticipated future.
HM King Abdullah II addressed his "dear people" during the celebration. The King praised "an honorable & resilient people, unflattering in their principles", as well as "this land" that "has never forsaken its people". He called Jordan a "cradle of civilizations" & "land of harmony", that despite any challenges "safeguarded its borders & security" stayed "steadfast on its democratic path" & "shielded its economy" from surrounding crises; "a great nation", boundless in generosity, "Arab at heart". Then, His Majesty envisioned their "vast potential and endless capabilities" as a Kingdom, cutting short the notion of "boastful pride" as their only aim. He instead insisted that "Jordan is self assured", and through the decades of resilience, it stays "unwavering in its future trajectory" and "clear in its choices". The Hashemite King concluded by addressing to his "dear sons and daughters", the young people of Jordan. He describing the meaning of confidence; as the belief in the resilience of this land, conviction that even the most arduous challenges will be overcome across the journey, and that all the difficulties would be faced with "awareness & responsibility", rather than with denial or ignorance. At the end, King Abdullah II pointed out that spirit & conviction as the pledge of moving forward, with faith "in ourselves", & ability to shape Jordan's future, witnessed by God.
Before the conclusion of the National Day ceremony; The King bestowed Royal medals on Jordanian Individuals and institutions on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day. A special Order of Istiqlal (Independence) of the first degree; was bestowed on: the national football team, Al Aman Fund for the Future of Orphans (The Queen’s initiative), the Association of Banks (in Jordan), on Muhannad Hijazi (contributor to good governance, a comprehensive national strategy for integrity & fight against corruption), and on the Speaking Eco-School project at Al Rajaa School for the Deaf. King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein for Distinction was also bestowed in two degrees. First degree: Zaid Al Kilani (secretary-general of The General Iftaa (Islamic Studies & Research) Department), Hazza Barari (author of literary & theatrical contributions), Father Yousef Francis Yassa (religious social worker & humanitarian in the field of the Orphans), and The Jordan Relief Campaign (leading community in providing relief & shelter assistance to Gaza). Second Degree: to architect Ammar Khammash, Sarah Aloun (promoter of women's rights through Raya Foundation), journalist Jomana Karadsheh (reporting from frontlines), Amjad Masad (global pioneer in technology & AI sectors), pianist & conductor Karim Saeed, & (world stage karate) athlete Mohammad Al Jafari. The King stood for a joint photo with all the honored and greeted everyone separately before The Royal Family departed. Cables of Congratulations from fellow Monarchs & Jordanian Officials were received by The King & Crown Prince throughout the day.
The Diamond Jubilee of
The Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho's Independence celebrations began with a
National Prayer on Wednesday, September 9 (2026), organized by The Government
of Lesotho in collaboration with its Church Council. The event was attended by
King Letsie III (who has reigned over Lesotho for more than the past 30 years)
& understandably took place in a symbolic journey from the New Parliament
to the Old Parliament building in (capital) Maseru. Government Secretary Mrs.
Teboho 'Malisebo 'Mokela mentioned the National Prayer as a "journey of
reflection, gratitude & renewal". She focused on using the opportunity
for (the 2 centuries old) Basotho nation to use its 60 years of Independence in
reflection of the past experiences & sacrifices and shaping their future
from those lessons, also mentioning "God's guidance and wisdom" for
leaders & institutions unity, strength & protection of a "God
fearing" (Catholic) nation. Mrs. 'Mokela posed the Diamond Jubilee as an
opportunity to ask critical questions about what kind of Lesotho the Basotho
want to have, calling for "collective responsibility in
nation-building" and mentioning the necessity of solutions strengthening
economy & creating sustainable development. The Christian Council of Lesotho
(CCL) from its side emphasized on the importance of not forgetting history,
teaching children in accordance to God's commandments and learning from the
past. It called the nation for "reconciliation, forgiveness &
renewal", putting aside political & social differences. It encouraged
the young people to take the future in their hands & prayed for children,
the unemployed & sick, asking God for rain & open opportunities for the
unemployed.
Diamond Jubilee related events took place throughout September, but it was the Grand Finale, on Sunday, October 4, 2026, that the leading celebration took place. The 60th Independence Day of Lesotho was celebrated at Setsotho National Stadium, where thousands of people from far & wide gathered in the hot afternoon, wearing their traditional blankets (likobo) - some woven with "60 years" captions - and wearing the iconic "Mokorotlo" (Basotho straw hat). Dignitaries from Southern African countries were in attendance; the highest-ranking: King Mswati III of Eswatini and his consort Inkhosikati LaNgangaza, were warmly greeted upon arrival; with some Basothos cheering the Swazi Royal cry: "Bayethe". The leading arrival, escorted by a Lesotho Mounted Police Service Convoy, was that of TM King Letsie III & (his Consort) Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso (who turned 50 earlier this year). The King inspected the mounted regiments of troops, led by a female Lieutenant Colonel, before receiving a Royal Salute on the Dais inside the Stadium. Three military helicopters flew past at the same time, carrying a giant National Flag aloft above the stadium.
Once The King ascended to his honorary seat in the Stadium's "Royal Box", a solemn prayer opened the Jubilee proceedings with a series of ministers from various denominations invoking blessings over the nation. A 21-gun-salute followed, before a Battalion of four companies & sixteen platoons opened the parade on behalf of the Lesotho Defense Force, the Lesotho Mounted Police Service and the Lesotho Correctional Service. The Armed Forces were followed by vehicles & flawless drill displays. Next part of the program was a musical feast, intertwined by official speeches, colored by tributary renditions, including those by praise singer Cethuka Dlamini, surrounding the Eswatini King's Speech. The musical feast included pieces from The Gospel, traditional music & youth culture. From the most groundbreaking performers were: Semonkong-born gospel sensation Minister Spokes, a Mokhibo dance troupe's rhythmic choreography, and Hip-hop icon Lits'epe, signaling the fusion of both modern beats & traditional Sotho storytelling. Finally Cityzeen LS, blending Basotho rhymes & Afropop drew the crowd in unison singing, before an international ensemble from Thailand capped the music part through a costumed display of a Thai traditional dance. Then the armed forces executed a final march-past, while students across the pitch created a vivid form of human tapestry in the grandstands with artistic Congratulations messages towards the Royal Box.
His Majesty King Mswati III of Eswatini, as guest of honour, delivered his congratulatory address on Lesotho's 60th Independence Day. His Majesty commended the Kingdom of Lesotho for its "monumental contributions" towards "shaping the political and economic landscape of Southern Africa" in the past six decades. The King acknowledged that Lesotho's founding leader, Moshoeshoe I, established a nation "anchored on diplomacy, unity and refuge". The Swazi King also reminded the role of Lesotho (landlocked by South Africa) in providing refuge to anti-Apartheid activists, and providing them higher education. In terms of economic & diplomatic milestones, King Mswati highlighted the Kingdom's role in founding Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC), later Southern African Development Community (SADC), its vital contribution to human & academic capital in post-Independence Eswatini & Botswana, and development initiatives, such as the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), pioneering "soil and water conservation policies and a robust textile of manufacturing sector". The King also reaffirmed the "deep, historical" bonds of friendship between "sister monarchies" Eswatini and Lesotho, "bound by a shared royal heritage, traditional values and a commitment to peaceful coexistence". He reflected on the warm ties between the late King Sobhuza II & King Moshoeshoe II, as well as his own privilege to welcome King Letsie III as a special guest, during the recent celebration of his Ruby Jubilee of Reign & 58th Birthday. King Mswati III also looked ahead on both nations shared goals - including the "Silence the Guns" initiative of African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 and the SADC Vision Framework for 2050 - before closing with warmest wishes to The King & Queen, Lesotho Government and Basotho people.
In his turn, His Majesty King Letsie III, also paid tribute to King Mswati III (the world's third longest-reigning Sovereign Monarch), and the "deep and enduring bonds" that exist between their two Kingdoms. His Majesty said those bonds "transcend the formal relations between two Sovereign States", rooted "in a shared heritage" and strengthened over generations through mutual respect, solidarity, and close people-to-people connections. The King praised his Swazi counterpart's presence on this "momentous occasion" , & thanked foreign governments, diplomatic missions & international organizations (including the African Union, the Commonwealth and the United Nations) on behalf of the Basotho Nation for their support ever since the Independence on October 4, 1966. He stated the Diamond Jubilee was also an opportunity to celebrate "enduring bonds of friendship, solidarity & cooperation" apart from reflecting shared history and past achievements. His Majesty called for "stronger international cooperation, democratic governance and sustainable development" while acknowledging the role diplomatic partners have played. Looking forward to the future, King Letsie reaffirmed Lesotho's commitment to fields of mutual interest, including "climate action, food and water security, renewable energy, digital transformation, broad economic development and regional stability". The Monarch concluded by emphasizing that this National Milestone is far beyond "a celebration of Lesotho's sovereignty", but a celebration of "the friendships that have sustained us, the partnerships that have empowered us, and the shared aspirations that continue to unite us".
The Prime Minister,
Sam Matekane's address was more powerful in terms of reminding the Basotho
people their long history of struggles for survival, urging them to reclaim a
national identity, shaped by "discipline, resilience, vigilance, peace,
hard work, and prosperity". Recalling hard parts of Basotho history, he
reminded that the founding monarch, Moshoeshoe I had faced "colonial
encroachment" after accommodating Dutch farmers & their cattle post,
as well as the treatment of Basutholand as a British colony after its
declaration as "protectorate" by a 1868 Queen Victoria's degree, and
the nation's refusal to be incorporated into The Union of South Africa in 1910.
The Prime Minister used the Independence as an occasion to recognize
forefathers' efforts and "shape our future with our own people"
looking ahead to the next journey "which begins today". The Diamond
Jubilee of Independence day celebrations concluded at the Lesotho International
Convention Center in a sumptuous celebratory luncheon for foreign & domestic
dignitaries. King Mswati III, as guest of honour, was asked to deliver a toast,
capping off celebrations in Basotho style. He did so in English style, before
raising the glasses again on the Royal cry of "Siyinqaba" ('we're a
fortress!'), receiving an enthusiastic unison answer by everyone. A Royal close for the National Milestone.
Sources:
https://rhc.jo/en/media/gallery/photos/view/80th-independence-day-ceremony
https://www.lena.gov.ls/tourism-launch-activities-to-commemorate-diamond-independence-jubilee/
https://www.newmyroyals.com/2026/05/the-royal-family-attends-jordans-80th.html
https://www.gov.ls/history/basotho-marked-the-start-of-lesothos-60th-independence-diamond-jubilee-with-a-national-prayer-of-gratitude-reflection-renewal-and-unity/
https://rhc.jo/en/news/king-attends-ceremony-marking-80th-independence-day-delivers-address-to-nation
https://eswatinipositivenews.online/lesotho-shaped-regional-political-and-economic-landscape-says-king/
https://rhc.jo/en/news/king-bestows-medals-on-jordanian-institutions-individuals-on-80th-independence-day
https://times.co.sz/45536/news/king-letsie-iii-extends-special-recognition-to-king-mswati-iii/
https://rhc.jo/en/news/king-crown-prince-receive-cables-on-80th-independence-day
https://eswatinipositivenews.online/king-calls-for-stronger-eswatini-lesotho-ties/