Monarchies Today - Royalty around the globe

Σάββατο 24 Οκτωβρίου 2026

58/40: Ruby Jubilee of Mswati III as Ngwenyama of Eswatini

People from all over eSwatini (the land of Swazi nation) gathered at Somhlolo National Stadium in provincial Lombaba on Friday, April 24 2026 to witness a historic milestone of their King: 58:40. The double celebrations of King Mswati III's 58th Birthday and 40th Coronation anniversary, or Ruby Jubilee of Reign underscored a lavish four-hour ceremony which included a military parade, congratulatory speeches, The King's address and traditional performances in front of The Royal Family, current & former State leaders & diplomats from abroad and the general public, whose attendance was without charge. King Mswati III was crowned on 25 April 1986, six days after turning 18, to succeed his father as King of then Swaziland, a tiny Sovereign kingdom bordering with South Africa & Mozambique. An absolute Monarch, the Ngwenyama (as he is known in Swazi) can rule by decree, and has to marry multiple wives to forge a bond with all provinces of his Kingdom. It is his mother (& Co-Ruler), though, The Indlovukazi (Queen Mother), by whom the future King is determined, and only the chosen wife of the deceased King can be Queen-Regent for her son to be prepared for kingship; as it was for the current King before his Crowning.

Somhlolo National Stadium was not a causual choice. Built in 1968, the year King Mswati was born and Swaziland became Independent, it was the venue where Crown Prince Makhosetive Dlamini was crowned as King in 1986. Its capacity of 20,000 helped accomondate Presidents and former State leaders from the neighboring countries, including King Letsie III & Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso from Lesotho and two of their children, Princess Senate and Crown Prince Lerotholi Seeiso. King Letsie, the only Monarch in attendance, equally Sovereign to the Swazi King would deliver his Congratulatory address on behalf of foreign Heads of State, in which he described the occasion as "a shining testament of joy, selfless leadership, resilience and devotion (to your people)", more than a mere personal milestone.

King Mswati III was the last to arrive, making his entrance in an open roof jeep, similar to the vehicle used on his Coronation. The world's second longest-reigning King (& third longest-serving Sovereign Monarch), dressed in a red Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) uniform with all of his medals pinned on his chest, inspected several mounted regiments of troops before moving to his seat next to The King of Lesotho, and his Mother, The Indlovukazi (literally translated as: "Great She-Elephant"), who was also welcomed with honours as joint head of state. Next to The Queen Mother, sat the 11 Inkhosikatis, current wives of The King & his royal fiancee, Liphovela Nomcebo, daughter of South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma. In the lines behind followed members of The Royal House of Dlamini, including The King's 39 children and 13 grandchildren.

The celebration mainly consisted of a spectacular military display, and then traditional dance & show performances by women in colourful customary tunic clothings, men in animal skin & stophies, bare-chested maidens (who showcase their virginity by following the traditional umcwasho - chastity rite, re-established by The King in 2001). The Royal Star of the day was little Prince Mkhandlowenkhosi, the youngest son of King Mswati III. The 5-year-old, his father's copy in the red Army Uniform, marched alongside UEDF troops, before presenting himself out loud to His Majesty and receiving a special permission of riffle drilling. After his display he ascended to The King's seat & greeted him militarily. Following His Majesty's speech and the entertainment performances offered, Mswati III descended to the stadium's Dais, where he saluted the troops while The National Anthem played, and a flypast of planes & helicopters carrying his Jubilee banner flew over the foggy skies. The King left first in the same vehicle he arrived with.

The Ngwenyama (loosely translated to "Lion"-King) delivered his hour-long address in Swazi with english interpretation. It focused on the multiple fields of progress (financial, infrastructural, living standards) & development the country he renamed to Eswatini in 2018 had made, its unwavering principle of peace with everyone, and a sustainable & emancipated future for the nation and Africa as a whole. The King renewed the oath he made as Crown Prince, moments before his formal enthronement four decades before: to "serve with devotion... uphold (our) traditions and (our) constitution... lead towards unity, peace and prosperity, and (I will) never forget that the Throne exists for the people". Paying tribute to his father, King Sobhuza II's legacy of nation-building & cultural preservation, King Mswati III reflected on the Royal Ruby Jubilee as a sacred occasion, highlighting the groundbreaking Constitution of 2005, giving thanks to God, the ancestors, The Royal Family & " (to) every Liswati... sustaining the Kingdom", and envisioning its future hand-in-hand with the rest of Africa; Independent, decolonized and capable to rely on its own growing.

Speaking about an Eswatini significantly grown over the years from the early parts of celebrations, His Majesty referenced African Union's Agenda 2063 & The United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as hallmarks towards Eswatini's inclusive growth & sustainable development. It was said during the Gift Day Presentation (Tetfulo) ceremony, held at Mandvulo Grand Hall in Lozitha, on the eve of The King's 58th Birthday, Saturday 18th April (2026). Tetfulo is usually held on occasions of national importance or on personal milestones of The Monarch and symbolizes the national appreciation and collective support of The King's leadership. The Mandvulo Hall (& its outskirts) was full of gifts, ranging from fruits, vegetables & electronics to car, tractors, cattle & cash. In total King Mswati III received 251 cattle & E18,230,836.00 in cash from individual & companies' contributions. His Mother The Indlovukazi, as well as other prominent members of The Royal Family were present there.

A series of road-shows also took place over the week leading up to the Ruby Jubilee celebrations. Local leaders, members of communities & stakeholders in four different municipalities came together as part of the national build-up to The King's 40-year-milestone on the throne, in a display of unity, patriotism & national pride. Overseen closely by The Master of Ceremonies Sandile Dlamini (also known as "Sweet Banana") and with local officials & high-ranked Royals (Minister of The Home Affairs, Princess Lindiwe Dlamini); Siteki (17 April), Mankyane (18 April), Ezulwini (20 April) and Lobamba (21 April) joined in street parades with elements of shows, traditional dances & musical performances by bands of pupils, students, police & correctional services taking part. Each road spectacle culminated with several addresses, guidelining public participation at The 40/58 central celebration, while after the final show (by Lobamba), leaders joined rehearsing performers on the ground of Somhlolo National Stadium.

The central events of 40/58 Double Celebration took place over the long weekend of April 24 to 26, culminating a month-long Ruby Jubilee programe. Day two (April 25) was also the National Flag Day of Eswatini (& the actual 40th anniversary of Mswati III's Coronation). The Ngwenyama was joined by several foreign quests (including King Letsie III of Lesotho & Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini) for the formal launching of The International Convention Center (ICC) in Ezulwini. The landmark facility, named Palazzo Ezulwini (operated by a Dubai-based luxury hospitality management) is the country's first capital raising facility, capable for hosting International Conferences, Expos, Fairs & Profitable Projects. Their Majesties were guided through the building's main halls (among them dining halls, art spaces, conference rooms & a theater) before the festive cake cutting banquet, also joined by The Indlovukazi (Queen Mother) & members of The Royal Family. On the final day (Sunday, April 26), leaders joined King Mswati III & male members of The House of Dlamini for a series of open stadium warrior dances & ethnic performances; with part of their adornment, the - totally Swazi - animal skins.

Videos:

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Succession_to_the_Swazi_throne

https://40years.gov.sz/his-majesty-renews-his-coronation-promise-as-eswatini-marks-58th-birthday-and-40-years-on-the-throne/

https://www.gov.ls/royal/his-majesty-king-letsie-iii-honoured-king-mswati-iiis-40-years-of-leadership/

https://40years.gov.sz/speech-by-his-majesty/

https://www.switchmedia.africa/africa/article/king-mswati-iii-marks-40-years-on-throne-with-lavish-ruby-jubilee-celebrations

https://40years.gov.sz/his-majesty-officially-opens-ezulwini-palazzo/

https://www.eswatiniobserver.com/king-opens-international-convention-centre-eswatini/

https://40years.gov.sz/40-years-on-kings-reign-fuels-new-momentum-for-local-enterprise/

https://eswatinipositivenews.online/celebrating-progress-in-justice-honouring-his-majestys-58th-birthday-and-40-years-on-the-throne/

https://40years.gov.sz/siteki-comes-alive-as-roadshow-builds-excitement-towards-his-majestys-40-year-reign-celebration/

https://www.cnbcafrica.com/2026/eswatini-celebrates-king-mswati-iiis-40-years-as-critics-decry-royal-spending

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Dlamini

https://40years.gov.sz/mankayane-roadshow-draws-big-crowd-as-excitement-grows-for-his-majestys-40-years-on-the-throne/

https://times.co.sz/32659/news/king-receives-over-e18-million-and-over-250-cattle-in-tetfulo/

https://40years.gov.sz/gift-day-presentation-tetfulo/

https://www.eswatiniobserver.com/king-mswati-thanks-nation-tetfulo-contributions/

https://40years.gov.sz/ezulwini-roadshow/

https://www.eswatiniobserver.com/king-letsie-praises-king-mswati-leadership/

https://40years.gov.sz/lobamba-roadshow/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mswati_III

Σάββατο 10 Οκτωβρίου 2026

ASTRID, The Princess who served ALL FOUR KINGS of Modern NORWAY

At the State Funeral of King Harald V of Norway last September 9, the entire Royal Family sat on the right of the altar, the foreign Royalty split between its both sides. Yet, there was another, quite presence, much dear to the late King, sitting in a wheelchair in front of the Altar, and wearing medals bestowed by Three Kings. The word about Princess Astrid, Mrs. Ferner, King Harald's 94-year-old elder sister, with a lifelong service to the Norwegian Monarchy. A granddaughter, daughter, sister & aunt to four Norwegian Kings, she was the only one, who served them all as the longest-lived member of the 120-year-old Royal House and last Princess-by birth of her generation. From 1954 to 1968, Princess Astrid was the senior lady in The Royal Court, and thus undertook the role of First Lady, accompanying her widowed grandfather and (from 1957) father, to official engagements & hosting high profile delegations on her part. A family woman, charitable princess, dog-lover, & bearer of unique memories from another era, she dedicated her entire life to the crown & supported her Sovereign brother even after her health started failing this year.

Astrid died on 11 September, two days after paying her final respects to her brother, and was buried on September 23, at the graveyard of Ris Church, next to her husband who died in 2015. Her nephew, King Haakon VIII, whose reign she reached, carried her coffin alongside her five children after the funeral.

Her Life & Legacy

Princess Astrid Maud Ingeborg was the second daughter of then Crown Prince Olav & Crown Princess Märtha of Norway, born on 12 February 1932. Her paternal grandfather, King Haakon VII, was the second son of Denmark's King Frederik VIII (r. 1906-1912) & established the first Royal House in Norway in 1905. Her paternal grandmother, Queen Maud was a British Princess, youngest daughter of King Edward VII (r. 1901-1910) through whom Astrid was in line of succession to the British throne (whereas Norwegian banned women at the time of her birth). Her mother was a niece of the Swedish King Gustav V (r. 1907-1950) through her father, and first cousin to her husband through her Danish mother. Hence, Princess Astrid and her siblings, Ranghild (1930-2012) & Harald V (1937-2026) were born to a generation of Royalty, raised according to the standards of the 19th century Victorian Era. In WWII, the Royal Family went into exile, and the Crown Princess and her young children spent five years in Washington, DC, forming a close relationship with then US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, while The widowed King & The Crown Prince led the Norwegian government in exile from London.

Upon their return to Norway in 1945, the Royal Children were raised in Skaugum Royal Estate, Asker (outside Oslo) instead of the Royal Palace, receiving a private education. Following the death of her mother, on 5 April 1954, Princess Astrid, then 22, took over as First Lady of Norway, since her elder sister had been already married & out of Norway, and both grandfather & father widowed. She stayed in the role officially accompanying her father, upon his accession as King Olav V in 1957, up until the marriage of her younger brother, Crown Prince Harald, in 1968, passing her distinction to Crown Princess Sonja. Meanwhile, Astrid chaired Crown Princess Märtha's Memorial Fund, an association created during her mother's lifetime, supporting social & humanitarian initiatives and awarding those who distinguished in such causes. A historian, dressmaker & cook, and sharing her brother's passion about sports, Astrid met with several personalities of global influence during her youth, including Elvis Presley, during a summer tour in 1960 with her cousins Princesses Margaretha of Sweden & Margrethe of Denmark. Her charitable work included the vulnerable, like children & young people with dyslexia.

Princess Astrid married Johan Martin Ferner (1927-2015), a divorced sportsman & enterpreneur, on 12 January 1961, retaining her status as First Lady. She was known as Princess Astrid, Mrs. Ferner ever since and together they had five children, seven grandchildren & at least four great-grandchildren. In 2002 the Norwegian government granted her a honorary pension from the state treasury, recognizing the Princess's involvement in public life & efforts made for Norway, on the occasion of her 70th Birthday. Princess Astrid attended official events during the reign of her brother, King Harald V from 1991, and was the only member of The Royal Family bearing personal medals of three Kings. She had a series of recognitions in sports (including Holmenkollen medal & Ski Association's Birkebeiner Plaque), but first & foremost was a dog lover: from the age of two Her Highness had always had dogs. Her latest pet, a Chihuahua named Wilma, was adopted from a rehoming center, and was notably sitting on Astrid's lap in all the engagements she attended on a wheelchair since 2024. Wilma died just days after the Princess, whose health had been challenged with a bout of pneumonia & heart failure in her final, 95th year.

Princess Astrid died on 11 September 2026 at Rigshospitalitet (The National University Hospital of Oslo), where she last visited 15 days earlier, to be at her brother's death bed. She was 94, and had attended the Funeral & Committal Services of King Harald less than 48 hours earlier. She passed away peacefully, two weeks after entering into the fourth reign of her life, that of her nephew, King Haakon VIII. His Majesty issued a statement, remembering his aunt's commitment to her tasks, care about the most vulnerable, "infectious spirit" & fearlessness "to speak up". He decided that flags at the Royal Palace be flown at half mast throughout the day, and again on the day of her funeral. While national mourning for King Harald V had ended on September 9, The Royal Court's mourning lasted another month. Books of Condolences opened both online & in person, and officials went to the Palace to commemorate the late Princess, for whom floral tributes joined the remainder of her brother's outside. Her children remembered "the best mother we could have", expressing her their gratitude for her entire presence, with "love, wisdom & good humor" & for assisting several Kings, in a separate statement.

The funeral of Princess Astrid took place 12 days later, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 13:00' at Ris Church, in Oslo. The State Funded, live-broadcasted, service, was attended by the entire Norwegian Royal Family & members of other Royal Families (Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Princess Astrid & Prince Lorenz of Belgium, Prince Jean of Luxembourg & Princess Margaretha of Liechtenstein). The flag-drapped coffin was surrounded by two guards of honour, with her medal of St. Olav's Order on its footing, alongside numerous wreaths & floral tributes. The service, presided by Parish Priest Paul Erik Wirgenes & The Bishop of Oslo, Sunniva Gylner, included both funny (Finance Minister Stoltenberg's reflections) & moving elements (grandchildren & great-grandchildren laying flowers on her coffin). But the most poignant moment, came at the end; The King, joined his first cousins, Cathrine, Benedikte, Alexander, Elisabeth & Carl-Christian, in carrying their mother's coffin outside the Church to a hearse; on its way to her final resting place, by the side of her husband. King Haakon, whose reign Princess Astrid launched, carried his aunt on her final journey, which saw unvawering support to The Monarchy.

Princess Astrid was the embodiment of her generation's unique identical connection with Service for an entire lifetime. She was the world's oldest 'working royal', the longest-living member of The Norwegian Royal Family & the last who was part of its story firsthand. In that sense, her death is the end of an era.