An old video of Eswatini’s King Mswati III landing in Abu Dhabi has resurfaced, drawing global attention to the monarch’s extravagant lifestyle.
The footage, originally circulated in July, shows the king arriving with a staggering entourage of wives, children, and aides, prompting widespread criticism.
King Mswati III Arrives in Style: 15 Wives, 100 Aides
The video captures the African king stepping off a private jet, clad in traditional attire, followed by elegantly dressed women. A text overlay on the clip reads: “Swaziland king arrived at Abu Dhabi with 15 wives and 100 servants. His father, King Sobhuza II, had 125 wives.”
Reports indicate that the royal party also included around 30 of the king’s children. The massive delegation allegedly caused temporary disruptions at Abu Dhabi airport, forcing security officials to close multiple terminals to accommodate the royal entourage.
Public Reaction: Outrage Over Excess Amid Poverty
Social media users reacted sharply to the display of wealth. Many highlighted the stark contrast between the king’s opulence and the daily struggles faced by citizens of Eswatini. Comments ranged from criticism of the monarchy to sarcastic humour:
“All this while his people have no electricity or running water.”
“Is this a rich enough country to afford a private jet?”
“Is there any coordinator in his house to manage all his wives?”
Some posts condemned the king’s lavish lifestyle more harshly, pointing out the plight of ordinary citizens. “This person roams in private jets while his people starve to death,” one user wrote.
The Wealth Behind the Throne
King Mswati III, Africa’s last absolute monarch, has ruled Eswatini since 1986. Reports suggest his personal fortune exceeds $1 billion, derived from shares in industries including construction, tourism, agriculture, telecommunications, and forestry.
While the royal family enjoys immense wealth, the kingdom struggles with collapsed health and education systems, shortages of medicines in public hospitals, and financially burdened students dropping out of universities reliant on donations.
According to the World Bank, unemployment surged from 23% to 33.3% in 2021 amid rising costs of basic commodities. Nearly 60% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Royal Customs: The Reed Dance and Annual Bride Selection
King Mswati III is also known for adhering to traditional royal customs. Every year, he reportedly selects a new bride during the Reed Dance ceremony, a centuries-old ritual that has drawn both admiration and criticism internationally.
While the Reed Dance celebrates culture and tradition, critics argue it highlights inequality, given the stark differences between royal wealth and citizens’ daily hardships.
Lavish Lifestyle vs Citizens’ Struggles: A Global Conversation
The resurfaced video has reignited debates about monarchy and accountability, particularly in countries where citizens face economic challenges.
The contrast between King Mswati III’s luxurious lifestyle and the realities of Eswatini’s population has become a talking point on social media, with global users questioning the fairness and sustainability of such wealth concentration.
Inputs from agencies
The footage, originally circulated in July, shows the king arriving with a staggering entourage of wives, children, and aides, prompting widespread criticism.
King Mswati III Arrives in Style: 15 Wives, 100 Aides
The video captures the African king stepping off a private jet, clad in traditional attire, followed by elegantly dressed women. A text overlay on the clip reads: “Swaziland king arrived at Abu Dhabi with 15 wives and 100 servants. His father, King Sobhuza II, had 125 wives.”
Reports indicate that the royal party also included around 30 of the king’s children. The massive delegation allegedly caused temporary disruptions at Abu Dhabi airport, forcing security officials to close multiple terminals to accommodate the royal entourage.
Public Reaction: Outrage Over Excess Amid Poverty
Social media users reacted sharply to the display of wealth. Many highlighted the stark contrast between the king’s opulence and the daily struggles faced by citizens of Eswatini. Comments ranged from criticism of the monarchy to sarcastic humour:
“All this while his people have no electricity or running water.”
“Is this a rich enough country to afford a private jet?”
“Is there any coordinator in his house to manage all his wives?”
Some posts condemned the king’s lavish lifestyle more harshly, pointing out the plight of ordinary citizens. “This person roams in private jets while his people starve to death,” one user wrote.
The Wealth Behind the Throne
King Mswati III, Africa’s last absolute monarch, has ruled Eswatini since 1986. Reports suggest his personal fortune exceeds $1 billion, derived from shares in industries including construction, tourism, agriculture, telecommunications, and forestry.
While the royal family enjoys immense wealth, the kingdom struggles with collapsed health and education systems, shortages of medicines in public hospitals, and financially burdened students dropping out of universities reliant on donations.
According to the World Bank, unemployment surged from 23% to 33.3% in 2021 amid rising costs of basic commodities. Nearly 60% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Royal Customs: The Reed Dance and Annual Bride Selection
King Mswati III is also known for adhering to traditional royal customs. Every year, he reportedly selects a new bride during the Reed Dance ceremony, a centuries-old ritual that has drawn both admiration and criticism internationally.
While the Reed Dance celebrates culture and tradition, critics argue it highlights inequality, given the stark differences between royal wealth and citizens’ daily hardships.
Lavish Lifestyle vs Citizens’ Struggles: A Global Conversation
The resurfaced video has reignited debates about monarchy and accountability, particularly in countries where citizens face economic challenges.
The contrast between King Mswati III’s luxurious lifestyle and the realities of Eswatini’s population has become a talking point on social media, with global users questioning the fairness and sustainability of such wealth concentration.
Inputs from agencies
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