Letsie III

1.1. Birth and Family

Letsie III was born on 17 July 1963, at the Scott Hospital in Morija, a town located south of the capital city, Maseru. His birth name was Mohato Bereng Seeiso, also known as David Mohato Bereng Seeiso. He is the eldest son of Moshoeshoe II, the former King of Lesotho, and Queen 'Mamohato Bereng Seeiso. He has a younger brother, Prince Seeiso, and a sister, Princess Constance 'Maseeiso. Upon the establishment of the Kingdom of Lesotho in 1966 and his father's accession to the throne, Letsie III became the Crown Prince.

1.2. Education

Letsie III received his early education in the United Kingdom at Ampleforth College. Following this, he pursued higher education at the National University of Lesotho, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Law. He continued his studies abroad, obtaining a Diploma in English Legal Studies from the University of Bristol in 1986. He then studied Development Studies at Wolfson College, Cambridge, in 1989, and Agricultural Economics at Wye College, which was then part of the University of London. He completed his studies in 1989 and returned to Lesotho. On 16 December 1989, he was installed as the Principal Chief of Matsieng.

2.1. Succession to the Throne

Letsie III's path to the throne involved two distinct accessions due to the political landscape of Lesotho. His first accession occurred in 1990 when his father, King Moshoeshoe II, was forced into exile by a military regime led by Justin Lekhanya. Letsie III was installed as the second King of Lesotho in November 1990. However, his initial reign was tumultuous. In August 1994, amid a conflict with then-Prime Minister Ntsu Mokhehle, King Letsie III unilaterally suspended the constitution and dissolved the parliament and cabinet, an event known as the Lesotho Crisis. This action led to widespread general strikes and public protests, which made direct rule untenable. During the suppression of these protests, some citizens were killed by police and military forces. Consequently, he was compelled to abdicate in September 1994.

In January 1995, through mediation efforts primarily led by South Africa, Moshoeshoe II was restored to the throne. Letsie III reverted to his position as Crown Prince. However, Moshoeshoe II tragically died in a car crash in early 1996. Following his father's death, Letsie III was re-crowned as the fourth King of Lesotho on 7 February 1996.

2.2. Coronation

The formal coronation of King Letsie III took place on 31 October 1997, at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru. The ceremony marked the official establishment of his royal authority. Among the notable international dignitaries who attended the event was King Charles III, who was then the Prince of Wales.

2.3. Role as Constitutional Monarch

As a constitutional monarch, King Letsie III's duties and responsibilities are primarily ceremonial and symbolic within Lesotho's democratic framework. His role involves representing the nation, upholding the constitution, and acting as a unifying figure for the Basotho people. He does not hold executive power, which rests with the elected government. His functions include opening parliament, assenting to legislation, and serving as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, though these are largely performed on the advice of the government.

2.4. Political Events and Rule

Beyond his ceremonial duties, King Letsie III has taken proactive stances on critical national issues. A significant event during his reign was his declaration of HIV/AIDS in Lesotho as a natural disaster in 2000. This declaration was a pivotal moment, prompting an immediate and robust national and international response to the devastating epidemic that had severely impacted Lesotho. His action highlighted the urgency of the crisis and mobilized resources for prevention, treatment, and support programs. This initiative underscored his commitment to public health and the welfare of his people.

3.1. Marriage and Children

In 2000, King Letsie III married Karabo Motšoeneng, who subsequently became Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso. Their marriage has resulted in three children, ensuring the continuation of the royal lineage:

• Princess Mary Senate Mohato Seeiso, born on 7 October 2001, at Maseru Private Hospital in Maseru.
• Princess 'Maseeiso Mohato Seeiso, born on 20 November 2004, at Maseru Private Hospital in Maseru.
• Prince Lerotholi David Mohato Bereng Seeiso, the heir apparent, born on 18 April 2007, at Maseru Private Hospital in Maseru.

3.2. Religion

King Letsie III is a devout Catholic, making him one of only two Catholic sovereigns of non-European lineage globally, the other being the Māori Queen Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō. His adherence to Catholicism is believed to inform his personal values and public engagements, particularly in areas related to social welfare and ethical considerations. He is a member of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George and has been recognized for promoting the principles of his Catholic faith within Lesotho.

4.1. National Honours

As the monarch, King Letsie III serves as the Grand Master of several distinguished national orders of Lesotho. These include:

• Grand Master of the Most Dignified Order of Moshoeshoe (Order of Dignity).
• Grand Master of the Most Courteous Order of Lesotho.
• Grand Master of the Most Meritorious Order of Mohlomi (Order of Achievement).
• Grand Master of the Most Loyal Order of Ramatseatsane (Distinguished Service Order).
• Grand Master of the Most Gallant Order of Makoanyane (Order of Bravery).
• He is also a recipient of the Outstanding Service Medal.

4.2. Foreign Honours

King Letsie III has received foreign honours that acknowledge his diplomatic relations and international standing:

• Two Sicilian Royal Family: Bailiff Knight Grand Cross of Justice of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George (awarded on 8 October 2013).

4.3. Patronages

King Letsie III actively supports various causes and organizations. He is the Patron of the Prince Mohato Award, also known as Khau ea Khosana Mohato^{Sotho, Southern}, an initiative dedicated to youth development and community welfare in Lesotho.

6.1. FAO Special Ambassador for Nutrition

On 1 December 2016, in Rome, King Letsie III was appointed as the Food and Agriculture Organization's newest Special Ambassador for Nutrition by the Organization's Director-General, José Graziano da Silva. In this role, he has dedicated efforts to combating malnutrition and promoting food security, particularly in Africa, aligning with the FAO's global initiatives.

6.2. Diplomatic Engagements and State Visits

King Letsie III has undertaken numerous official visits to various countries, strengthening bilateral relations and fostering cultural understanding.

He made his first official visit to Japan as King in late November 2016, accompanied by Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso, marking the first visit by a Lesotho monarch in 27 years. During this visit, they traveled to the Capital Region, Kansai, and Soma City in Fukushima Prefecture, an area affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. In Soma City, he held discussions with Fukushima Governor Masao Uchibori and Mayor Hideki Tachiya, expressing deep sympathy for the victims and encouraging the ongoing reconstruction efforts. He stated his commitment to continue standing in solidarity with the affected people and emphasized that the efforts towards recovery would honor the lost lives and provide future strength. While in Soma, the King and Queen also laid wreaths at the Densho Chinkon Kinenkan memorial and planted trees at the Matsukawaura Environmental Park. On 21 October 2019, he met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace, and subsequently attended the Enthronement Ceremony of Emperor Naruhito on 22 October 2019.

King Letsie III has also made several visits to Thailand, both as a royal guest and for private engagements. On 11 June 2006, he and Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso attended the 60th anniversary celebrations of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne, marking their first visit to Thailand. During this visit, they toured significant sites in Bangkok and the Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Centre in Chiang Mai. On 2 November 2016, he returned to Thailand to pay respects to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. On 25 October 2017, he and Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso participated in the royal cremation ceremony of King Bhumibol Adulyadej as guests of the Thai government. On 8 September 2019, they attended the funeral of M.R. Kitiwatana Pakmonthree, the mother of Awatsada Pakmonthree, wife of the Honorary Consul-General of Lesotho in Thailand. The following day, on 9 September 2019, the King and Queen held a private meeting with Chalermchai Sri-on, the Thai Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, to exchange experiences in agriculture. On 11 September 2019, they joined the "The Simply Exceptional 2019 Gala Dinner" alongside representatives from the Thai and Belgian royal families. On 12 September 2019, King Letsie III was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree in Agriculture by Prince of Songkla University in recognition of his efforts in promoting the New Theory Agriculture model in Lesotho.

7.1. Positive Contributions

King Letsie III has made notable positive contributions to Lesotho, particularly in the areas of public health and social welfare. His declaration of HIV/AIDS as a natural disaster in 2000 was a crucial step that mobilized national and international efforts to combat the epidemic, significantly impacting public health outcomes. His personal commitment to Catholicism and his role in promoting its principles are seen as contributing to social justice and ethical considerations within the nation. Furthermore, his patronage of initiatives like the Prince Mohato Award demonstrates his dedication to youth development and community welfare, fostering a sense of responsibility and engagement among younger generations. His engagement in agricultural initiatives, recognized by the honorary doctorate from Prince of Songkla University, reflects his practical efforts to improve food security and the livelihoods of vulnerable populations.

7.2. Criticism and Controversy

Despite his positive contributions, King Letsie III's reign has not been without criticism and controversy. The most significant period of instability occurred in 1994, when he unilaterally suspended the constitution and dissolved the parliament and cabinet due to a conflict with the then-Prime Minister. This action led to widespread public protests, which were met with force by police and military, resulting in casualties among citizens. This period of political upheaval and the brief abdication that followed represent a challenging chapter in his rule, highlighting the complexities of governance and the delicate balance of power within Lesotho's democratic framework.