1. Overview
Prince Lerotholi Seeiso is the current heir apparent to the Lesotho throne, a position he has held since his birth. As the only son of King Letsie III and Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso, his status is determined by the principles of male-preference primogeniture within the monarchy of Lesotho. This article details his early life, family background, the specifics of his christening, and his place in the line of succession.
2. Early Life and Family
Prince Lerotholi Seeiso's early life is marked by his birth into the Lesotho royal family as the successor to the throne, followed by his christening which formalized his place within the royal lineage.
2.1. Birth and Family Background
q=Maseru, Lesotho|position=right
Prince Lerotholi Mohato Bereng Seeiso was born on April 18, 2007, at Maseru Private Hospital in Maseru, the capital city of Lesotho. He is the third child and only son of King Letsie III of Lesotho and Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso. He has two older sisters: Princess Senate Seeiso and Princess 'Maseeiso Seeiso. His birth as the only son secured his position as the direct heir to the throne, in accordance with the country's succession laws favoring male lineage.
2.2. Naming and Christening
Prince Lerotholi was named after Lerotholi, who served as the Paramount Chief of Basuto from 1891 to 1905, signifying a connection to a historical figure in Lesotho's leadership. He was also christened with the name "David".
q=Matsieng, Lesotho|position=left
The christening ceremony took place on June 2, 2007, at the Saint Louis Church in Matsieng, a significant historical and royal site within the Maseru District. The ceremony was officiated by Bernard Mohlalisi, the Archbishop of Maseru and head of the Catholic Church in Lesotho. Lerotholi Seeiso, who holds the title of Principal Chief of Likhoele in the Mafeteng District, served as the Prince's godfather during the christening.
3. Heir Apparent
Prince Lerotholi Seeiso holds the distinguished status of being the current heir apparent to the throne of Lesotho. This designation means he is the first in line to succeed his father, King Letsie III, as the monarch of the kingdom. His position as heir apparent was established at birth. The line of succession in Lesotho operates on the principle of male-preference primogeniture, where male heirs are given precedence over female heirs, even if the females are older. This rule ensures that a son, regardless of being the youngest child, takes precedence in inheriting the throne before any older sisters. Following Prince Lerotholi in the line of succession is his uncle, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho.
4. Ancestry
The following table illustrates the ancestry of Prince Lerotholi Seeiso, tracing his lineage through his paternal and maternal grandparents.
| 1. Prince Lerotholi Seeiso of Lesotho | |
|---|---|
| 2. King Letsie III of Lesotho | |
| 3. Anna Karabo Mots'oeneng | |
| 4. King Moshoeshoe II of Lesotho | |
| 5. Princess Tabitha 'Masentle Lerotholi Mojela | |
| 6. Thekiso Mots'oeneng | |
| 7. 'Makarabo | |
| 8. Simon Seeiso, Paramount Chief of Basutoland | |
| 9. 'Mabereng | |
| 10. Lerotholi Mojela, Chief of Tsakholo |