This Is the Kingdom of Eswatini: A King with a Wild Polygamous Life of Up to 70 Wives

Mbabane, November 12, 2025 – Nestled in southern Africa lies the tiny kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), ruled by King Mswati III since 1986. This 17,364 km² nation is Africa’s last absolute monarchy, where the king holds total power — including the tradition of selecting dozens of wives through an annual ritual. Crazy fact: the king now has 15 official wives + 55 "prospects", totaling nearly 70 women in his palace! This isn’t a fairy tale — it’s a reality that leaves the world stunned.

King Mswati III: A Wealthy Ruler with 15 Official Wives

At 57, the king is known as Africa’s richest monarch, with a personal fortune of $200 million from mines, real estate, and telecom stakes. Every year, he hosts the Umhlanga (Reed Dance): thousands of virgins dance topless before him, and he picks one to become his newest wife. His first wife, Inkhosikati LaMbikiza, is the chief queen; the others live in luxurious individual palaces, all funded by the state.

Polygamy Tradition: From Culture to Global Criticism

Polygamy has been a Swazi custom since the 19th century, symbolizing status and tribal alliances. But Mswati takes it to extremes:  

- Wife #13 fled to England (2004) due to strict palace rules.

- Wife #11 was accused of infidelity and exiled.

- Cost of one royal wedding: $1 million, including a BMW and a mansion.

Human rights activists condemn it fiercely: “This is exploitation of women in the 21st century,” says Mary Pais Da Silva of Amnesty International. Especially alarming: Eswatini has the world’s highest HIV rate (27%), and polygamy is blamed for worsening the epidemic.

Eswatini Today: Poor but Loyal to the King

While the king lives in opulence, 60% of citizens live below the poverty line. Pro-democracy protests are routinely crushed by police. Yet many locals still revere tradition: “The king is ngwenyama (the lion), guardian of our culture,” says a village chief.

Eswatini proves that absolute monarchy still thrives — complete with private jets, golden palaces, and a massive harem. In an era of gender equality, this kingdom stands as a mirror of contradictions: grand, ancient, and full of mystery.