Moshoeshoe II of Lesotho

Moshoeshoe II was king of Lesotho from 1960 to 1966 and again from 1970 until his death in 1996. His reign was marked by conflict with governments that challenged royal authority.

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1966 Lesotho Constitution: Lesotho’s independence-era constitution established a parliamentary system and defined the powers of the monarchy. Its limits on royal authority became a central point of conflict during his first reign.
Moshoeshoe I: Moshoeshoe I founded the Basotho nation and established the kingdom that became modern Lesotho in the nineteenth century. Moshoeshoe II inherited the name and throne of the kingdom’s founding ruler.
Letsie III: Letsie III is king of Lesotho and the son of Moshoeshoe II. He replaced his father in 1990 and succeeded him permanently in 1996.
Lesotho independence: Lesotho became an independent constitutional monarchy on 4 October 1966, ending British colonial rule. Moshoeshoe II became king at independence, though executive power rested with the government.
Lesotho coup of 1970: A political crisis in Lesotho in 1970 led Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan to suspend the constitution and rule by decree. The coup followed a disputed election and ended Moshoeshoe II’s effective rule.
Simon Seeiso Griffith: Simon Seeiso Griffith was a Basotho chief and king of Lesotho from 1940 until his death in 1960. He was Moshoeshoe II’s father and immediate predecessor as king.
Justin Metsing Lekhanya: Justin Metsing Lekhanya was a Lesotho military officer and politician who led the 1986 coup and governed until 1991. His military government deposed Moshoeshoe II and later permitted his return.
Moshoeshoe II’s exile in the Netherlands: Moshoeshoe II lived in the Netherlands after the 1970 political crisis forced him from Lesotho. His first exile followed the suspension of the constitution by Leabua Jonathan.
Leabua Jonathan: Leabua Jonathan was Lesotho’s prime minister from independence in 1966 until a military coup removed him in 1986. His government suspended the constitution and sent Moshoeshoe II into exile.
Bereng Griffith: Bereng Griffith was a son of Moshoeshoe II and became king of Lesotho as Letsie III. He succeeded his father during the 1990 crisis and again after his death.