The Zulu king has joined a large number of mourners throughout the globe in honouring the late British Queen Elizabeth II.
The death of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history and a figure immediately recognisable to billions of people worldwide, was announced on Thursday by Buckingham Palace. She passed away at the age of 96.
Following the queen’s record-breaking 70-year reign, her oldest son Charles, 73, instantly assumes the throne in accordance with centuries of tradition, ushering in a new, less secure chapter for the royal family.
His title will be King Charles III.
May God console the British people, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the traditional prime minister of the Zulus, said in a message released late on Thursday night on behalf of King Misuzulu KaZwelithini and the Zulu royal family.
“In this tragic hour as we mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I extend our deepest condolences to the House of Windsor on behalf of His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and the Zulu Royal Family, as well as on my own behalf as the traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and nation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Prime Minister Liz Truss as she leads a country in grief, as well as with the Royal Family.
“May God comfort the people of the United Kingdom and everyone else who held Her Majesty the Queen in such high regard and love.
“His Majesty the King, with whom I have had a cherished friendship for many years, has my personal condolences. It has been an honour for me to receive His Majesty’s hospitality and to have given it in Ulundi.
Buthelezi spoke on behalf of the Zulu royal family and said, “I have always admired his principled approach to his duties and his people.
He added that no words could comfort the British people in this trying time and that he had a special message for the new British King.
“This was undoubtedly something his adored mother, who devoted her entire life to serving her country, instilled in him.
Her rule was both extended and admirable. We will never forget her sincere concern and compassion for her people.
“In this gloomy time, we are grateful for a magnificent Queen who ruled with real dignity. No words can adequately convey our sadness.
“May Her Majesty find tranquilly and climb to glorious heights. “The King lives,” he concluded.