A video showing King Mswati III of Eswatini arriving in Abu Dhabi aboard a private jet with his 15 wives, 30 children, and 100 aides has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread debate over his lavish lifestyle.
According to reports, the Eswatini monarch arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in July, where he received a grand welcome. The video, recently circulated online, shows the royal entourage stepping off the luxury aircraft, attracting global attention for the sheer scale of the king’s travel party.
King Mswati III, who has ruled Eswatini since 1986, is one of the world’s few remaining absolute monarchs. He inherited the throne following the death of his father, King Sobhuza II, who is known to have had more than 70 wives and numerous children. Mswati himself is reported to have over 15 wives and several dozen children.
However, the viral video has drawn sharp criticism from Eswatini citizens and international observers. Many social media users condemned the king’s display of wealth, contrasting it with the severe poverty and unemployment faced by people in the small southern African nation.
While King Mswati is known for his opulent lifestyle and frequent international trips, the latest video has reignited debates about inequality and governance in Eswatini, one of Africa’s last remaining monarchies.
The Eswatini royal palace has not issued any official statement regarding the viral footage.
