Moshoeshoe II of Lesotho

Moshoeshoe II (2 May 1938 – 15 January 1996), previously known as Constantine Bereng Seeiso, was Paramount Chief of Basutoland, succeeding Paramount Chief Seeiso from 1960 until the country gained full independence from Britain in 1966. He was King of Lesotho from 1966 until his exile in 1990, and from 1995 until his death in 1996.

Early life

Moshoeshoe was born with the name Constantine Bereng Seeiso and was the descendant of the founder of the nation, Moshoeshoe I, which is where he got his royal name. The young Seeiso was educated at the Roma College in Lesotho, then (apparently fleeing rumours that his stepfather planned to poison him) was sent to England, first to Ampleforth College and later to Corpus Christi College, Oxford. While there, he took to the life of an English country gentleman, including hunting, shooting, and fishing.

Family

Moshoeshoe married Princess Tabitha 'Masentle Lerotholi Mojela (later known as Queen 'Mamohato of Lesotho) in 1962, and with her had two sons and one daughter: Grand Master of the Most Courteous Order of Lesotho.

Foreign honours Supreme Companion of the Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo (posthumous, 20 April 2006). Iran : Commemorative Medal of the 2500th Anniversary of the founding of the Persian Empire (14 October 1971).