The late king left six wives and at least 28 children, with competing claims to the throne being fought through the courts
Saluted by leopardskin-clad warriors and feted by dancing choirs, South Africa’s Zulu monarch has taken the throne at a state coronation, ending an acrimonious succession battle.
While King Charles mulls a toned down ceremony for next year, King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini’s own coronation was celebrated by tens of thousands in joyful splendour.
The ceremony where the king received official recognition from the president, Cyril Ramaphosa, was the first since 1971 and therefore the first time a new Zulu monarch has been acknowledged by a black premier.
The ceremony also appeared to put an end to a bitter succession battle fought through the courts since the death of the late king, King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu.