Swaziland’s Princess Sikhanyiso

The oldest daughter of King Msawti III of Swaziland continues to make a name for herself all over the world.

Princess Sikhanyiso of Swaziland is making quite a name for herself.  She was the ONE African that made the Forbes “20 Hottest Young Royals” in the world.

She came in at number 20.  Her father is King Mswati III and she is his oldest child.  King Mswati III was crowned King in 1986 at just 18 years and 6 days old making him the youngest reigning monarch.  The public remains fascinated with King Mswati III and his family.  A reason for this is the luxurious lifestyle they led and the number of wives and children the King has.  His 14 wives are a small number in comparision to his father who had 70 wives.  Another fascinating thing about this roayal family is that they are as much traditional as they are modern.

Princess Sikhanyiso has been stealing the show since she was 14 and started making headlines of her own.  Under ancient Swazi tradition girls under 18 were expected to wear a set of blue and yellow tassels, while older girls wore red and black tassels as a sign that they were still virgins. The King announced the tradition was being reintroduced in an effort to combat AIDS, which has killed more than 50,000 people in the tiny mountain kingdom and Princess Sikhanyiso wore the tassels.  She made international headlines again when at 17 she threw a party complete with loud music and booze and was given a beating for it.

Princess Sikhanyiso played a major part in the documentary, Without The King, a hard look at the Swaziland monarchy.  It was apparent from watching the documentary that Princess Sikhanyiso loves her country and it’s traditions deeply but struggles with them as well.  She understands polygamy but it has affected her.  She also struggles with her priveledge knowing that other’s in her country are suffering.

Princess Sikhanyiso studied in California and is a very talented aspiring rapper that goes by the name, Pashu.  You can hear her music here.

You can see video from the “20 Hottest Young Royals” and the princess’ 21st birthday below

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q690saeUOFw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Am7w_5wzrkM