,

Forget Prince William, Here are Even More African Royals to Keep Your Eye On

While the Brits are handling business in Europe, there are entire Black royal dynasties that most of us don’t even know about.

The British royals have had a hard time in 2024. From cancer diagnoses and ongoing drama surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle all the way to Jamaica taking another step to officially break up with King Charles III, last year proved to be quite interesting for the British royal family.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?

For a lot of the world, all eyes on the British royals means that’s all we have... or at least that’s what we thought. However, while the Brits are handling business in Europe, there are entire Black royal dynasties that most don’t even know about... but that all changes in 2025!

Many African royals come from diverse educational, political, and even ethnic backgrounds, and with so much to love in the motherland, it’s about time we show African royals some much-needed appreciation. From Morocco all the way to Lesotho, here’s a list of African royals who are doing the damn thing!

Prince Sihlobosenkosi KaZwelithini (South Africa)

Screenshot: Instagram

Prince Sihlobosenkosi Zulu is the son of late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu of Zulu kingdom and his second wife, Queen Buhle Mathe Zulu of KwaDlamahlahla Royal Palace. He recently married Ndlunkulu Lesedi MaMolefe.

King Mswati III (Eswatini)

Photo: Getty Images Bess Adler

King Mswati III is Africa’s last absolute monarch. He first came into power in 1986. As an absolute monarch, Mswati III has veto power over all branches of government and is constitutionally immune from prosecution.

Superior Chief Michel Gaelle Mahouve IV (Cameroon)

Screenshot: Instagram

Michel Gaelle Mahouve IV acts as the royal leader of Cameroon. She’s part of the Batanga Lohove people— also known as people of the water— where she is the real life “Woman King.” According to Instagram, Mahouve IV just celebrated her 3rd coronation anniversary.

Queen Sylvia Nagginda of Buganda (Uganda)

Photo: Getty Images Michel Setboun

Her Royal Highness the Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda is the wife of the King of Buganda, King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, according to the Network of African Women Environmentalists. She is regarded as an humanitarian for her transformational leadership and her work in empowering the youth, advocating for disability rights and women’s rights.

King Amon N’Douffou V (Ivory Coast)

Photo: Getty Images ISSOUF SANOGO

King Amon N’Douffou V took over the throne in 2005, and his enthronement was met with national celebration, according to AllAfrica. In 2009, the king named civil rights leader Jesse Jackson a prince of the Kingdom of Sanwi. Jackson marked the second person to receive the title from King Amon. The first person was Michael Jackson.

LisaRaye McCoy (Ghana)

Photo: Getty Images Amanda Edwards

Actress Lisa Raye McCoy was named the Queen Mother of Ghana by King Yahweh, at a ceremony in Los Angeles in 2019. She did have a crowning ceremony, but there has been criticism of the legitimacy of the title. Lisa Raye was also the First Lady of Turk and Caicos in 2006 when she married Michael Misick, the former Premier of the Turks and Caicos.

David Oyelowo (Nigeria)

Photo: Getty Images Alberto E. Rodriguez

Actor David Oyelowo is a prince in Nigeria. His grandfather was the King of Awe in the Oyo State. In an interview with NPR, Oyelowo said that he does not flaunt this title because royal families are “a dime in a dozen,” in Nigeria.

Princess Akua Ohenewaa Asieanem of Kokobin (Ghana)

Photo: Facebook

The princess, who also goes by “Stephanie Benson,” was raised royal her whole life. At just 14 years old, Benson was sent to Britain to prepare for her role as Queen, but while working at De Beers, she fell in love with John Benson and the couple eventually wed, according to BBC. The princess is still a Ghanaian royal, but she spends her time pursuing her career as a singer.

King Kwongo Dak Padiet (Sudan)

Screenshot: Eyeradio.org

The 35th Reth — or King — of the Shilluk Kingdom in Sudan came to power in 1993. At the time of his coronation, Sudan was in the middle of a bloody civil war, which didn’t end until 2005. Most recently, King Kwongo has been criticized for banning non-traditional wedding practices in his kingdom, according to eyeradio.org. According to him, these decrees are in efforts to preserve the traditions and culture of his people.

Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso (Lesotho)

Photo: PHILL MAGAKOE

‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso is the Queen of Lesotho and the wife of King Letsie III of Lesotho. According to Lesotho records, she was the first commoner in modern history to marry into the country’s royal family. Since becoming queen, ‘Masenate has used her power to advocate for projects related to HIV/AIDS in addition to donating to several charities.

King Misuzulu Zulu (South Africa)

Screenshot: Instagram

After the death of his father, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, in 2021, Misuzulu Zulu came to power over the Zulu nation. He is one of 28 children, according to dw.com. After his father’s death, Misuzulu’s rise to power ruffled quite a few feathers in his own family, with many calling his coronation unlawful.

Princess Esther Kamatari (Burundi)

Photo: Getty Images JOEL SAGET

Esther Kamatari went from being Burundi’s exiled princess to France’s first Black model after fleeing from her home country. She decided to step away from her royal life and move to France after her father, Prince Ignace Kamatari, was assassinated when she was only 13, according to Business Insider.

Oba Ewuare II (Benin)

Photo: Getty Images PIUS UTOMI EKPEI

Born Eheneden Erediauwa, the Benin royal values education and public service. Before taking the throne, Ewuare spent much time in Great Britain pursuing his education. He holds a degree in economics and a master’s degree from New Jersey’s Rutgers University, according to newsplus.ng.

Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini (Eswatini)

Photo: Getty Images Nic Gibson

Her father, King Mswati III, is Africa’s last absolute monarchy. In his role, the king has unrestricted political power and can rule by decree, according to Eswatini law. His eldest daughter, Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini, is the country’s former Minister of Information and Communication Technology.

King Mohammed VI (Morocco)

Photo: Getty Images Carlos Alvarez

The king first came to power in 1999, just hours after his father died of a heart attack, according to BBC. King Mohammed VI is now regarded as one of the wealthiest royals in the world. According to Business Insider, his net worth was around $2.1 billion as of 2019.

Princess Joan Nassolo (Buganda)

Photo: Joan Nassolo Foundation

While most royals like to lavish in their wealth and status, Buganda Princess Joan Nassolo has created a career of her own by advocating and helping others. She has her own non-profit organization committed to environmental conservation, cultural heritage preservation, and youth empowerment. Nassolo holds a title belt for the East and Central Xtra Combat Muay Thai Women’s Championship, according to the Joan Nassolo Foundation. She is also the creator and author of the Legend Of Buganda Comic Book Series.

King Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan (Nigeria)

Photo: OAUS Tech

Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan is the current traditional ruler of Ugbo Kingson. He is the founder of Obat Oil, one of Nigeria’s largest and leading privately held oil companies, according to The Capital. Apparently, Akinruntan’s rise to power was set in stone from his childhood. “There were two separate prophecies that Iwas going to be an Oba [King],” he told The Capital.

Queen Nhakatolo Anabela Ngambo Kaumba (Angola)

Screenshot: Instagram

The death of Angola’s Queen Nhacatolo Chilombo Tchissengo in 2023 devastated the country. In her place, Queen Nhakatolo Anabela Ngambo Kaumba took the throne and was coronated in 2024. Kaumba marks the newest addition to the only women throne— meaning only women can sit on the throne with the title “nhakatolo.”

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

The Best, Black TV Shows, Movies to Stream on AppleTV+

The Best, Black TV Shows, Movies to Stream on AppleTV+

From Brian Tyree Henry getting down and dirty to David Oyelowo searching for a fresh start: we've got what you need to watch! ...
Have You Heard of The Tragic Story of Phyllis Hyman, a Beautiful, Soulful Singer Derailed By Her Own Demons?

Have You Heard of The Tragic Story of Phyllis Hyman, a Beautiful, Soulful Singer Derailed By Her Own Demons?

The soulful singer, known for hits like "Living All Alone and "You Know How to Love Me" died just days before her 46th birthday ...

'Sinners' Releases in Black American Sign Language. Here's What That Means

‘Sinners’ Releases in Black American Sign Language. Here’s What That Means

The deaf community was plagued by racial segregation, so Black Americans decided to create their own rendition of the language to serve their communities ...
A Burger King Employee Throws a Drink on a Child in Viral Video, and Black TikTok Goes Nuts

A Burger King Employee Throws a Drink on a Child in Viral Video, and Black TikTok Goes Nuts

The video of the volatile incident is making rounds on the internet and has everyone talking ...
Why NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Tried To Play The Black Card...Literally

Why NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Tried To Play The Black Card…Literally

Mamdani appears to have an interesting past when it comes to how he identifies racially, but what's it really all about? ...
If Poor Black, White People Unite, They'd Be An Unstoppable Force, But Here's Why The Powers That Be Won't Let Them

If Poor Black, White People Unite, They’d Be An Unstoppable Force, But Here’s Why The Powers That Be Won’t Let Them

We need to understand that America's current racial political divisions did not happen naturally. People in power did not want Black and white people to work together ...
What Diddy Will Eating and Doing In Prison This Fourth Of July

What Diddy Will Eating and Doing In Prison This Fourth Of July

Wondering what Diddy will be eating and Doing this holiday? Here's all the tea ...
A White Male TikToker Decided To Use Black Hair Relaxer... The Results Will Surprise You

A White Male TikToker Decided To Use Black Hair Relaxer… The Results Will Surprise You

A white TikTok Creator decided to use relaxer on his hair and... it worked? ...
Diddy's Best Friend Charlie Liucci is Being <i>Loud</i> About His Next Moves Will Be Following Acquittal

Diddy’s Best Friend Charlie Liucci is Being Loud About His Next Moves Will Be Following Acquittal

He's been spotted wearing "FREE PUFF" merch, now, Charlie Liucci has an inside scoop on what Diddy will do once released ...
How Baltimore Beat 'The Wire' Homicide Curse Under This Black Mayor

How Baltimore Beat ‘The Wire’ Homicide Curse Under This Black Mayor

Violent crime has plagued Baltimore for generations, and "The Wire's" depiction of drug and gang life surely hasn't helped... but there's hope ...
Best Self-Help Reads for Black Resilience in Uncertain Times

Best Self-Help Reads for Black Resilience in Uncertain Times

In these challenging times, these books can give you the hope you need ...
'Hey Google' and Other Voice Assistants Are Terrifying Children and Confusing Bemused Parents

‘Hey Google’ and Other Voice Assistants Are Terrifying Children and Confusing Bemused Parents

Social media is buzzing about the strange reaction kids are having to smart speakers in their homes ...
Internet Believes Eerie Photo Predicted Black Fort Worth Family's Tragedy

Internet Believes Eerie Photo Predicted Black Fort Worth Family’s Tragedy

A big rig driver admitted he fell asleep at the wheel in Kaufman County before he collided with stopped traffic ...
Why Philadelphia is Going Viral For Streets That Look Like a Landfill

Why Philadelphia is Going Viral For Streets That Look Like a Landfill

Libraries are closed, the medical examiner's office has a backlog of bodies, and trash is piling up everywhere ...
How Bakari Sellers Just Got the Ultimate Revenge on His MAGA CNN Colleague

How Bakari Sellers Just Got the Ultimate Revenge on His MAGA CNN Colleague

Sellers and Jennings often go back and forth on the CNN show, and this was only amplified when Jennings asked Sellers not to touch him during one viral interaction from December ...
The Scary Reason 'American Idol' Winner Jamal Roberts Declined a Key to This Southern Town

The Scary Reason ‘American Idol’ Winner Jamal Roberts Declined a Key to This Southern Town

While Roberts' reasoning is understandable, it's a shame he had to make the decision in the first place ...
A Black Mom Posted Video of a Terrifying Exchange She had with Police in Delaware

A Black Mom Posted Video of a Terrifying Exchange She had with Police in Delaware

Black Mom Says Cops Approached Her and Her Children With Guns Drawn ...
Why Are There Still Black People Listening To R. Kelly At The Summer Cookouts -- And What Does That Say About Us?

Why Are There Still Black People Listening To R. Kelly At The Summer Cookouts — And What Does That Say About Us?

Despite convictions and backlash, his music continues to collect streams. Why is the "Pied Piper" still on the cookout playlist? ...
How Diddy Could Still End Up With a Long Sentence, Despite The Acquittals

How Diddy Could Still End Up With a Long Sentence, Despite The Acquittals

Even with credit for time served, Diddy, 55, wouldn’t be free to break out the baby oil until 2031 ...
Why the Internet is Convinced Stephen A. Smith's And His Daughter Samantha Are Twins

Why the Internet is Convinced Stephen A. Smith’s And His Daughter Samantha Are Twins

Samantha Smith is the spitting image of her controversial sports commentator dad ...