King Mswati III Arrives in Abu Dhabi Accompanied by 15 Wives, Large Entourage
A video showing King Mswati III of Eswatini stepping off a private jet in Abu Dhabi has stirred widespread reactions online, after footage captured a long procession of wives, children and attendants following the monarch onto the airport tarmac.
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Reports indicate that the trip included about 15 wives, 30 children and more than 100 staff members, prompting airport authorities to reportedly close off certain areas to accommodate the large entourage.
King Mswati III is widely regarded as Africa’s last absolute monarch. Unlike constitutional monarchs, he wields significant executive authority, including appointing the prime minister and much of the cabinet, selecting some members of parliament and approving or rejecting legislation.
The viral clip has drawn mixed responses across social media platforms. While some viewers reacted with humor, likening the scene to an entire village arriving at once, others expressed concern over the optics of such grandeur.
Critics point to Eswatini’s socio-economic realities, noting that a significant portion of the population lives below the national poverty line and that income inequality remains among the highest in the region.
For many observers, the footage has become symbolic of the contrast between royal opulence and the daily struggles faced by ordinary citizens. The renewed attention has also reignited broader discussions about governance, accountability and the responsibilities of leadership in countries grappling with economic hardship.
King Mswati III Arrives in Abu Dhabi Accompanied by 15 Wives, Large Entourage