The guest received an audience from the monarch’s mother
In the African kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) there is a national holiday – the 55th anniversary of the independence of this state and the 55th anniversary of the ruler, King Mswati III, are celebrated. The celebrations were attended by leaders of several foreign countries, including Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen.
Eswatini is one of 13 countries in the world that recognizes Taiwan’s independence. Ingwen, among other things, especially highlighted that the king of Eswatini visited Taiwan 18 times.
The monarch’s father, Queen Mother Ntfombi Tfwala, granted audience to the guest. Photos of this protocol meeting were disseminated on the Internet.
Tfvala, sitting on a chair that looked very much like a throne, appeared before the camera lenses in furs and barefoot sandals. His bag with the Birkin brand logo, which was on the floor, was also caught in the frame. As Internet users discovered, similar models of the same shade cost an average of 35 thousand dollars.
Yingwen was not so extravagantly dressed and came to the meeting in a strict black pantsuit.
The Queen Mother of Eswatini is considered the national and spiritual leader of the nation, while her son, the king, performs only administrative duties. In this African country of 1.35 million people, more than half the population is HIV positive and 69% of the population lives below the poverty level.
Ingwen, among other things, especially highlighted that the king of Eswatini visited Taiwan 18 times.
Photo: REUTERS
Before Mswati III gave Tfwala the title of Indlovukazi, that is, Queen Mother, she was the regent queen, who concentrated in her hands all the government threads of the country until her son reached the age of majority and was crowned. “Indlovukazi” means “big elephant” in local dialects.
The image of the “big elephant” became widely recognizable in the West thanks to one of the works of the American artist Andy Warhol, who included his image in a series of portraits of reigning figures along with the British Queen Elizabeth II and the Dutch Queen Beatrix. .
