BY TSABEDZE KWANELE
LONDON – Deputy Prime Minister Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku has arrived in England to represent His Majesty King Mswati III in the late Queen Elizebeth II’s state funeral.
Deputy Prime Minister Masuku arrived at Heathrow International Airport accompanied by a small delegation including Mrs Dimpho Masuku. Speaking to Eswatini TV on arrival in London, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed that, “We would like to report that we’ve arrived in London as sent by the nation to the British Queen’s state funeral.”
The Deputy Prime Minister added that, “Eswatini and Britain have a long history which began when Eswatini was a British protectorate. This was when Eswatini, Lesotho, and Botswana were protected and assisted by the British in the wars between the British and the boers. This relationship continued until Eswatini got independence in 1968. Notably, the independence was negotiated without any blood, which shows that there was a good relationship there.”
Deputy Priminister Masuku also noted that he has previously met with Queen Elizabeth for lunch, where she enquired about the well-being of His Majesty King Mswati III and the Kingdom of Eswatini. Queen Elizabeth II passed away on the 8 of September, and she is succeeded by His Majesty King Charles III.
The Deputy Prime Minister will visit Westminster Hall to view Queen Elizabeth, and then join other world leaders for the state funeral ceremony.
