Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso

HER MAJESTY QUEEN ’MASENATE MOHATO SEEISO

Her Majesty Queen ’Masenate Mohato Seeiso, née Karabo Motšoeneng, was born on 2 June 1976 at Maluti Adventist Hospital in Mapoteng to Mr Thekiso and Mrs ’Makarabo Motšoeneng. She is the eldest of five children.

Her Majesty was educated at Machabeng International College in Maseru from 1990 to 1996, where she obtained an International General Certificate of Secondary Education and an International Baccalaureate Diploma. During her time at Machabeng, she served as a boarding prefect and represented the school in netball. She also earned a bronze medal in the Prince Mohato Awards, a self-development initiative for young people.

Following her engagement to His Majesty in 1999, Her Majesty postponed her studies at the National University of Lesotho, where she had enrolled for a Bachelor of Science degree with the intention of pursuing a career in pharmacy. Their Royal Wedding took place on 18 February 2000 and was attended by dignitaries from across the world, including Prince Charles of the British Royal Family. In 2025, Their Majesties celebrated the silver jubilee of their holy matrimony.

Queen ’Masenate is the first common citizen in modern history to marry into the royal family. Constitutionally, she shares the King’s rank and status and serves as Head of State in his absence. Despite her royal responsibilities, Her Majesty graduated from Columbia University in New York in May 2011 with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.

Her philanthropic work focuses on the welfare of disabled and underprivileged children. She supports numerous charitable organisations, including the Lesotho Red Cross and Hlokomela Banana. In 2006, she revived the Queen’s National Trust Fund, originally established by Queen ’Mamohato. Her Majesty is also a key supporter of the annual Moshoeshoe Walk, commemorating the historic journey from Menkhoaneng to Thaba-Bosiu.