Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has publicly apologised after videos appearing to show him verbally abusing his wife, Queen Nomzamo Myeni, while seemingly intoxicated, spread rapidly across social media.
The videos, which surfaced this week but have since been described by the royal household as “historical”, show the king making derogatory remarks about the queen, accusing her of infidelity, threatening to remove her financial support and ordering her to leave the royal home. The footage drew widespread criticism online, with many condemning the monarch’s language and conduct, while others questioned why the private recordings had been made public.
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In a statement issued on Friday, the Office of the King acknowledged the controversy and confirmed that the recordings were made during a private family dispute. While stressing that the clips do not reflect the couple’s current relationship, the king accepted responsibility for his remarks.
“Notwithstanding the private and historical nature of the recordings, His Majesty acknowledges that certain expressions made during an emotionally charged moment fell short of the dignity, restraint and decorum that the nation rightfully expects from its monarch,” the statement read.
The statement added that the king recognised the impact his words had on the royal family and the wider Zulu nation.
“His Majesty recognises that the words spoken have caused pain, disappointment, embarrassment and disquiet among members of the royal family, amakhosi, the royal household, religious leaders and the broader Zulu nation,” it said.
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King Misuzulu also offered a direct apology to those affected by the videos.
“His Majesty deeply regrets the hurt caused by his utterances and humbly asks those who were affected to receive his sincere expression of remorse. He acknowledges that leadership carries an enduring responsibility to demonstrate wisdom, patience and respect, even during moments of personal difficulty,” the statement said.
The apology comes a day after the videos went viral, with many social media users expressing concern over the king’s apparent state during the recordings and his use of offensive language towards the queen. In one clip, he referred to her using an insulting term and questioned her whereabouts after seeing her on social media without informing him.
According to the royal office, the couple has since resolved their marital differences and remains committed to serving the Zulu nation together. The palace pointed to the king and queen’s joint public appearance on Thursday, when they welcomed a delegation from Build One South Africa led by Mmusi Maimane at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace, as evidence that they have moved forward.
“The continued participation of His Majesty and Her Majesty in official engagements together reflects their shared commitment to the institution of the Zulu monarchy and to the service of the nation,” the statement concluded.
