Born: 1976
Biography:
Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso, born Anna Karabo Motoeneng on June 2, 1976, is the Queen of Lesotho as the wife of King Letsie III of Lesotho. She holds the significant distinction of being the first commoner in modern history to marry into the royal family of Lesotho. Throughout her life, Queen Masenate has played a vital role in promoting charitable causes and raising awareness about HIV/AIDS.
Born as the eldest daughter of Thekiso Motoeneng and his wife ‘Makarabo, Queen Masenate grew up in the Berea District. She was given the name Anna when she was christened in the Roman Catholic Church. Her education began at the Machabeng International College in Maseru in 1990, where she studied until 1996. During her time at college, she actively took part in community service at the Angela School for the Disabled and Centre for the Blind.
In 1997, Queen Masenate enrolled at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree. However, her studies were interrupted due to her relationship with King Letsie III of Lesotho. Despite this interruption, she continued her French language studies at the Alliance Française.
The first meeting between Queen Masenate and King Letsie III took place in 1996, coinciding with his ascension to the throne following the tragic death of his father in a road accident. Their love and shared values brought them closer, leading to their engagement in October 1999. On February 18, 2000, they exchanged vows in a grand ceremony held at the Setsoto Stadium in Maseru. This historic event marked the first time in modern Lesotho’s history when a royal married a commoner. The ceremony was attended by 40,000 people, including notable dignitaries such as Nelson Mandela, Festus Mogae, Bakili Muluzi, and Prince Charles of the British Royal Family.
Throughout her time as queen, Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso has made valuable contributions to her community and country. She has served as the patron of several charities and undertaken initiatives to promote the work of projects related to HIV/AIDS. Her dedication to these causes has uplifted the lives of countless individuals and families throughout Lesotho.
Queen Masenate’s reign as queen consort has been marked by her close relationship with the late Queen ‘Mamohato, the Queen Mother. The two grew close and formed a deep bond, and Queen Masenate found it challenging when ‘Mamohato passed away in 2003. However, she praised her husband for his unwavering support during that difficult time. In a 2014 interview with the Lesotho Times, Queen Masenate expressed her admiration for the fact that King Letsie III values her opinions on personal matters and listens to her advice, highlighting their strong partnership.
Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso’s exceptional journey from being a commoner to the Queen of Lesotho showcases her resilience, dedication to service, and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Her contributions to various charitable causes, particularly efforts related to HIV/AIDS, have left an indelible impact on the nation. Queen Masenate’s unwavering support for her husband and her significant role in promoting the welfare of the people of Lesotho have solidified her place in history.