When a King Travels Like a Rock Concert: King Mswati III’s Grand Abu Dhabi Entry

NokJhok
7 Min Read
King Mswati III of Eswatini

King Mswati III of Eswatini arrived in Abu Dhabi with 15 wives, 30 kids & 100 attendants — turning the airport into royal chaos. 👑

“Move over VIP lounge, here comes a VVIP village!”

Airports have seen celebrities, tycoons, and even pet peacocks pass through. But Abu Dhabi Airport just witnessed something that made even frequent flyers stop mid-sip of their overpriced lattes. When King Mswati III of Eswatini landed with 15 wives, 30 children, and a 100-member royal entourage, the entire airport went into “royal mode.” Security scrambled, terminals slowed, and social media went absolutely wild.

Imagine expecting a routine flight delay — and instead seeing a private jet empty like a royal wedding baraat. Yep, this was no ordinary touchdown.


🛬 The Landing That Froze Terminals

On October 6, 2025, videos surfaced showing King Mswati III, Africa’s last absolute monarch, stepping out in his traditional leopard-print attire, followed by wives in vibrant outfits, and an entourage big enough to fill a small resort. According to reports, airport operations at three terminals came to a temporary standstill to handle the spectacle.

Officials reportedly imposed a short lockdown to control the unprecedented rush. Passengers? They got an unexpected show — free of charge. Phones were out, selfies were snapped, and social media instantly caught fire.


🏰 Who Exactly Is King Mswati III?

If you’re scratching your head wondering who this royal head-turner is — here’s the royal lowdown.

King Mswati III rules Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) in Southern Africa. He’s famous for his luxurious lifestyle and remains one of the wealthiest monarchs in the world, with an estimated net worth of over $1 billion.

He ascended the throne in 1986, and while his wealth is jaw-dropping, so is his royal household size. It’s said the king has over 30 wives and more than 35 children (but the count may be higher — who’s keeping score?).

And if you thought that was impressive, his father King Sobhuza II set an almost unbeatable record — reportedly having over 70 wives, 210 children, and nearly 1,000 grandchildren. Talk about a royal family tree that could use its own census department.


💃 The Entrance That Broke the Internet

King Mswati didn’t just arrive — he arrived in style. A private jet, 15 wives shimmering in bold traditional prints, children, royal aides, and 100 attendants trailing behind. Social media users joked that the king’s entourage looked like “an entire village coming down the stairs.”

Airport staff had to handle the spectacle, which briefly disrupted operations. In a world where even delayed luggage can cause chaos, imagine unloading dozens of suitcases fit for royalty.

And yes, there were plenty of viral memes. Some compared the moment to a “Netflix royal drama opening scene.” Others quipped that Abu Dhabi Airport had been “soft-launched as a red carpet.”


🌍 Royal Luxury vs. Real Life Back Home

While the king’s lavish arrival fascinated many, it also sparked serious debate. Eswatini is one of Africa’s poorest countries, with nearly 60% of its population living below the poverty line. Many critics pointed out the stark contrast between the royal family’s ultra-opulent lifestyle and the country’s economic struggles.

King Mswati’s wealth and spending habits have long been controversial. Each year, he hosts the traditional “Reed Dance” ceremony, where he is known to select new brides — a practice that sparks both cultural pride and international criticism.

According to the BBC, Eswatini has faced repeated economic crises, with protests over inequality and royal spending. Yet, the king’s extravagant travels and shopping sprees continue to grab headlines.


📱 Social Media Reacts: Memes, Jokes & Outrage

Social media wasted no time turning the king’s airport moment into a viral comedy fest.

  • “This isn’t an entourage; this is a moving palace,” one user joked.
  • “Abu Dhabi Airport turned into Eswatini Embassy for a day,” quipped another.
  • Some pointed out the giant luggage haul, joking that even budget airlines would cry surcharge tears.

But beyond the memes came criticism. Many users called out the insensitivity of flaunting such opulence while many Eswatini citizens struggle for basic necessities.


✈️ When a Royal Arrival Becomes Global News

This isn’t the first time King Mswati III’s lifestyle has grabbed international attention. In the past, his love for luxury cars, designer shopping sprees, and private jets have been widely reported.

According to Forbes Africa, he’s frequently among the continent’s richest royals, owning fleets of luxury vehicles and sprawling palaces. His recent trip to Abu Dhabi, reportedly for high-level economic discussions, has again highlighted the contrast between royal wealth and public poverty.

Some political analysts believe such displays hurt the king’s reputation internationally, especially at a time when Eswatini’s citizens have staged protests demanding democratic reforms and better living conditions.

Who needs a boarding pass when your entourage alone can delay flights?


🌟 Why This Story Matters (Beyond the Memes)

At first glance, this feels like a luxury gossip story. But it’s bigger than just memes. It’s a reminder of the world’s last absolute monarchies and how royal wealth can clash with modern economic realities.

It also shows the power of viral media. One video of a king and his massive entourage can spark debates on governance, wealth inequality, and cultural traditions across continents. In an age where one clip can rewrite global perception, even monarchs can’t escape public scrutiny.


🗳️ Related Post You’ll Enjoy

Balochistan Backs Rajnath Singh on PoK Stand

What do you think about King Mswati III’s grand Abu Dhabi arrival?
Was it cultural pride, or an out-of-touch display of wealth? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, share this story with your friends who love royal gossip, and stay tuned to Nokjhok for more news with a witty twist!

Balochistan Backs Rajnath Singh
Balochistan Backs Rajnath Singh
Share This Article
2 Comments