King Misuzulu Breaks Silence on Leaked Private Videos, Expresses Deep Regret Over Remarks to Queen Nomzamo Myeni
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has publicly expressed deep regret over remarks made during a private conversation with Queen Nomzamo Myeni after videos of the exchange were leaked and widely circulated online, triggering intense public debate and renewed scrutiny of the Zulu Royal Household.
In a statement released by the Office of His Majesty, the King acknowledged that some of the words he used during an emotionally charged moment failed to meet the standards of dignity and restraint expected of South Africa’s monarch. He also offered a sincere expression of remorse to those who were hurt by the incident.
The response comes after private video recordings, captured during personal interactions between the King and Queen Nomzamo Myeni, spread across social media without the knowledge or consent of either party.
According to Acting Royal House Spokesperson Mpikayise Buthelezi, the recordings are historical and do not reflect the current state of affairs within the Royal Household.
He said the videos surfaced on Thursday night while King Misuzulu and Queen Nomzamo were carrying out official duties together at KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace, where they welcomed a delegation from Build One South Africa (BOSA) led by Mmusi Maimane.
The Royal House said their appearance together during the official engagement demonstrated a shared commitment to serving the Zulu Kingdom despite the controversy surrounding the leaked footage.
“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,” Buthelezi said.
He added that the events shown in the videos belonged to a chapter that had since been followed by reflection, reconciliation and the continued fulfilment of their royal responsibilities.
King acknowledges his words caused pain
In the statement, King Misuzulu accepted that his remarks, made during an emotionally difficult moment, had caused pain, disappointment and embarrassment to members of the Royal Family, amakhosi, the Royal Household, religious leaders and the broader Zulu Nation.
The King said he deeply regretted the hurt caused by his utterances and respectfully asked those affected to accept his sincere apology.
According to Buthelezi, the King recognises that leadership demands wisdom, patience and respect, even during moments of personal hardship.
He said the apology should not be viewed as a sign of weakness, but rather as an acknowledgement that genuine leadership requires humility, accountability and the courage to admit when one’s conduct has caused harm.
Royal elders sent to seek reconciliation
As part of efforts to repair relationships, King Misuzulu has dispatched a delegation of senior Royal House elders to meet with Unyazi Lwezulu of the Nazareth Baptist Church.
The delegation has been instructed to formally convey the King’s profound regret over the remarks made during the private exchange and to reaffirm the enduring respect that both the monarch and the Zulu Throne hold for Unyazi Lwezulu and the Nazareth Baptist Church.
The move forms part of a wider effort to promote reconciliation and restore trust following the circulation of the recordings.
Appeal for privacy as controversy continues
The Royal House also urged the public to consider the full context surrounding the leaked videos, stressing that the recordings represented a private family matter from the past rather than the current reality within the monarchy.
The Office of the King said the public should judge King Misuzulu by his continued service, leadership and commitment to preserving the unity and dignity of the Zulu Kingdom.
It also appealed to members of the media and the public to respect the privacy of the Royal Family and to refrain from sharing further copies of the leaked recordings.
Despite the controversy, the Royal Household maintains that King Misuzulu remains committed to strengthening reconciliation, fostering mutual respect and protecting the integrity of the Zulu Kingdom as it navigates one of its most closely watched public challenges in recent years.
