Royal Visit by His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini to the Royal Welsh Museum

The Royal Welsh Museum was deeply honoured to welcome His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and Her Majesty Queen Sihle KaMdhluli during their official visit to Brecon this past Saturday. The visit paid tribute to the legacy of His Majesty’s late parents, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu and Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, both of whom previously journeyed to Wales to honour the memory of King Cetshwayo kaMpande and strengthen the enduring bonds of diplomacy and remembrance between Wales and the Zulu Kingdom. 

The visit began with a warm welcome from Brigadier Mark Davis CBE, Commander of 160th (Welsh) Brigade, at The Barracks, Brecon. Their Majesties were then received at the museum by Brigadier (retd) Russ Wardle OBE DL, Chair of the Trustees, accompanied by Museum Curator Ms Amanda Rosewarne, who led an exclusive guided tour for the royal guests. 

During the tour, His Majesty and Queen Sihle were introduced to the unique traditions of the regiment, including the history of the regimental goat. They had the pleasure of meeting Lance Corporal Shenkin, the current regimental goat, in the museum’s memorial garden. The tour continued through the Anglo-Zulu War gallery, where the King viewed extensive collections related to the battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, pivotal events in the shared history of the Zulu Kingdom and the British Army. 

A key moment of the visit was His Majesty’s presentation of a traditional Zulu war shield, offered as a symbol of peace and reconciliation. The gesture echoed a similar offering made by King Goodwill Zwelithini during his visit in 2019 and reinforces the deepening relationship between the two nations. The gift served as a powerful reminder of the enduring peace forged after the conflict of 1879, and the continued commitment to mutual respect and cultural dialogue. 

Further reinforcing the spirit of friendship, members of the museum and regiment were presented with traditional Zulu headwear. Ms Rosewarne and Mrs Dorcas Cresswell received isicholo hats, while Brigadier (retd) Wardle, Colonel (retd) Rob Dickinson, Mr Warren, and Mr Cresswell were honoured with umqhele (Zulu headbands). In return, Colonel (retd) Dickinson, Regimental Secretary of The Royal Welsh, presented King Misuzulu with a regimental plaque and tie, on behalf of Major General CBK Barry CBE, Colonel of the Regiment. 

Colonel Dickinson remarked: 

“His Majesty follows in the footsteps of his late father, who visited these same historic sites in 2019. The relationship between the Zulu Kingdom and The Royal Welsh dates back to the conflicts of 1879. Today, we honour that past together, not as adversaries, but as friends. We look forward to meeting again on the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift in 2029 to mark the 150th anniversary—this time, united in peace.” 

Mrs Cresswell, a long-time friend of the Zulu royal family and recipient of a KwaZulu-Natal cultural exchange medal in 2022, commented: 

“It is an honour to meet His Majesty and renew the friendship between the Friends of the Museum and KwaZulu-Natal. I look forward to this relationship continuing to flourish.” 

Curator’s Reflections 

Ms Rosewarne, who led the royal tour, shared her thoughts on the day’s significance: 

“It was a tremendous honour to guide His Majesty and Her Majesty through our collections, particularly those connected to the Anglo-Zulu War. The symbolism of His Majesty’s gift and the shared stories of our two nations are reminders of how museums can foster reconciliation and lasting cultural ties. This visit was a powerful chapter in that journey.”