02 « September « 2009 « Royalty in the News

Ugandan Kingdom Finally Recognized

The Ugandan Kingdom of Rwenzururu received news it did not expect to get. During a ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the South Rwenzori Diocese at St Paul’s Cathedral in Kasese, President Museveni announced that Uganda officially recognized Rwenzururu as a legitimate Kingdom. Moreover, its Prince, Charles Mumbere, will be crowned as King in October.

“[I] Am now happy to inform you that I have written information that now you all agree on Obusinga, since you agree, I also agree,” the President told those in the cathedral.

With that, worshippers rejoiced. The Kingdom of Rwenzururu had been fighting for recognition from the Ugandan government for years, and now they’ve got that, plus a coronation of their King to look forward to.

President Museveni cancelled a trip to Libya to give the people the news. His reason for recognizing the Kingdom might have political motives, as he is preparing for a 2011 reelection. According to AllAfrica.com, Museveni is losing support in Rwenzururu region to his rival, Dr Kizza Besigye.

The Kingdom is made up of the Bamba and the Bakonzo people in mountainous western Uganda. They have long been wanting Rwenzururu to be accepted by Uganda in order to protect their culture and heritage. There are several recognized Ugandan kingdoms, and now Rwenzururu joins that list.

Jordanian King, Saudi Crown Prince, Yemeni President Meet

Reuters

King Abdullah II was in Morocco Wednesday to meet with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and the President of Yemen, Ali Abdullah Saleh. The three leaders discussed ways to tighten relations between their countries.

The meeting took place in Agadir, Morocco where the Crown Prince has been recuperating since an operation earlier this year.

King Abdullah and President Saleh wished Sultan a speedy recovery, and also extended their best wishes to another King Abdullah, this one Crown Prince Sultan’s half brother, the King of Saudi Arabia.

After the meeting, the three had a dinner party which was hosted by Sultan and a number of his fellow Saudi Princes.

The Jordanian King was accompanied by half brother Prince Ali. His full blooded brother, Prince Faisal, was regent of Jordan during the King’s brief time out of the country.

Norway’s Crown Princely Couple Visit Rogaland

A blustry, rainy day welcomed Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit to the southwestern county of Rogaland yesterday. The royal couple are in the area for an official three day visit.

nkr.no

They arrived via the royal yacht, Norge, to Utsira, an island off Rogaland’s coast, populations 215. Haakon and Mette-Marit were greeted by a crowd waving Norwegian flags. They were also greeted by county leader Harald Thune, Mayor Jarle Nilsen and police chief Kåre Songstad. After receiving their bouquets, the crown princely couple got started on their visit.

First, they toured Utsira’s lighthouse. Then, they had to take a look at the exhibition to the local artist Marit Eide Klovning.

Around noon, the couple moved on to Siratun for an official welcome from Mayor Nilsen. They also took the time to visit and lay foundation stones for a local school and community center.

The visit of Utsire ended after that. Haakon and Mette-Marit left the island to go to mainland Rogaland, but not before making a few comments about the day’s tour and weather.

“To come to Utsira is a strong encounter with nature, weather and energy. Concern is good associations with the place: generous giver joy, environmental focus, innovation – and strong women,” said the Crown Princess

“Perhaps one is strong to live in the rugged nature. It’s at least what I think when I meet people where no one would believe that someone could live,” she continued.

Back on land, the couple visited Vindafjord and Olen municipality to see the Vindafjord care center, a millenium site, and the opening of a sportscenter in Olen.

Monday ended with a dinner at the Olen community center.

Tuesday began with a morning at King’s Park in Gjesdal, followed by a luncheon hosted by the Gjesdal and Bjerkreim municipalities. The rest of the day saw the royal couple visit the towns of Gloppedalsura, Bjerkreim, Vikesa and Egersund.

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