Queen ‘Masenate Opens Up on Faith, Family and Philanthropy Ahead of 49th Birthday

As Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso prepares to celebrate her 49th birthday on Monday, she has given Basotho a rare and heartfelt glimpse into her life, values, and passions in an exclusive interview with the Lesotho Times.

Welcoming the publication into the royal palace at Matsieng on the outskirts of Maseru, Queen ‘Masenate opened up with grace and candour about her deep commitment to community upliftment, her dedication to healthy living, and the central role of faith and family in shaping her journey as Lesotho’s revered monarch.

This rare sit-down, ahead of her 2 June 2025 birthday, offers a more personal and authentic portrait of the Queen, far beyond her official public appearances. It reflects the humanity behind the crown and her unshakable belief in purpose, discipline, and compassion.

Describing herself as “a very conservative person” and a definite introvert, Queen ‘Masenate acknowledged that many perceive her as quiet and reserved—something she attributes to her naturally private personality. She explained that she prefers to speak only when necessary but opens up once engaged in conversation. In her free time, she enjoys reading—both fiction and non-fiction—hiking to stay active, and spending quality time with her family. When asked about dislikes, she mentioned her distaste for alcohol and rowdy environments, noting that they simply don’t resonate with her values.

Her Majesty is widely known for her passion for health and fitness. She regularly takes part in physically demanding activities, including the 116-kilometre Moshoeshoe Walk, and maintains a disciplined fitness routine. For her, exercise is not just about physical appearance but an essential component of mental wellness and spiritual clarity. She believes movement helps manage the stresses of her royal duties and enables her to function effectively.

At the core of Queen ‘Masenate’s life are a set of unwavering values. She places immense importance on family, calling it a source of unconditional love and support. Health and fitness also remain a top priority, something she considers crucial to her overall well-being. She values personal growth and the pursuit of wisdom, both of which she believes are necessary for navigating life and making thoughtful decisions. Allowing herself to learn and grow from every interaction, she considers life to be an ongoing journey of discovery and self-improvement.

Queen ‘Masenate is deeply involved in charitable work and views her patronage roles as opportunities to make real, lasting change. She has championed initiatives such as the Hlokomela Banana project, which provides free sanitary towels to schoolgirls, and supports various organisations, including the Lesotho Girl Guides Association and Machabeng International College. She is also a strong advocate for improving the lives of people living with disabilities. For her, being a patron is not symbolic—it is a call to action. She is driven by the desire to see tangible results and lives uplifted through meaningful engagement.

Faith is the cornerstone of Her Majesty’s life. A devout Catholic, she maintains a strong spiritual life rooted in scripture, prayer, and worship. Her public expression of faith, including her love for singing hymns, is a reflection of her deep personal relationship with God. She believes that everything she does flows from divine guidance and that true strength and purpose come from aligning oneself with God’s will. Her devotion is not merely private—it is central to who she is and how she serves.

As Queen ‘Masenate turns 49, she remains a powerful yet gentle figure in Lesotho’s monarchy. Her humility, authenticity, and dedication to serving her people reflect a life lived with purpose and grace. Her birthday marks not just another year, but a continued commitment to values that inspire a nation.