Princess Charlene attends King Goodwill Zwelithini's memorial
Princess Charlene has joined the nation in mourning her "close friend" King Goodwill Zwelithini.
Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco was one of the guests at King Goodwill Zwelithini's memorial service in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday.
The former South African Olympic swimmer sat with the Zulu monarch's family at the memorial.
She was seated behind Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Jacob Zuma was also in attendance.
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Some social media users did not recognise the princess, who was wearing a mask.
Is it my eyes or is that Princess Charlene of Monaco? #RIPKingGoodwillZwelithini #Zulunation pic.twitter.com/cSeDRuONBi
— Nomfundo Mcetywa (@MaMcetywa) March 18, 2021
Y’all who is The white Lady at the funeral..distang was she one of the wives #RIPKingGoodwillZwelithini pic.twitter.com/CML83aoVIC
— Acirfa (@Xare78402927) March 18, 2021
Several Twitter users were quick to set the record straight.
The white lady at the memorial service that everyone is asking about is Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. She is a Zimbabwean South African. His Majesty is said to have considered her a daughter hence her sitting upfront with family. #RIPKingZwelithini pic.twitter.com/sjXHFk7U7Z
— Karabo Mamphela Joyce 🤴🏽 (@_KingKarabo) March 18, 2021
Princess Charlene, the Princess of Monaco
— @Rev_Mente (@Rev_Mente) March 18, 2021
We Welcome Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco 🇲🇨 to our beautiful country. #Bayede https://t.co/Es8F3VgcZJ
— Thando Graham (@thandograham) March 18, 2021
What's crazy to me currently, is how close Princess Charlene Woodstock of Monaco and His Majesty iSilo were. So much that, they identify her as a member of the Zulu Royal Family.
— Sthuli SikaNdaba (@LungeloN_Zulu) March 18, 2021
Joining the nation in mourning the loss of His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini as he is laid to rest today, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco flew in to attend the funeral. The Foundation wishes to convey our condolences to King Goodwill's family and friends. pic.twitter.com/mfO7wbRpyC
— Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation SAfrica (@PCMFSouthAfrica) March 18, 2021
Hayi guys Princess Charlene is crying.....😭💔
— Thina (@thinamadikizela) March 18, 2021
Princess Charlene and her husband, Prince Albert, paid their tributes to the Zulu king last week.
"HSH Princess Charlene and HSH Prince Albert of Monaco are saddened to hear of the passing of Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini.
"Beyond the collaboration with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, King Zwelithini was a close personal friend of Princess Charlene," the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa tweeted.
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HSH Princess Charlene and HSH Prince Albert of Monaco are saddened to hear of the passing of Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini. Beyond the collaboration with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, King Zwelithini was a close personal friend of Princess Charlene. pic.twitter.com/ZHhkRl1Z67
— Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation SAfrica (@PCMFSouthAfrica) March 12, 2021
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Main image: Supplied