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📅 holiday

King Letsie III's Birthday

Friday, July 17, 2026

— days to go

King Letsie III has been constitutional monarch of Lesotho since 1990, except for a brief period in 1996 when his father Moshoeshoe II returned to power. After his father died in a car accident in 1996, Letsie continued his reign, and his birthday on 17 July is a national holiday. In 2026, King Letsie III's Birthday falls on Friday 17 July. The holiday will be on Saturday 17 July in 2027. Since 2003, the royal birthday celebration has had its main events rotated to different parts of the country. This move has given greater exposure to the holiday and led to each year’s celebration being very unique. Just before official events begin for King Letsie III’s Birthday, there are ceremonies wherein medals and special awards are distributed to worthy soldiers, police, and private citizens. There is a also a 21-gun salute, festive singing of the national anthem, special prayers for the nation, a military parade, and an emphasis on traditional music and dance. Many also greet the king or cheer wildly upon seeing him in person.

History

King Letsie III has been constitutional monarch of Lesotho since 1990, except for a brief period in 1996 when his father Moshoeshoe II returned to power. Since 2003, the royal birthday celebration has had its main events rotated to different parts of the country. This move has given greater exposure to the holiday and led to each year’s celebration being very unique. Just before official events begin for King Letsie III’s Birthday, there are ceremonies wherein medals and special awards are distr

How It's Celebrated

After his father died in a car accident in 1996, Letsie continued his reign, and his birthday on 17 July is a national holiday. The holiday will be on Saturday 17 July in 2027. Since 2003, the royal birthday celebration has had its main events rotated to different parts of the country. This move has

Other Years

2026 Fri
17 Jul
2027 Sat
17 Jul
2028 Mon
17 Jul
2025 Thu
17 Jul
2024 Wed
17 Jul

Countries

🇱🇸 LS

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