IN PICTURES: The crowning of the Zulu king

The coronation of the new king in South Africa's richest and most powerful traditional monarchy brought thousands of people to the Zulu royal house on Saturday.

King of Amazulu nation Misuzulu kaZwelithini (C) holds a spear as he sings with Amabutho (Zulu regiments) during his coronation at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban on August 20, 2022. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Phill Magakoe / AFP)

During customary procedures Misuzulu kaZwelithini, 47, succeeded to the throne that had previously been held by his late father, Goodwill Zwelithini.

Men and women in vibrant traditional garb gathered in front of the marble palace on the hills of Nongoma, a small hamlet in the southeast province of KwaZulu-Natal, the Zulu heartland, from early in the morning to honour the new monarch.

: A handout photo made available by the South African Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) shows Zulu tribes women gather during the MisuZulu kaZwelithini?s traditional crowning ceremony of the new but disputed Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, Nongoma, Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa, 20 August 2022. The event is a traditional coronation ceremony that is a rite of passage for him to take over the reins fully as the new King of the Zulu tribe. He is expected to wear a lion’s skin when he enters the kraal. Succession battles continue to divide the royal family ahead of MisuZulu’s sacred ritual of entering the kraal. Picture: GCIS

: King of Amazulu nation Misuzulu kaZwelithini (C) stands with Amabutho (Zulu regiments) during his coronation at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban on August 20, 2022. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Rajesh JANTILAL / AFP)

: A handout photo made available by the South African Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) shows Zulu tribes men gather during the MisuZulu kaZwelithini?s traditional crowning ceremony of the new but disputed Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, Nongoma, Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa, 20 August 2022. The event is a traditional coronation ceremony that is a rite of passage for him to take over the reins fully as the new King of the Zulu tribe. He is expected to wear a lion’s skin when he enters the kraal. Succession battles continue to divide the royal family ahead of MisuZulu’s sacred ritual of entering the kraal. Picture: GCIS

: A handout photo made available by the South African Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) shows Zulu tribes men gather during the MisuZulu kaZwelithini?s traditional crowning ceremony of the new but disputed Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, Nongoma, Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa, 20 August 2022. The event is a traditional coronation ceremony that is a rite of passage for him to take over the reins fully as the new King of the Zulu tribe. He is expected to wear a lion’s skin when he enters the kraal. Succession battles continue to divide the royal family ahead of MisuZulu’s sacred ritual of entering the kraal. Picture: GCIS

: Young men perform a stick fight during the celebration of the coronation of their new King Misuzulu kaZwelithini (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Rajesh JANTILAL / AFP)

: A handout photo made available by the South African Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) shows Zulu tribes women gather during the MisuZulu kaZwelithini?s traditional crowning ceremony of the new but disputed Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, Nongoma, Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa, 20 August 2022. The event is a traditional coronation ceremony that is a rite of passage for him to take over the reins fully as the new King of the Zulu tribe. He is expected to wear a lion’s skin when he enters the kraal. Succession battles continue to divide the royal family ahead of MisuZulu’s sacred ritual of entering the kraal. Picture: GCIS

: A handout photo made available by the South African Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) shows Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini (L) pictured during the MisuZulu kaZwelithini?s traditional crowning ceremony, Nongoma, Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa, 20 August 2022. The event is a traditional coronation ceremony that is a rite of passage for him to take over the reins fully as the new King of the Zulu tribe. He is expected to wear a lion’s skin when he enters the kraal. Succession battles continue to divide the royal family ahead of MisuZulu’s sacred ritual of entering the kraal. Picture: GCIS

: Zulu men gather during the MisuZulu kaZwelithini’s traditional crowning ceremony of the new but disputed Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, Nongoma. Picture: GCIS

: King of Amazulu nation Misuzulu kaZwelithini (C) stands with Amabutho (Zulu regiments) during his coronation at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban on August 20, 2022. (Photo by Rajesh JANTILAL / AFP)

: Amabutho (Zulu regiments) members drag a cow for slaughter in celebration of the coronation of their new king Misuzulu kaZwelithini (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Phill Magakoe / AFP)

: Traditional clad women sing and dance during the celebration of the coronation of their new King Misuzulu kaZwelithini (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Rajesh JANTILAL / AFP)

: The Amazulu Royal House, opposants to the coronation of new King Prince Misuzulu kaZwelithini, Amabutho ( Zulu Regiments ), attend the celebration of the coronation of their new King (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Rajesh JANTILAL / AFP)

: People climb on the kraal to hava a view of the celebration of the coronation of their new King Misuzulu kaZwelithini (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Rajesh JANTILAL / AFP)

: Amabutho (Zulu regiments) members sing and chant in celebration of the coronation of their new King Misuzulu kaZwelithini (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Phill Magakoe / AFP)

: Young Zulu maidens and Amabutho (Zulu regiments) sing and chant in celebration of the coronation of their new king Misuzulu kaZwelithini (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Phill Magakoe / AFP)

: Amabutho (Zulu regiments) members sing and chant in celebration of the coronation of their new King Misuzulu kaZwelithini (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Phill Magakoe / AFP)

: Amabutho (Zulu regiments) look on as they celebrate the coronation of their new king Misuzulu kaZwelithini (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Phill Magakoe / AFP)

: A woman reacts as Amabutho (Zulu regiments) members sing and chant in celebration of the coronation of their new king Misuzulu kaZwelithini (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Phill Magakoe / AFP)

: Wife of the late Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini Queen Zola Mafu sings and dances during the celebration of the coronation of their new King Misuzulu kaZwelithini (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Rajesh JANTILAL / AFP)

: Members of the Nigerian Union of South Africa (NUSA) carry a framed picture during the celebration of the coronation of their new King Misuzulu kaZwelithini (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Rajesh JANTILAL / AFP)

: A member of the Zulu Royal family gestures during the celebration of the coronation of their new King Misuzulu kaZwelithini (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Rajesh JANTILAL / AFP)

: A traditional clad woman marches during the celebration of the coronation of their new King Misuzulu kaZwelithini (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Rajesh JANTILAL / AFP)

: Young women gesture during the celebration of the coronation of their new King Misuzulu kaZwelithini (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Rajesh JANTILAL / AFP)

: A traditional clad woman stands during the celebration of the coronation of their new King Misuzulu kaZwelithini (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Rajesh JANTILAL / AFP)

: Amabutho (Zulu Regiments) sing and dance during the celebration of the coronation of their new King Misuzulu kaZwelithini (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Rajesh JANTILAL / AFP)

: Colorfull dressed women from various cultures gesture during the celebration of the coronation of their new King Misuzulu kaZwelithini (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Rajesh JANTILAL / AFP)

: Members of the Shembe Church attend the celebration of the coronation of their new King Misuzulu kaZwelithini (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Rajesh JANTILAL / AFP)

: Colouful clad women attend the celebration of the coronation of their new King Misuzulu kaZwelithini (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Rajesh JANTILAL / AFP)

: Women adjust their attire as they attend the celebration of the coronation of their new King Misuzulu kaZwelithini (not pictured) on August 20, 2022 at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Kwa-Nongoma 300km north of Durban. – Thousands of people gathered at the Zulu royal palace in South Africa on August 20, 2022, for the coronation of the new king in the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy. Misuzulu Zulu, 47, is set to succeed his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge but a bitter succession dispute threatens to overshadow the ceremony. (Photo by Rajesh JANTILAL / AFP)