South Africa’s Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuZulu died on Friday.
Zwelithini was born on July 14, 1948 in KwaZulu-Natal.
His demise was confirmed by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarchy.
The king’s health deteriorated after he was admitted to an intensive care unit in a private hospital recently.
“Tragically, while still in hospital, his majesty’s health took a turn for the worse and he subsequently passed away,” Buthelezi said in a statement.
The royal family member and founder of Inkatha Freedom Party thanked people for their support and prayers.
At age 20 and a student, Zwelithini was appointed to the throne after his father’s death in 1968.
The deceased made history as the longest-serving monarch of the Zulu Kingdom.