KING Misuzulu and the Zulu royal family are mourning.
This after the passing away of trusted royal bodyguard Prince Muziwoxolo "Xolani" Graduate Zulu.
The 49-year-old prince was one of the royal house's most respected and trusted protectors, serving the late King Zwelithini and King Misuzulu for years.
His life ended tragically on Friday, 1 May 2026, in a horrific car accident while travelling between Pongola and Nongoma in KZN.
Prince Muziwoxolo was protecting King Misuzulu and his wife, Queen Nomzamo Myeni, at the time of his passing.
Royal house spokesman Prince Thulani and King Misuzulu confirmed Prince Muziwoxolo's death to Daily Sun.
"He was the protector for the late King Zwelithini and was also the protector of the current king," he said.
"Actually, there're no protectors hired to protect the queens. They're hired to protect the king. However, the king can assign his protectors to protect the queens, but it must be clear that there're no protectors dedicated to protecting the queens."
Prince Muziwoxolo's long service and dedication to protecting the kings, from late King Zwelithini to King Misuzulu, will be his legacy, Prince Thulani said.
The prince will be buried on Saturday, 9 May 2026, in Emakhosini at Emahhashini Cemetery in Nongoma, where many Zulu royals and kings are laid to rest, according to Prince Thulani.
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The funeral service will take place at the sports field outside KwaKhethomthandayo royal palace in the same village before the burial.
"Outside KwaKhethomthandayo royal palace there's a sports field, and that's where the funeral service will be held," he said.
KwaKhethomthandayo royal palace is wherethe late King Zwelithini's funeral service happened in 2021. It's the home of King Zwelithini's first wife, Queen Sibongile Dlamini-Zulu.
