The first wife of South Africa’s Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela, has failed in her bid to prevent the king from marrying a third wife, BBC News reported.

Her court challenge came just ahead of a wedding that was expected to take place this week.

In her legal arguments presented in court, Queen Ntokozo’s lawyer contended that their civil marriage was still valid, thus preventing the king from marrying again without first dissolving or converting their marriage to a traditional union. Confusion arose regarding the king’s second marriage to Queen Nozizwe Mulela-Zulu in 2022, which did not seem to face similar legal challenges.

Reports said that the couple had initially agreed to convert their civil marriage to a traditional one but that King Misuzulu “changed his mind” for unspecified reasons. Judge Bongani Mngadi dismissed the queen’s attempt to block the marriage to bride-to-be Nomzamo Myeni, stating that she had previously consented to the king’s right to take additional wives.

The king’s legal counsel claimed the ceremony would not proceed; Myeni reportedly stated she was unaware of any cancellation and believed the wedding would happen as planned. Furthermore, the king expressed his determination to marry Myeni regardless of any opposition.

Despite the court ruling, uncertainty remained regarding the king’s third wedding’s status.

South African media said on Saturday that a letter from the king was issued, stating that the ceremony had been cancelled “due to reasons beyond the control of the royal house.”

While polygamous marriages are recognised in South Africa, they must be registered as customary weddings.

Although the king lacks formal political power and serves primarily in a ceremonial role, he has influence, backed by a government-funded budget. Prior to his coronation, he married Queen Ntokozo in a civil ceremony in 2021.

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Since taking the throne in October 2022, King Misuzulu has faced scrutiny over several controversial decisions, including the unlawful suspension of the Ingonyama Trust board, which manages significant communal land in KwaZulu-Natal. His actions have raised questions about his authority and legitimacy, with ongoing legal challenges regarding his recognition as monarch.

King Misuzulu ascended to the throne unexpectedly following the death of his father, King Goodwill Zwelithini, in March 2021, marking the end of nearly 50 years of his father’s reign.