Hundreds of Swazi women have marched through the streets of the capital to protest about a shopping trip taken by 9 of the king’s 13 wives. (Left: Two of King Mswati’s wives: LaNgangaza (l) and LaMasango (r) )

 They chartered a plane to go to Europe and the Middle East. “We can’t afford a shopping trip when a quarter of the nation lives on food aid,” the protestors chanted. “We need to keep that money for ARVs [anti-retrovirals],” was another slogan shouted by the women.

Swaziland, Africa’s last absolute monarchy, is one of the poorest countries in the world and more than 40% of the population is believed to be infected with HIV.

 The march was organised by Positive Living, a non-governmental organisation for women with Aids.

 King Mswati III, 40, has been criticised in the past for requesting public money to pay for new palaces, a personal jet and luxury cars.

 Earlier this week, senior princes warned the women not to march, saying it defied Swazi tradition.

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