While still mourning the death of King Goodwill Zwelithini and his wife Queen Mantfombi, the Zulu royal family has suffered yet another loss.

This after King Zwelithini’s brother Prince Thiza Zulu aged 72 years died on Friday, 21 May after a short illness.

Prince Thiza was one of the remaining senior princes from the KwaDlamahlahla Royal Palace and was close to Zwelithini as they grew up together.

He led preparation for the late King’s burial as well as cleansing rituals for the Chief.

Royal Family spokesperson Prince Thulani Zulu said the family was still going to meet to discuss funeral arrangements.

Thiza’s death comes at a time when the royals are embroiled in a court battle over the coronation of the new king, Misuzulu kaZwelithini.

On Friday, May 21, the Pietermaritzburg High Court adjourned the urgent application filed by the late king’s daughters Princess Ntandoyenkosi Zulu and Princess Ntombizosuthu Zulu-Duma, who wanted to interdict the coronation.

The royal family has suffered four deaths recently.

Last November, one of Zwelithini’s sons died after allegedly being drugged.

The King died in March and the Queen died in April.