Zulu King Demands $700K for Sixth Wife's Palace

Wives aren't cheap, especially when you've got six of them. South Africa's Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini is demanding the government cough up $700,000 for a palace for his sixth and youngest wife, Queen Mafu, who first stepped out with the king at the age of 14 eight years ago. He also wants $1.4 million to spruce up Queen MaMchiza's palace, reports the BBC.

The demands come despite criticism that too much taxpayer money is being spent on the king, his wives, and some 25 children. The KwaZulu Natal government, one of nine provincial administrations, has already budgeted some $6.9 million for the Zulu royal family this year. The king's new request will be considered later this year. (More Zulu stories.)