Bushayija (pictured) was declared king of the small African country in January following the death of his uncle, King Kigeli V
The exiled king of Rwanda is getting used to his royal title – but still enjoys a pint of bitter and a portion of chips and gravy.
King Yuhi VI, 56, has lived in Greater Manchester since 2000.
He is perhaps better known as Emmanuel Bushayija, a father of three and former charity worker who lives in a semi-detached house in Sale.
Back in January, Bushayija was declared king of the small African country following the death of his uncle, King Kigeli V.
He was exiled with his predecessor and the entire royal family back in 1961, when Rwanda country became a republic.
Tensions arose because of ethnic differences between the royals and the new president, and Bushayija grew up in Uganda before eventually getting a job with Pepsi Cola and moving to Britain via Kenya.
But now, in his first interview since becoming king, he has said he is keen to break bread with his fellow royals at the much-anticipated wedding of Harry and Meghan.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, Bushayija said to the happy couple: ‘On behalf of the Rwandan people, I wish you the very best of luck with your engagement.’
But despite his blue blood, he lives the life of an average Northern bloke – enjoying football, Hydes bitter and chips and gravy.
He also supports both Manchester United and Manchester City, loves a good pie and is best mates with his neighbour.
But he said that when he was declared king of his country – via a solemn proclamation on Facebook – his life changed forever.
King Yuhi VI is perhaps better known as Emmanuel Bushayija, a father of three and former charity worker who lives in a semi-detached house in Sale
Left: Bushayija, who was exiled with his predecessor and the entire royal family back in 1961, when Rwanda country became a republic. Tensions arose because of ethnic differences between the royals and the new president, and Bushayija grew up in Uganda before eventually getting a job with Pepsi Cola and moving to Britain via Kenya. Right: Meghan Markle in Rwanda
His wife, a mental health worker, instantly became a queen, while his two sons became princes and his daughter became a princess.
He, meanwhile, went from being a Barnardo’s and BHF charity shop assistant to a figure of prestige and majesty for many Rwandans.
People phone him asking for help every day, he says, while local children shout at him in the street using his royal title.
Next door to his three-bedroom home is Peter Renshaw, a onetime airport worker who has become his close friend after a decade of acquaintance.
Renshaw explained: ‘He’s a private man. I don’t call him Your Majesty down the pub. I’ve been with him on trips to London when all the protocols are in place and he’s being all majestic, which takes some getting used to.’
He added: ‘I’m proud to say I’m friends with the King of Rwanda. When I’m old and grey and in an old folks’ home they’ll probably think I’ve lost my marbles saying I was best friends with a king.’
The king, who dreams of one day returning to his homeland as leader, joked that he is probably the only one of Elizabeth II’s subjects to also be a monarch.
But he is much-impressed with Meghan, whom he thanked for her charity work in Rwanda.