Her Royal Highness Lady Julia Osei Tutu, the wife of the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has described their 22-year marriage as “truly exceptional”.
Speaking at the King’s 74th birthday celebration at the Manhyia Palace on May 6, Lady Julia affectionately addressed her husband as “Sweets” and “My Love,” expressing her gratitude for their years together. “You have exceeded my expectations and I pray that the good Lord blesses you with many more years to continue your reign and to be the amazing father, husband, grandfather and patriarch that you are to us all.”
Love at First Sight
Lady Julia recounted their first meeting, which she described as “love at first sight.” She had been working as the legal and corporate affairs officer for ECOBANK Ghana and had been tasked with giving the vote of thanks at the inauguration of the bank’s first branch in Kumasi. The King was in attendance, and despite the rain, he refused to leave until he had found out who she was and how to contact her.
Their meeting led to a dinner invitation at the King’s residence, which Lady Julia later realized was an audition for the role of a lifetime – becoming the Queen of the Asante Kingdom. Looking back on their 22 years together, Lady Julia renewed her oath to her husband, promising to continue being his backbone and sanctuary.
Her Royal Highness also credited the counsels of her late mother-in-law, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem, and her sister-in-law, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, the current Asantehemaa for the success of their marriage.
Source: Manhyia Palace
