Seretse Khama was the rightful heir to the Bechuanaland throne but he complicated his succession while he was studying in Britain by marrying Ruth Williams, a white British woman. As a result his uncle Tshekedi Khama who was the acting chieftain (King) refused to allow Seretse Khama to accede to the throne.

Seretse Khama and Lady Ruth were exiled in Britain by the British government but were eventually allowed  to return after Seretse confronted the British Administration with false reports about his competence to lead his nation. There were also looming issues with poaching companies mining on their land. 

Sir Seretse Khama returned to lead his country into independence as the Republic of Botswana and served as Prime Minister from 3.3.1965 - 30.9.1965, then as President from 30.9.1965 - 13.7.1980, when he died at age 59. Lady Ruth Williams Khama died on 22.5.2002 at the age of 78.

On 1.4.2008 their son Seretse Khama Ian Khama became the President of Botswana and continues to serve in that post today.  For current issues see Botswana         1.1.2018