FRIENDS and neighbours have spoken of their shock that Sale resident Emmanuel Bushayija has been named as the new exiled king of Rwanda.

Emmanuel Bushayija, who has lived in Britain since 2000, was named King Yuhi VI, according to an official decree by the late king’s chief courtier.

The 56-year-old father-of-two lives in a terraced house on the Sale West estate.

He came to Britain in 2000 and moved to Sale in 2011, having previously lived in Old Trafford.

The previous king had lived in the US and did not have any children, naming his nephew Emmanuel as his successor.

Emmanuel's friends on the Sale West estate told Messenger that they had no idea that he was in line to be a king.

Neighbour and friend Mike Knight said: "It is a big surprise.

"He is a drinking pal of mine but never gave any indication of this.

"He is a lovely chap, very friendly. He keeps himself to himself.

"He is a character, you can have a laugh with him."

He is well known at the Samuel Brooks pub, Manor Avenue, Sale.

Customer Tony Tracey said he used to come in every Sunday night.

He said of his friend's royal connections: "I was amazed and shocked at what I heard.

"He is a really nice guy. I've never known him say a bad word about anyone."

Another customer, Tracey, said: "He is lovely, such a top guy.

"I can't believe he is a king."

One of his neighbours, Clare Dwan, told Messenger: "I only found out when I picked up my children from school.

"It is a bit of a shock. It is amazing, being on a council estate."

Ward councillor Rob Chilton said: ""Congratulations to Mr Bushayija on succeeding to the headship of the former Rwandan royal family.

"Being a fantastic and vibrant place, it is only natural that our town of Sale is a residence of choice for international royalty."

The new king was born in Rwanda on December 20, 1960. He grew up in exile in Uganda, and later worked for Pepsi Cola in Kampala.

He then went on to work in the tourism industry in Kenya, before returning to Rwanda between 1994 and 2000. Since then, he has lived in the United Kingdom.

The Rwandan royal family was exiled in 1961, when Emmanuel was a baby.

He moved back to Rwanda in 1994, before relocating to the UK in 2000.

He first lived in a council flat near Old Trafford, before moving to the Sale West estate. He has a security firm.

Rwanda became a republic in January 1961 following a referendum, a year and a half before it gained independence from Belgian rule.