Prior to 1965, the area of southern Africa that is now Lesotho was a Crown colony by the name of Basutoland.

Along with most of the empire's other colonies and protectorates, Basutoland gained full independence from Britain in the 1960s.

On October 4, 1966, Basutoland was granted independence, governed by a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral parliament.

The United States immediately recognized Lesotho after the nation gained its independence.

Richard St. F. Post was appointed chargé d'affaires ad interim pending the arrival of an ambassador.