Who was the stolen prince Alemayehu, his life, burial at Windsor castle and why his remains are not taken back to Ethiopia
The stolen prince Alemayehu was the son of Emperor Tewodros II of Ethiopia and Queen Tiruwork Wube. He was born in 1861 and was given the title of "Dejazmach Alemayehu Tewodros" at a young age. Alemayehu's life took a tragic turn when his father, Emperor Tewodros II, committed suicide in 1868 during the British expedition to Abyssinia (now Ethiopia).
Following his father's death, Alemayehu was taken as a prisoner by the British forces led by General Robert Napier. He was only seven years old at the time and became known as the "stolen prince." The British government decided to bring Alemayehu to England, where he would be educated and raised under their supervision.
Alemayehu's life in England was marked by a series of challenges and hardships. Initially, he lived with Captain Tristram Speedy, who had served in the British expedition to Abyssinia. However, Speedy's financial situation deteriorated, and Alemayehu was eventually placed under the care of Reverend William Nassau Molesworth, a Church of England clergyman.
Under Molesworth's guidance, Alemayehu received a Western education and learned English. He also converted to Christianity and was baptized as Albert Edward. Despite his difficult circumstances, Alemayehu showed great intelligence and adaptability. He excelled academically and developed a passion for art and literature.
Prince Alemayehu studied at Cheltenham College in western England, where he was reportedly sick often as a result of difficulties he had with the cold English weather. His name appears here on a class list alongside his peers. (Lauren Sproule/CBC)
Tragically, Alemayehu's life was cut short at the age of 18. He fell ill with pleurisy in 1879 and passed away on November 14th of that year. His death deeply saddened those who knew him, including Queen Victoria, who had taken an interest in his well-being.
Alemayehu was buried at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, England. His burial at such a prestigious location was a testament to the respect and admiration he had garnered during his time in England. The tombstone marking his grave bears the inscription: "Prince Alemayehu, son of the Emperor of Abyssinia, who died at Leeds on the 14th of November 1879, aged 18 years."
At Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, a cross stands in an area to the northwest of St. George’s Chapel where there are 47 burials, including that of Prince Alemayehu.(Windsor Castle)
The decision to bury Alemayehu at Windsor Castle rather than repatriating his remains to Ethiopia has been a subject of debate and controversy. There are several reasons why his remains have not been taken back to Ethiopia.
A British Army artillery convoy moves between Magdala and Antale in 1868.(Getty Images)
Firstly, Alemayehu's burial at Windsor Castle was a reflection of the political climate and power dynamics of the time. The British Empire had a significant influence over Ethiopia during the late 19th century, and Alemayehu's burial in England symbolized this dominance. Returning his remains to Ethiopia could have been seen as an acknowledgment of Ethiopian sovereignty and independence, which may not have aligned with British interests.
Secondly, there were practical challenges involved in repatriating Alemayehu's remains. At the time of his death, Ethiopia was facing internal conflicts and political instability. Transporting his remains back to Ethiopia would have required diplomatic negotiations and logistical arrangements that were likely deemed too complex or unfeasible.
The Naval Brigade parade takes place beside Goon-Goona Rock during the Abyssinian Expedition in 1868.(Imperial War Museums)
Lastly, it is important to note that Alemayehu's burial at Windsor Castle provided him with a dignified resting place. The chapel is known for housing the tombs of British monarchs and members of the royal family. By burying him there, Alemayehu was given a final resting place among esteemed individuals, ensuring that his memory would be preserved and honored.
Before leaving Maqdala, Gen. Robert Napier permitted his troops to loot and burn the fortress. The army also collected many objects of historical and religious significance that were taken back to England.(Henry M. Stanley)
In recent years, there have been calls from various individuals and organizations in Ethiopia for the repatriation of Alemayehu's remains. These calls are rooted in a desire to reclaim and honor Ethiopia's history and cultural heritage. However, the decision ultimately rests with the British government, who would need to consider the historical significance, diplomatic implications, and cultural sensitivities surrounding such a repatriation.
However, on 14th Sept 2023, Thursday evening, a lock of hair from the head of a 19th-century Ethiopian royal was presented to representatives of his homeland in a secret ceremony in London. The Ethiopian envoy to the United Kingdom received the hair of Crown Prince Alemayehu, who is buried at Windsor Castle, with champagne and canapes.
Teferi Melesse, Ethiopia's ambassador to the United Kingdom, received the lock of hair, as well as a number of other artifacts plundered from Emperor Tewodros's Maqdala stronghold, at a ceremony in London on Thursday evening.
"It's a very important part of our history … life was difficult for him," said ambassador Teferi Melesse Desta.
Staff look at recovered items to be on display at the National Museum in Addis Ababa on Nov. 20, 2021, as Ethiopia hailed the return of precious artifacts taken by British soldiers more than 150 years ago.(AFP/Getty Images)
Other culturally and religiously significant artefacts seized from Ethiopia 155 years ago were also returned Thursday night, including a shield and three cups. The ambassador spoke of the artifacts "returning to their rightful place... where they can inspire and educate future generations."
A employee poses in the Victoria and Alberta Museum in London on April 5, 2018, near a crown made in Ethiopia around 1740.(Daniel Leal/AFP/Getty Images)
The handover is the latest in a series of heritage reckonings taking place in former imperial capitals throughout the world.
Only a hair strand, terrible.