Earlier last year, Buckingham Palace denied another of many requests to have the remains of Prince Alemayehu returned to Ethiopia and his family, living royal descendants. With the ongoing battle and tensions mounting, on September 21st 2023, it was announced that a lock of his hair will be returned. The smallest reconciliation. This article explores how this young Ethiopian prince’s life got thrown into chaos due to a real life political game of thrones.

Who was Prince Alemayehu?

Prince Alemayehu was born in 1861 in the Ethiopian Empire, a country renowned for its rich history and deep-rooted monarchy. He was the son of Emperor Tewodros II and Empress Tiruwork Wube, making him a direct heir to the throne. His life, however, would take a dramatic turn as Ethiopia faced turbulent times.

In the mid-19th century, Ethiopia was grappling with internal strife and external threats. Emperor Tewodros II, Alemayehu's father, who is now considered Ethiopia's first modern ruler, united the many Kingdoms in the country, worked to abolish the feudal system and sought to weaponise the military. His mission to modernize the country and strengthen its central authority, faced resistance from various factions, leading to a precarious political environment. This turmoil would have a profound impact on Alemayehu's life.

Letter to Queen Victoria

In 1862, Emperor Tewodros II, sought an alliance with Great Britain, to strengthen his empire. He wrote a letter to Queen Victoria that went unanswered. The emperor took this as an insult and reacted hot headedly, taking the British consul and other Europeans hostage.

A British military expedition, led by Sir Robert Napier, arrived in Ethiopia, aimed to secure the release of British hostages taken by Emperor Tewodros II. After a series of military clashes, the British captured the Ethiopian emperor, leading to his eventual suicide.

Prince Alemayehu's misfortune

Amidst the chaos, the plundering of artefacts and the killing of wildlife, the prince, just seven years old at the time, was taken into British custody. The British saw themselves as protectors of the young prince, and decided to bring him and his mother to England. His mother died on the voyage, making him an orphan. Queen Victoria, sympathetically took on the responsibility of his care.

Prince Alemayehu's life in England was an unhappy one. He was educated and cared for, but he remained far removed from his Ethiopian roots and the culture he was born into. His upbringing was defined by Victorian England, a world very different from the Ethiopian court he had left behind.

The young prince's life took a tragic turn when he fell ill with possible pneumonia in 1879. He refused medical treatment in fear of being poisoned and sadly passed away at the age of 18. Queen Victoria had him buried at Windsor Castle. The Queen wrote in her diary of his death. "Very grieved and shocked to hear by telegram, that good Alemayehu had passed away this morning. It is too sad! All alone, in a strange country, without a single person or relative, belonging to him," she said. "His was no happy life, full of difficulties of every kind, and was so sensitive, thinking that people stared at him on account of his colour... Everyone is very sorry."

Fight for the return of his remains

The most recent demand for the young prince’s body came in May this year, led by Fasil Menas, was rejected by Buckingham Palace. The Palace claims that the exhuming of the body would disrupt other bodies buried in the same place.