Buckingham Palace has declined a request to repatriate the remains of Ethiopian prince Alemayehu, who was buried at Windsor Castle in the 19th century. Prince Alemayehu was taken to the UK as a child and later died at the age of 18. His family and descendants have expressed their desire for his remains to be returned to Ethiopia. However, the palace stated that exhuming his remains could disturb the resting place of others in the vicinity. The decision has sparked renewed calls for the return of cultural artifacts looted from Ethiopia during that period.
Prince Alemayehu’s story is one of imperial action, failed diplomacy, and a life in exile. In the 1860s, his father sought an alliance with the UK but received no response from Queen Victoria. This led to a military expedition and the capture of Prince Alemayehu. Queen Victoria took an interest in him and arranged for his education. Despite his family’s wishes, his remains will remain in the UK due to the potential disturbance it could cause to other burials.
The demand for the repatriation of Prince Alemayehu’s remains reflects a broader call for the return of looted cultural artifacts. During the expedition, thousands of Ethiopian artifacts were taken by the British, which are now scattered across European museums and private collections. Returning the prince’s remains would be a significant step towards acknowledging and reconciling Britain’s imperial past. It would also bring closure to the descendants of Prince Alemayehu, who have longed for his return to his homeland.
Source: BBC
