Buckingham Palace Under Fire for Refusing to Return Ethiopian Prince’s Remains

The Ethiopian government and descendants of Prince Alemayehu, who was taken to Britain as a child following the 1868 British expedition to Ethiopia, have called for the return of his remains from Windsor Castle.

Alemayehu, who was orphaned after the expedition, was taken in by Queen Victoria and educated in England.

However, he died aged 18, reportedly unhappy and facing racism.

His burial at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, has been described as a “possession” by Ethiopian-American author Maaza Mengiste.

Buckingham Palace has refused a request for the return of the remains, citing the need to preserve the dignity of the departed.