Header image credit: face2faceafrica.com
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
The Emperor had held the hostages after asking the British government for a military alliance, hoping to have support against internal rebellions he faced in Ethiopia and from neighboring rivals. The British never answered his request.
Source: The Guardian, National Army Museum
It is thought that 700 Abyssinians died and 1,000 more were left injured.
With a war victory on their side, thousands of British auxiliary workers committed the largest looting of artifacts in Ethiopia’s history.
Source: The Guardian
Tristram Speedy, a British officer in the Battle of Magdala, took the prince and his mother, Empress Tiruwork Wube, to Britain. The prince was orphaned after the empress died on the voyage to Britain and all other Ethiopians on the ships were sent home.
Source: The Guardian
Speedy would often imitate Ethiopian warriors by wearing traditional lion skins in his home of the Isle of Wight.
Source: The Royal Collection Trust
Jabez Hughes / Royal Collection Trust
Portraits show him as a frail and stoic figure — written accounts portray him as a deeply unhappy boy, perpetually scarred by the severed ties from his homeland and forced acclimation to Britain.
