England sent a lock of hair from the prince whose body was requested

Prince Alemayehu, aged 7, who was kidnapped in Ethiopia in 1868, died in England after living to be 18 years old.

Instead of the body, which was repeatedly requested, England gave a lock of the prince’s hair to Ethiopia through a foundation.

Prince Almayehu was the son of Emperor Tewodros, who committed suicide after being defeated in the war against the British.

Along with the hair, some small locks dating back to the reign of Prince Alemayehu’s father, Emperor Tewodros, were also returned.

ETHIOPIA REACTION

This decision by England was met with reaction in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry condemned Britain “for delaying the return of historical artifacts and refusing to return remains.”

The ministry called on Britain to “respect historical and cultural heritage.”

During the British military intervention in Ethiopia in 1868, many historical artifacts were looted and taken to England. (AA)