In this episode of Stuff the British Stole, Australian Marc Fennell tells the story of Prince Alemayehu (1861-1879) who was born in Ethiopia and died at age 18 in England.

After Alemayehu’s father, Emperor Twodros II of Ethiopia died by suicide after his defeat by the British, 7 year old Alemayehu was taken to Britain, under the care of Captain Tristram Speedy.

In England and while staying at Speedy’s home, the young prince was introduced to Queen Victoria. He spent some time with Speedy and his wife in India but the British government decided he should be educated in England.

Guests include Andrew Heavens who has written The Prince and The Plunder, and Lemn Sissay whose own life intersects with that of Alamayu’s.