King Charles could be faced with demands from the Ethiopian government to return ‘immoral’ treasures back to Ethiopia, as per a recent report. The treasures in question have been held in Britain since the 1868 Battle of Magdala. A report published by The Telegraph on January 24, reveals that officials in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, will be strongly advocating for the return of items from the Royal Collection, as well as treasures housed in locations like the British Museum. These items, sacred to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, are at the centre of this potential repatriation movement. The United Kingdom may be asked to support Ethiopia’s efforts to have these items returned in the upcoming year.
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The Ethiopian Heritage Authority, in partnership with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, is taking a leading role in this initiative to secure the return of these cherished artifacts. The Heritage Authority’s director general, Abebaw Ayalew Gella, has been quoted as saying, “It is immoral. You don’t just put them somewhere. They are sacred.” In particular, he emphasised the sanctity of manuscripts with illumination, highlighting the reverence with which such items are viewed within their cultural and religious context. These sentiments underscore the deep significance and symbolic value attached to the treasures in question.
As detailed by The Telegraph, the Royal Collection houses a range of precious artifacts, including 18th-century manuscripts that were commissioned by Ethiopian royalty. Among these are a beautifully illuminated Life of Mary manuscript and another manuscript titled The Miracles of the Virgin Mary. These items were taken during the period when British forces secured victory at the Battle of Magdala after the tragic death of Tewodros II, the Emperor of Abyssinia (present-day Ethiopia). Over the years, these artifacts found their way into the Royal Collection through various means, such as auctions and gifting to the royal family.
The push for repatriation of these items is not a new development. In September 2023, The Art Newspaper reported that a sacred tablet taken by British troops during the 1868 battle had already been returned during a church service in London. Although the Royal Collection has the authority to return items at the discretion of its trustees, a legal barrier exists that prohibits national museums in the UK from relinquishing their own holdings. Despite this restriction, officials from Ethiopia are poised to make a formal request to the UK government for the repatriation of these culturally significant artifacts.
Orthodox priest Memher Girma Batu articulated the sentiments of many when he stated, “It is not fair to have them there,” referring specifically to the Tabots – tablets representing the Arc of the Covenant. These objects hold immense religious importance, symbolising the divine commandments in their faith tradition. The call for the return of such revered items to their land of origin is not only about physical artifacts but also about restoring a sense of cultural heritage and spiritual continuity to the Ethiopian people.
Responding to these demands, the Royal Collection Trust clarified that the collection is held in trust by the Sovereign for future generations and the nation, dispelling notions that the King possesses these items as private property. Therefore, decisions regarding the potential return of these artifacts would involve consultations with a range of stakeholders, both internal and external. While the debate around repatriation of cultural treasures is complex and multifaceted, it underscores the importance of addressing historical injustices and upholding ethical principles in the realm of heritage preservation.
In a related context, previous requests for repatriation have been met with challenges. Buckingham Palace had turned down a request to repatriate the body of Prince Dejatch Alemayehu of Abyssinia, who had been laid to rest in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Despite pleas from descendants for the return of the prince’s remains, logistical and ethical considerations complicated the feasibility of such a move. The delicate balance between preserving the dignity of the departed and honouring cultural wishes is a recurring theme in discussions surrounding historical artifacts and human remains.
For King Charles III and the British monarchy more broadly, the potential return of these treasures poses a significant diplomatic and ethical dilemma. Balancing the UK’s historical acquisitions with global calls for repatriation and restitution is a delicate process that requires thoughtful deliberation and engagement with diverse viewpoints. The outcome of this unfolding narrative will not only shape the future of cultural heritage policies but also test the UK’s commitment to addressing historical wrongs and fostering meaningful dialogue on restitution and reconciliation.