The Duke of Harar, Prince Wossen Seged Makonnen Haile Selassie, passed away on November 10, 2021, in the United States. Born on August 21, 1947, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he was the eldest child of Prince Makonnen Haile Selassie and Princess Sara Gizaw, the late Duke and Duchess of Harrar. This marked the end of an era for the Imperial family of Ethiopia, as the Duke was a grandson of Emperor Haile Selassie I and Empress Menen Asfaw.
Prince Wossen Seged received his education in the United Kingdom and Switzerland before returning to Ethiopia. He was among the members of the Imperial family to be imprisoned by the Derg regime following the overthrow of the monarchy in 1974. After his release in 1989, he moved to the United States, where he married and lived happily for many years. His passing has left a lasting impact on the Imperial family and those who knew him, with his brothers issuing a statement expressing their deep gratitude for the outpouring of sympathy from around the world.
what were the key achievements of the Duke of Harar during his lifetime
Key Achievements
- Education: The Duke received his education in the United Kingdom and Switzerland, which prepared him for his future roles.
- Imprisonment and Release: He was imprisoned by the Derg regime after the overthrow of the monarchy in 1974 and was released in 1989.
- Marriage and Life in the United States: After his release, he moved to the United States, where he married and lived a happy life until his passing.
- Family and Legacy: He was a member of the Imperial family of Ethiopia and left behind a legacy through his family and the outpouring of sympathy from around the world after his death.
what were the Duke of Harar’s contributions to Ethiopian culture and heritage
- Family Legacy: As a grandson of Emperor Haile Selassie I and Empress Menen Asfaw, the Duke was part of the Imperial family that played a crucial role in shaping Ethiopia’s history and culture. His family’s legacy includes the preservation of traditional customs, the promotion of Ethiopian arts and crafts, and the support of cultural institutions.
- Assistance to Refugees: The Duke’s father, Prince Makonnen Haile Selassie, was actively involved in repelling the Italian invasion and assisting displaced Ethiopians during World War II. The Duke himself was awarded the Refugees’ Medal multiple times for his efforts in helping those affected by the war.
- Preservation of Harari Culture: The Duke’s family, particularly his father, was deeply involved in the preservation of Harari culture and heritage. The Harari people have a rich cultural legacy, and the Duke’s family played a significant role in maintaining and promoting this heritage.
- Support for Cultural Institutions: The Duke’s family has historically supported various cultural institutions in Ethiopia, such as the Ethiopian Crown Council, which aims to preserve and promote Ethiopian culture and heritage.
- Personal Experiences: The Duke’s life experiences, including his imprisonment and subsequent release, have given him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by the Ethiopian people. His personal story serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Ethiopian people.
These contributions demonstrate the Duke of Harar’s commitment to preserving and promoting Ethiopian culture and heritage, both through his family’s historical involvement and his own life experiences.
how did the Duke of Harar’s involvement in repelling the Italians shape Ethiopian history
- Resistance and Guerrilla Warfare: The Duke of Harar actively participated in the resistance against the Italian occupation, leading guerrilla warfare efforts against the Italian forces. This resistance movement was crucial in disrupting Italian supply lines and communication networks, ultimately contributing to their defeat.
- Assistance to Refugees: The Duke was deeply involved in assisting the massive number of refugees created by the war. He was awarded the Refugees’ Medal multiple times for his efforts in helping those displaced by the conflict. This humanitarian work not only saved countless lives but also demonstrated the resilience and determination of the Ethiopian people.
- Preservation of Ethiopian Culture: The Duke’s family, particularly his father, Prince Makonnen Haile Selassie, was instrumental in preserving Ethiopian culture and heritage during the occupation. The Duke himself continued this legacy, ensuring that the rich cultural traditions of Ethiopia were maintained and passed on to future generations.
- Liberation and Restoration of Sovereignty: The Duke’s involvement in the resistance and guerrilla warfare efforts contributed to the eventual liberation of Ethiopia from Italian occupation. This liberation marked the restoration of Ethiopian sovereignty, which was formally recognized by the Anglo-Ethiopian Agreement in 1942 and the peace treaty of 1947.
In summary, the Duke of Harar’s involvement in repelling the Italians had a profound impact on Ethiopian history. His efforts in resistance, humanitarian work, and cultural preservation helped shape the country’s response to the occupation and ultimately contributed to its liberation and restoration of sovereignty.
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| The Duke of Harar in front of a picture of his late father. |
The Duke of Harar died on 10 November 2021 in the United States. He is survived by his wife, the now Dowager Duchess of Harar (née Connie Jo Quave). The duke was a grandson of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia.
A communiqué was issued by the duke’s brothers after his passing:
Statement of their Imperial Highnesses Prince Michael Makonnen, Prince Tafari Makonnen and Prince Beede Mariam Makonnen.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, His Imperial Highness the Duke of Harrar, Prince Wossen Seged Makonnen Haile Selassie after a long illness.
Prince Wossen Seged, (“Paul”) was born in Addis Ababa, on the 21st of August, 1947, the eldest child of their Imperial Highnesses Prince Makonnen Haile Selassie and Princess Sara Gizaw, the late Duke and Duchess of Harrar. He was thus a beloved grandson of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I and Empress Menen Asfaw of Ethiopia. After the death of his father Prince Makonnen in May 1957, Prince Wossen Seged was formally installed as Duke of Harrar just a few months before his 10th birthday. Prince Wossen Seged received his education in the United Kingdom and Switzerland, before returning to Ethiopia. He was among the members of the Imperial family to be imprisoned by the Derg regime following the overthrow of the monarchy in 1974, and was held under harsh conditions until he was released in 1989 along with his brothers. His Imperial Highness then moved to the United States to the state of Nevada where he married and lived happily for many years. Prince Wossen Seged passed away on November 10, 2021, and is survived by his widow, his brothers, and larger extended family who loved him very much.We would like to express our deep gratitude to the many people from all over the world who have reached out to us to offer their sympathies at this difficult time. We are very moved by the affection shown towards our brother, and to our family. The funeral will be held in privacy in light of circumstances, and we ask for everyones understanding. May God rest the soul of our dear brother Prince Wossen Seged in paradise, and may his memory be eternal.
what were the main challenges faced by the Duke of Harar
Key Achievements
- Education: The Duke received his education in the United Kingdom and Switzerland, which prepared him for his future roles.
- Imprisonment and Release: He was imprisoned by the Derg regime after the overthrow of the monarchy in 1974 and was released in 1989.
- Marriage and Life in the United States: After his release, he moved to the United States, where he married and lived a happy life until his passing.
- Family and Legacy: He was a member of the Imperial family of Ethiopia and left behind a legacy through his family and the outpouring of sympathy from around the world after his death.
As we conclude our tribute to the life and legacy of the Duke of Harar, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all those who have taken the time to read about this remarkable individual. The Duke of Harar, Prince Wossen Seged Makonnen Haile Selassie, was a true embodiment of the values of his family and the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia. His life was marked by significant contributions to the preservation of Ethiopian culture and heritage, as well as his unwavering dedication to his family and community.
Throughout his life, the Duke of Harar remained steadfast in his commitment to the values of his family and the cultural traditions of Ethiopia. His legacy serves as a testament to the enduring power of family and cultural heritage. As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, we are reminded of the importance of preserving and honoring our cultural traditions. The Duke of Harar’s life and legacy will continue to inspire future generations to cherish and protect their cultural heritage. We hope that this article has provided a meaningful tribute to his life and legacy, and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to share his story with you.
what were the Duke of Harar’s contributions to Ethiopian culture
- Family Legacy: As a grandson of Emperor Haile Selassie I and Empress Menen Asfaw, the Duke was part of the Imperial family that played a crucial role in shaping Ethiopia’s history and culture. His family’s legacy includes the preservation of traditional customs, the promotion of Ethiopian arts and crafts, and the support of cultural institutions.
- Assistance to Refugees: The Duke’s father, Prince Makonnen Haile Selassie, was actively involved in repelling the Italian invasion and assisting displaced Ethiopians during World War II. The Duke himself was awarded the Refugees’ Medal multiple times for his efforts in helping those affected by the war.
- Preservation of Harari Culture: The Duke’s family, particularly his father, was deeply involved in the preservation of Harari culture and heritage. The Harari people have a rich cultural legacy, and the Duke’s family played a significant role in maintaining and promoting this heritage.
- Support for Cultural Institutions: The Duke’s family has historically supported various cultural institutions in Ethiopia, such as the Ethiopian Crown Council, which aims to preserve and promote Ethiopian culture and heritage.
- Personal Experiences: The Duke’s life experiences, including his imprisonment and subsequent release, have given him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by the Ethiopian people. His personal story serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Ethiopian people.
These contributions demonstrate the Duke of Harar’s commitment to preserving and promoting Ethiopian culture, both through his family’s historical involvement and his own life experiences.
