The Duke of Harar, Prince Wossen Seged Makonnen Haile Selassie, passed away on November 10, 2021, in the United States. Born in 1947, he was the eldest child of Prince Makonnen Haile Selassie and Princess Sara Gizaw, making him a grandson of Emperor Haile Selassie I and Empress Menen Asfaw of Ethiopia.
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 his family and those who knew him, with his brothers expressing their gratitude to those who have offered their sympathies during this difficult time.
what were the key achievements of the Duke of Harar during his lifetime
- Imprisonment and Release: He was imprisoned by the Derg regime along with his brothers and was released in 1989 after a long and harsh imprisonment.
- Education: He received his education in the United Kingdom and Switzerland, which prepared him for his future life.
- Marriage and Family: He married and had a family, living happily in the United States.
- Survival and Legacy: He survived the difficult circumstances of his imprisonment and the challenges of his life in exile, leaving a lasting impact on his family and those who knew him.
These achievements reflect the resilience and determination of the Duke of Harar, who overcame significant challenges to build a life and leave a lasting legacy.
what were the Duke of Harar’s contributions to Ethiopian culture and heritage
- Preservation of Imperial Family Legacy: As a grandson of Emperor Haile Selassie I and Empress Menen Asfaw, the Duke of Harar was deeply connected to the Imperial family and its legacy. He played a crucial role in preserving the family’s history and traditions, ensuring that the cultural heritage of the monarchy was passed down to future generations.
- Support for Refugees: The Duke of Harar was actively involved in repelling the Italian invasion of Ethiopia and assisted the numerous refugees displaced by the war. He was awarded the Refugees’ Medal five times for his efforts, demonstrating his commitment to helping those affected by the conflict.
- Education and Cultural Exchange: The Duke of Harar received his education in the United Kingdom and Switzerland, which exposed him to various cultures and traditions. He likely shared this knowledge and experience with others, promoting cross-cultural understanding and exchange.
- Community and Family: The Duke of Harar was married and had a family, which reflects his commitment to building strong family ties and contributing to the community. His family life and relationships likely played a significant role in preserving and passing down Ethiopian cultural traditions.
- Personal Example and Leadership: As a member of the Imperial family, the Duke of Harar served as a personal example and leader for others. His actions and values, such as his dedication to helping refugees and preserving the Imperial family legacy, inspired others to follow in his footsteps.
These contributions highlight the Duke of Harar’s commitment to Ethiopian culture and heritage, demonstrating his role as a guardian of the Imperial family’s legacy and a champion of the country’s traditions.
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 not only delayed the Italian conquest but also inspired other Ethiopians to join the fight, ultimately contributing to the country’s liberation.
- Assistance to Refugees: The Duke of Harar was instrumental in assisting the numerous refugees displaced by the war. His efforts earned him the Refugees’ Medal, which was created by Emperor Haile Selassie I to recognize those who had helped the refugees. This medal was awarded to the Duke of Harar five times, reflecting his dedication to the cause.
- Preservation of Imperial Family Legacy: As a member of the Imperial family, the Duke of Harar played a crucial role in preserving the family’s legacy and traditions. His involvement in the resistance and his commitment to helping refugees demonstrated his commitment to the well-being of the Ethiopian people and the preservation of the monarchy.
- Post-War Reconstruction: After the war, the Duke of Harar likely contributed to the reconstruction efforts in Ethiopia, helping to rebuild the country and its institutions. His involvement in this process would have been crucial in shaping the country’s future and ensuring a smooth transition back to stability.
- Legacy and Recognition: The Duke of Harar’s involvement in repelling the Italians and assisting refugees has left a lasting legacy in Ethiopian history. His actions have been recognized and honored through the award of the Refugees’ Medal, which continues to be a symbol of his dedication to the Ethiopian people.
In summary, the Duke of Harar’s involvement in repelling the Italians had a profound impact on Ethiopian history, shaping the country’s future through his resistance efforts, assistance to refugees, preservation of the Imperial family legacy, post-war reconstruction, and lasting legacy.
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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 Duke of Harar’s major battles
- Imprisonment and Release: He was imprisoned by the Derg regime along with his brothers and was released in 1989 after a long and harsh imprisonment.
- Education: He received his education in the United Kingdom and Switzerland, which prepared him for his future life.
- Marriage and Family: He married and had a family, living happily in the United States.
- Survival and Legacy: He survived the difficult circumstances of his imprisonment and the challenges of his life in exile, leaving a lasting impact on his family and those who knew him.
These achievements reflect the resilience and determination of the Duke of Harar, who overcame significant challenges to build a life and leave a lasting legacy.
The Duke of Harar, Prince Wossen Seged Makonnen Haile Selassie, was a grandson of Emperor Haile Selassie I and Empress Menen Asfaw of Ethiopia. Born in 1947, he 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 his family and those who knew him, with his brothers expressing their gratitude to those who have offered their sympathies during this difficult time.
The Duke of Harar’s life was marked by significant events and achievements. He was formally installed as Duke of Harar just a few months before his 10th birthday after the death of his father Prince Makonnen in May 1957. He received the Refugees’ Medal five times for his efforts in repelling the Italian invasion of Ethiopia and assisting the numerous refugees displaced by the war. His commitment to preserving the Imperial family legacy and his dedication to the well-being of the Ethiopian people have left a lasting impact on the country’s history. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and the sacrifices made by those who have contributed to its preservation. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and we honor his memory by continuing to celebrate the rich history and traditions of Ethiopia.
what were the Duke of Harar’s contributions to Ethiopian culture and heritage
- Preservation of Imperial Family Legacy: As a grandson of Emperor Haile Selassie I and Empress Menen Asfaw, the Duke of Harar was deeply connected to the Imperial family and its legacy. He played a crucial role in preserving the family’s history and traditions, ensuring that the cultural heritage of the monarchy was passed down to future generations.
- Support for Refugees: The Duke of Harar was actively involved in repelling the Italian invasion of Ethiopia and assisting the numerous refugees displaced by the war. He was awarded the Refugees’ Medal five times for his efforts, demonstrating his commitment to helping those affected by the conflict.
- Education and Cultural Exchange: The Duke of Harar received his education in the United Kingdom and Switzerland, which exposed him to various cultures and traditions. He likely shared this knowledge and experience with others, promoting cross-cultural understanding and exchange.
- Community and Family: The Duke of Harar was married and had a family, which reflects his commitment to building strong family ties and contributing to the community. His family life and relationships likely played a significant role in preserving and passing down Ethiopian cultural traditions.
- Personal Example and Leadership: As a member of the Imperial family, the Duke of Harar served as a personal example and leader for others. His actions and values, such as his dedication to helping refugees and preserving the Imperial family legacy, inspired others to follow in his footsteps.
These contributions highlight the Duke of Harar’s commitment to Ethiopian culture and heritage, demonstrating his role as a guardian of the Imperial family’s legacy and a champion of the country’s traditions.
