- 10.00am - 5.30pm
- FREE
- Chelsea, London
- 10.00am - 5.30pm
- FREE
- Chelsea, London
UK's National Army Museum to hand over locks of hair belonging to Emperor Tewodros II of Ethiopia
Following discussions between the Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency Mr Fesseha Shawel Gebre, and the Director of the United Kingdom's National Army Museum, Brigadier Justin Maciejewski DSO MBE, an agreement has been reached on the manner and style of the hand-over to the Government of Ethiopia of locks of hair belonging to Emperor Tewodros II.
Accordingly, both sides have agreed that the National Army Museum and the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia will jointly oversee the hand-over and farewell ceremony at the museum, in an inclusive manner that reflects the great love and affection in which Emperor Tewodros II is held by Ethiopia's sizeable community in the UK and around the world.
It has therefore been agreed that a ceremonial hand-over will take place at the National Army Museum in Chelsea, London on Wednesday 20 March 2019 at 4.30pm GMT.
Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia are encouraged to attend, as are the media.
On behalf of the people and Government of Ethiopia, Her Excellency Dr Hirut Kassaw, Minister of Culture and Tourism, will be present to receive the human remains from the museum's Director on the occasion.
Notes to editors
The decision to repatriate this item from their collection is made by the National Army Museum, who have delegated authority by Royal Charter to collect and dispose of property, including Museum objects. The decision is made by the Museum independent of any other body and the British government. See www.nam.ac.uk/collections-development-policy for further information (Collections Development Policy 1.7, Royal Charter 4(b)).
Media should contact the Ethiopian Embassy press office about filming opportunities and interview bids on 0207 838 3880/3.
For more information:
Claire Blackshaw | PR & Communications Manager | National Army Museum
E: cblackshaw@nam.ac.uk | T: 020 7881 2433 | M: 07841 535 588
Gail Warden | Senior Press Officer | Ethiopian Embassy
E: gail@ethioembassy.org.uk | T: 020 7838 3883 | www.ethioembassy.org.uk
About the National Army Museum
The National Army Museum is the leading authority on the history of the British Army. It was founded in 1960 by Royal Charter and established for the purpose of collecting, preserving and exhibiting objects and records relating to the Land Forces of the British Crown. The Museum seeks to tell the story of the nation’s Army and of the soldiers who have served in it. It aims to inspire, educate and engage the public with its world-class collection.
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