⭐ Ethiopian Royal Legacy: The Duke of Harar (1947-2021) - A Life of Service and Devotion

The Duke of Harar, Prince Wossen Seged Makonnen Haile Selassie, passed away on November 10, 2021, in the United States, leaving behind a legacy as a grandson of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia. Born on August 21, 1947, in Addis Ababa, Prince Wossen Seged was the eldest child of Prince Makonnen Haile Selassie and Princess Sara Gizaw, the late Duke and Duchess of Harrar. His Imperial Highness was formally installed as Duke of Harrar at the tender age of nine, following the death of his father in May 1957. Prince Wossen Seged's life was marked by significant events, including his imprisonment by the Derg regime after the overthrow of the monarchy in 1974. He was held under harsh conditions until his release in 1989, along with his brothers. After his release, he moved to the United States, where he married and lived a happy life. The Duke of Harar's passing has been met with an outpouring of condolences from around the world, a testament to the respect and admiration he garnered throughout his life1.

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.

May the Prince Rest in Peace.

The passing of His Imperial Highness the Duke of Harrar, Prince Wossen Seged Makonnen Haile Selassie, marks the end of an era for the Ethiopian royal family. As a grandson of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, Prince Wossen Seged was deeply rooted in the country's history and culture. His life was marked by significant events, including his imprisonment by the Derg regime after the overthrow of the monarchy in 1974, and his eventual release in 1989. Despite the challenges he faced, Prince Wossen Seged went on to build a life in the United States, where he married and lived happily for many years.

As we bid farewell to the Duke of Harrar, we are reminded of the importance of preserving the legacy of the Ethiopian monarchy. The royal family has played a crucial role in shaping the country's history, and it is essential that we continue to honor their memory. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the many people from all over the world who have reached out to offer their sympathies at this difficult time. Your condolences are a testament to the respect and admiration that Prince Wossen Seged garnered throughout his life. We hope that this article has provided a fitting tribute to the life and legacy of the Duke of Harrar, and we invite you to share your own memories and stories of this remarkable individual.