Princess Sophia Desta 1934 – 2021 was the youngest daughter of Princess Tenagneworq, Granddaughter of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie and war hero Ras Desta Damtew. Princess Sophia passed away suddenly on November 15, 2021 aged 87 in London where she had resided for many years. She is survived by her sister Imperial Highness Princess Seble Desta, her daughter Emebet Hoy Hannah Mariam Meherete Selassie Dereje, her grandson Lij Desta Asfaw as well as many nephews, nieces and family members.
When Ethiopia was occupied by Italy in 1935-1941, her father Ras Desta Damtew led Ethiopian forces on the southern front where he was captured and killed in 1937. Her mother Princess Tenagnework was forced to go into exile with the rest of the Imperial family. The family first went to Jerusalem where the young Sophia spent her early childhood. Princess Sophia attended school in Egypt and later in the United Kingdom. After receiving a BA in Education, Princess Sophia returned to Ethiopia and established a private institution, the Entoto International School. The school offered scholarships for students from underprivileged backgrounds. She was also engaged in a variety of philanthropic efforts including establishing Cheshire Ethiopia and working with the YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association). When she married Captain Dereje Haile Mariam in January 1959, to she was elevated by her grandfather Emperor Haile Selassie to the rank of Princess.
Princess Sophia was among the members of the Imperial family that were imprisoned by the Derg regime upon the overthrow of the Ethiopian Monarchy in September 1974. She was in prison for 14 years until 1988.
In the words of her daughter “Princess Sophia will be best remembered for selflessness, generosity, her tireless charity work and avid interest in the education and welfare of not just Ethiopian children but all children and humanity alike”.
May she Rest in Peace.