Princess tenagnework biography

Eldest child of Emperor Haile Selassie (1912–2003)

Princess Tenagnework Haile Selassie, GBE (baptismal name: Fikirte Mariam; 12 January 1912 – 6 April 2003) was the eldest child of Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen Asfaw.

Princess tenagnework biography

Early life

Born in the city of Harar, Princess Tenagnework received her title upon her father's succession to the imperial throne in November 1930. Princess Tenagnework was first married to RasDesta Damtew, a member of the prominent aristocratic Addisge clan.

Ras Desta and Princess Tenagnework were the parents of two sons, Amha and Iskinder Desta (later Rear Admiral), and four daughters, Princesses Aida Desta, Seble Desta, Sophia Desta and Hirut Desta. Ras Desta Damtew was appointed Governor-General, first of Kaffa and Limu, and then of Sidamo.

In 1935, following the invasion of Ethiopia by Italy, the imperial family was forced to flee into exile at Fairfield House, Bath in England. However, Ras Desta remained