Princess Aida Desta - Echoes of Brightons Past

Princess AIDA DESTA - IN EXILE


Princess Aida Desta


Another Podcast from the Echoes of Brighton’s Past series tells the story of Princess Aida Desta, a senior figure within Ethiopia’s Solomonic royal family. Born in 1927, she was the first granddaughter of Emperor Haile Selassie and grew up within the traditions of the imperial court. The podcast traces her life in exile and explores how her story connects with British local history, placing her experience within a wider network of global monarchs and historic figures. It offers a clear account of her journey from the Ethiopian court to her years abroad, and reflects on the legacy she left behind.


You can also read the full written account of her life and her connection to St Paul’s Church, Brighton, here.

Related Articles

Related Articles

August 11, 2026
UCL records reveal Sussex links to Caribbean slavery. Echoes follows the evidence towards the estates and the enslaved people recorded there.
August 3, 2026
From Dave Busby’s 1973 debut to Chris Hughton and Hope Powell, five Black figures who helped shape Brighton & Hove Albion.
August 2, 2026
The story of Billy Waters, a Black disabled sailor and musician whose porcelain likeness is held by Brighton & Hove Museums.