Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, the daughter of Maharaja Duleep Singh and the goddaughter of Queen Victoria has been honoured with a commemorative Blue Plaque in London. The Blue Plaque, administered by the English Heritage charity, recognises the historical significance of buildings associated with notable figures.
In this case, it adorns Faraday House, which was bestowed upon Princess Sophia and her sisters as a grace and favour residence at Hampton Court Palace. This tribute pays homage to Princess Sophia's remarkable life and her contributions as a suffragette, revolutionary, and advocate for women's voting rights.
Anita Anand, the author of the biography 'Sophia: Princess, Suffragette, Revolutionary,' expressed her admiration for Princess Sophia, stating that discovering her extraordinary story surpassed her previous knowledge of the suffragettes. “Forgive me… but this is one of the happiest days of my life! Princess Sophia Duleep Singh gets her blue plaque at Hampton Court! And sisters from everywhere come to celebrate her in the blazing sun! Princess, Suffragette, Revolutionary,” she tweeted.
As the last princess of the Sikh Empire, goddaughter of Queen Victoria, and a prominent figure in society and fashion, Princess Sophia had the opportunity to lead a life of comfort and celebrity. However, she chose a more challenging path, utilizing her international fame and influence to fight tirelessly for women's suffrage. With unwavering dedication, loyalty, and selflessness, she made a significant impact on the movement.
Faraday House, also known as "Apartment 41," was Princess Sophia's primary residence for over forty years. Furnished luxuriously according to her taste, the house served as her base during her suffragette campaigns. Named after the renowned English physicist Michael Faraday, the residence became a symbol of Princess Sophia's legacy.
Peter Bance, a British Sikh historian, art collector, and author of 'Sovereign, Squire and Rebel: Maharajah Duleep Singh & the Heirs of the Lost Kingdom,' championed the cause for the Blue Plaque. He discovered Princess Sophia's story while researching her father and was disheartened by the lack of recognition she received. However, Princess Sophia has now become an icon, bridging the worlds of British royalty and the women's suffrage movement in the early 20th century.
Drovna Oxley, Princess Sophia's goddaughter, recalled her conversations with the princess about the suffragettes and her commitment to exercising her right to vote. Princess Sophia's dedication to the cause extended to attending politically significant protests, daring the authorities to take action against her. Her residence at Faraday House sparked controversy, notably when she was photographed selling 'The Suffragette' newspaper outside Hampton Court Palace. The subsequent discussions in court and government circles regarding her eviction were eventually dismissed to avoid entangling the Crown in suffrage debates. Additionally, Faraday House faced bailiff raids due to Princess Sophia's non-payment of taxes after she joined the Women's Tax Resistance League in 1911.
Anna Eavis, Curatorial Director at English Heritage, highlighted the significance of Princess Sophia's story, emphasizing that it was relatively unknown for decades after her death. English Heritage aims to ensure that Princess Sophia's contribution to the women's suffrage movement is firmly recognized and celebrated.
Maharaja Duleep Singh, Princess Sophia's father, was the last Maharaja of Punjab and the son and heir of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Exiled to England as a teenager in 1854, he maintained a close relationship with Queen Victoria until his later criticism of the British Empire. He requested that Queen Victoria become Princess Sophia's godmother and secured the use of Faraday House for his family's lifetime, even as his relationship with the Queen deteriorated.
Throughout her life, Princess Sophia remained connected to India, and her ashes were brought to the country by her sister Bamba in 1949. Her legacy as a trailblazer for women's rights continues to inspire and resonate with people around the world.
