Princess Sophia Duleep Singh: Suffragette exhibition opens at Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is now exploring the life and activism of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, a British Indian aristocrat, Suffragette, and goddaughter of Queen Victoria. Born in Belgravia in 1876, she spent her entire life in London. The exhibition, marking 150 years since her birth, features photographs, personal items, letters, and documents that illuminate the influences on her political beliefs.

Princess Sophia's father, Duleep Singh, became ruler of his kingdom at five but was removed from the throne when Britain annexed the Punjab in 1849. He later moved to England and became close to Queen Victoria. Sophia grew up with considerable wealth and privilege, moving within British aristocratic circles.

Political Awakening and Activism

Princess Sophia's political engagement began after Queen Victoria's death in 1901. She became more aware of the circumstances surrounding the annexation of Punjab by the British and began to question the empire. She met with Indian anti-imperialist activists and figures campaigning for women's rights in India, which shaped her views on British injustice.

The exhibition showcases an original copy of The Suffragette newspaper, featuring a photograph of Princess Sophia selling it outside Hampton Court Palace. She attended suffrage meetings across London, including the Black Friday demonstration in 1910, where women faced violence. This event prompted her to write to the then Home Secretary, Winston Churchill.

Her defiance extended to refusing to participate in the national census in 1911. She spoiled the document by writing, "if women do not count, they refuse to be counted," according to exhibition historian Dr Mishka Sinha. Princess Sophia also joined the Women's Tax Resistance League, refusing to pay taxes while women were denied the vote. This led to court appearances and the seizure and sale of some of her belongings.

Dr Sinha explained that Princess Sophia inherited her independent spirit from her grandmother, Jind Kaur, who fought against the British Empire's control of Punjab. Even after military defeats, Jind Kaur continued to advocate for her son. English Heritage noted that by 1907, the princess had moved from loyalty to openly criticising British rule in India.

Princess Sophia Duleep Singh died in 1948. Her story has largely been overlooked since her death, with the exhibition aiming to bring her significant contributions to public attention.