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DateOriginal Topic
28th February 2005The Death of H.R.H. Prince Alpheus Zulu, 1949-2005.
By John Young
It is with deep regret that I have just heard of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Alpheus Zulu.

Prince Alpheus was a direct descendant of Prince Mthonga kaMpande, who fought alongside the British forces under the command of Henry Evelyn Wood V.C. at the battles of Hlobane & Khambula.

Prince Alpheus was always keen to promote Zulu history, and I was lucky enough to have worked with him on a number of projects. His death at the early age of 55 years; means that one of his greatest desires - the return of King Cetshwayo's shield - will not be fulfilled in his lifetime.

May he rest in peace.

John Young
DateReplies
28th February 2005AMB
John,

Very sad to hear of the prince's death.

Where is the old King's shield?

AMB
28th February 2005John Young
Andrew,

The shield was apparently looted by John Dunn, and presented to the 57th (West Middlesex) Regiment as a trophy.

It used to be on display at the old Middlesex Regimental Museum at Bruce castle, Tottenham, north London. Sadly when the museum was forced to close - thanks in part to pressure from the local council & the then M.P. - much of the collection was absorbed into the National Army Museum. I last saw what appeared be the same shield on a wall in a room to which the public normally had no access a couple of years ago, when the 'Diehards' were using it as a changing room during a Zulu War event.

If you contact me outside the forum, I'll explain more.

John Y.