Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Suffragette Indian princess Sophia Duleep Singh honoured with blue plaque

Notably, she was a goddaughter of Queen Victoria and belonged to the Punjabi royal family

Suffragette Indian princess Sophia Duleep Singh honoured with blue plaque

The former residence of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, an influential suffragette Indian princess, has been commemorated with the unveiling of a blue plaque in south-west London, the BBC reported.

Princess Sophia, a prominent member of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) led by Emmeline Pankhurst, held a significant role in the suffragette movement.


Notably, she was a goddaughter of Queen Victoria and belonged to the Punjabi royal family.

A ceremony took place on Friday (26) at Sophia's former home, Faraday House in Hampton Court, and was attended by esteemed guests including actress Meera Syal and Prof Helen Pankhurst.

GettyImages 1258171728 2 LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 26: A new blue plaque is pictured after its unveiling at a house once inhabited by Princess Sophia Duleep Singh on May 26, 2023 in London, England. Princess Sophia Duleep Singh was a suffragette and the goddaughter of Queen Victoria. She moved to the UK from Punjab when her father, the last Maharajah of the region, was exiled. She was a member of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), becoming a prominent member of the Richmond and Kingston-upon-Thames district branches, fighting for women's rights and suffrage. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

The Blue plaque serves as a testament to Princess Sophia's remarkable contributions to the suffragette movement and her enduring legacy as an influential figure in women's rights activism.

Sophia, born and raised in Elveden on the Norfolk-Suffolk border, later relocated to Faraday House in 1896, a luxurious apartment granted to her by Queen Victoria.

As an influential member of the WSPU, she utilised her privileged status and resources to actively advocate for women's suffrage.

Starting in 1909, Sophia played an active role in the WSPU's Richmond and Kingston district branches.

Outside Hampton Court Palace, she would sell copies of The Suffragette newspaper, leveraging her position to promote the cause.

Sophia also actively participated in the notable events of "Black Friday" in 1910, joining forces with over 300 suffragettes, including Dr Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and Pankhurst.

They marched to Parliament Square and courageously demanded an audience with the prime minister, making a powerful statement in their pursuit of women's rights.

Sophia's involvement in this significant protest further demonstrated her dedication to the suffragette cause and her unwavering commitment to achieving equality.

In addition to her activism for women's suffrage, Sophia extended her support to various causes.

She played an instrumental role in the Indian Women's Education Association in London, actively working towards promoting education for Indian women.

During World War One, she selflessly served as a nurse, providing care to Indian soldiers. In another act of generosity, Sophia opened her home to accommodate evacuees during the tumultuous period of World War Two.

Anita Anand, a journalist, and the author of a biography chronicling the life of Princess Sophia, expressed deep appreciation for Sophia and acknowledged the debt of gratitude owed to her for paving the way for the fundamental democratic right of suffrage, and shaping the course of history.

More For You

11th UK Gatka Championship

All winners received medals and trophies

UK Parliament

11th UK Gatka Championship ends with Welsh debut and £1,000 support for Gatka Akharas

Highlights:

  • The 11th UK National Gatka Championship was hosted near Cardiff, marking the first time in Wales.
  • Winners included Roop Kaur (girls), Navjot Singh (boys), and Gurdeep Singh (men’s).
  • Gatka Federation UK awarded £1,000 to each participating Akhara to support martial arts promotion.
  • Chief guests included MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi and Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the World Gatka Federation.

Gatka Championship marks Welsh debut

The 11th UK National Gatka Championship concluded on a high note near Cardiff, Wales, showcasing the traditional Sikh martial art with flair. Seven leading Gatka Akharas participated, thrilling spectators with their lightning-fast strikes, precision moves and elegant techniques.

Inauguration by global leaders

The tournament was inaugurated by Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the World Gatka Federation (WGF) and the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI). He was joined by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP, President of Gatka Federation UK, alongside other dignitaries including Jagbir Singh Jagga Chakar, President of Wales Kabaddi Club, and community leaders from the Haveli Hotel Pontyclun.

Keep ReadingShow less
Vantara

The site, located in Gujarat, houses hundreds of elephants, as well as 50 bears, 160 tigers, 200 lions, 250 leopards, and 900 crocodiles. (Photo: Instagram/Vantara)

India court probe clears Ambani family’s animal centre

AN INDIAN Supreme Court-ordered investigation has cleared a large private animal facility run by the son of Asia’s richest man, rejecting allegations of wildlife violations.

Vantara, described as the “world’s biggest wild animal rescue centre,” is operated by Anant Ambani, son of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer

Starmer, who has faced negative coverage since taking office in July 2024, defended the appointment process.

Reuters

Starmer: I would not have appointed Mandelson if aware of Epstein ties

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer said on Monday he would not have appointed Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington had he known the extent of his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

This was Starmer’s first public statement since dismissing Mandelson last week. The prime minister is facing questions over his judgement, including from Labour MPs, after initially standing by Mandelson before removing him from the post.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump

Trump said the suspect had been arrested earlier for 'terrible crimes,' including child sex abuse, grand theft auto and false imprisonment, but was released under the Biden administration because Cuba refused to take him back.

Getty Images

Trump says accused in Dallas motel beheading will face first-degree murder charge

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has described Chandra Mouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, the Indian-origin motel manager killed in Dallas, as a “well-respected person” and said the accused will face a first-degree murder charge.

Nagamallaiah, 50, was killed last week at the Downtown Suites motel by co-worker Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, a 37-year-old undocumented Cuban immigrant with a criminal history.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer Mandelson

Starmer talks with Mandelson during a welcome reception at the ambassador's residence on February 26, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Getty

Starmer under pressure from party MPs after Mandelson dismissal

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer is facing questions within the Labour party after the sacking of US ambassador Peter Mandelson.

Mandelson was removed last week after Bloomberg published emails showing messages of support he sent following Jeffrey Epstein’s conviction for sex offences. The dismissal comes just ahead of US president Donald Trump’s state visit.

Keep ReadingShow less