Her Imperial Highness Princess Esther Selassie Antohin of Ethiopia made a private visit to Glastonbury on Saturday 27 September 2025 to honour the town's historic bond with Lalibela.

The Princess was welcomed by the Mayor of Glastonbury, Cllr Dr Michael White, members of the Town Council, the High Sheriff of Somerset Janet Montgomery, and local heritage and cultural groups.

To mark the visit, the Mayor presented her with the ceremonial "Key of Avalon" in recognition of the spiritual and cultural link between Glastonbury and Lalibela, renowned for its 12th-century rock-hewn churches.

Princess Esther said: "I don't have adequately expressive words for me to describe how much the visit to Glastonbury has meant. I was completely taken by the goodwill and hospitality of the people who greeted us and were part of our incredibly engaging visit throughout the day.

"In the Ethiopian Calendar, Saturday was the day of the Finding of the True Cross, which we call Meskel. How about this serendipity that adds to the already discerned powerful connections! I will always remember this day and look on it with meaning and gratitude. I am very motivated to help reconnect Lalibela to Glastonbury. I am ready to do what is needed in my power to help this process along."

Mayor Dr White said: "The Council is delighted that Her Imperial Highness Princess Esther chose to visit Glastonbury today to refresh the town's connection with Lalibela in Ethiopia. As the great-granddaughter of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie — who lived in exile in Bath during the 1930s — the Princess is a trustee of the Fairfield House project in Bath and a frequent visitor to the UK. We were honoured to host her and look forward to deepening this special relationship."

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