A new biography scheduled for release in September 2026 will explore the life of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, a Yoruba woman born around 1843 who was presented to Queen Victoria at the age of seven and died at 37 years old. This new account aims to provide a deeper understanding of her experiences within the British monarchy and Victorian society.

Her story, which involves themes of colonialism, race, and the British monarchy, offers a nuanced historical perspective that continues to be relevant today. The upcoming biography challenges earlier simplified narratives of her life.

What the records show

Sarah Forbes Bonetta, originally named Àìná, was born around 1843 in Oke-Odan, Yorubaland, a region located in present-day southwest Nigeria. In 1848, a raid by King Ghezo of Dahomey resulted in the deaths of her parents, and she was subsequently captured by him. She was held by King Ghezo, likely as a state prisoner, due to her presumed royal lineage. In 1850, Captain Frederick E. Forbes of the British Royal Navy intervened, reportedly to save her from ritual sacrifice. Captain Forbes presented her as a "gift" from King Ghezo to Queen Victoria. He named her Sarah, after himself, and Bonetta, after his ship, HMS Bonetta. She was presented to Queen Victoria in November 1850 when she was approximately seven years old.

Queen Victoria became her patron, funding her education and maintaining contact with her throughout her life. Although some historical accounts have referred to Sarah Forbes Bonetta as Queen Victoria's goddaughter, Professor Henry Lovejoy's research clarifies that Queen Victoria was the godmother to Sarah's eldest daughter, Victoria Davies. Sarah Forbes Bonetta integrated into Victorian high society and married James Pinson Labulo Davies, a wealthy Yoruba merchant and philanthropist, in 1862. Professor Lovejoy's upcoming biography, "Becoming Sarah Forbes Bonetta: A Yorùbá Woman in Queen Victoria's Court," challenges romanticized narratives, suggesting her "liberation" might have functioned as a form of "indenture". This interpretation stems from Captain Forbes's request for her to become "the property of the crown".

The timeline

Born as Àìná around 1843 in Yorubaland, her early life was disrupted by conflict. In 1848, she was captured by King Ghezo of Dahomey. Two years later, in 1850, Captain Frederick E. Forbes took her from King Ghezo's court. She was introduced to Queen Victoria in November 1850. In 1862, she married James Pinson Labulo Davies. Sarah Forbes Bonetta died on August 15, 1880, at the age of 37, from tuberculosis in Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal. Professor Henry Lovejoy's biography is expected in September 2026.

What changed and for whom

Sarah Forbes Bonetta's life changed dramatically from her Yorubaland origins to becoming a protégé of Queen Victoria. Her integration into Victorian society and her marriage to a prominent merchant allowed her to live a life far removed from her beginnings. The upcoming biography from Professor Henry Lovejoy aims to reframe the understanding of her experiences, moving beyond previous romanticized interpretations by suggesting her transfer to British care may have been a form of indenture rather than simple liberation. This revised perspective offers a different lens through which to view her historical journey.

What we could not confirm

PrimaryBrief could not independently confirm the exact circumstances of her parents' deaths beyond them occurring during a raid by King Ghezo. The precise nature of her "royal lineage" that led to her being held as a state prisoner remains based on presumption in historical accounts. The specific details of Captain Frederick E. Forbes's negotiations with King Ghezo regarding her transfer were not detailed in the provided evidence, beyond his stated intention to save her from ritual sacrifice.