In 1850, a seven-year-old African girl named Aina was presented to Queen Victoria as a diplomatic ‘gift’ after losing her family and spending two years in captivity. Renamed Sarah Forbes Bonetta, she grew up under royal protection but faced restrictions on her freedom. Now, 176 years later, a new biography is examining her life, while her great-great-grandson, Bayo Randle, reflects on her struggles, achievements and complicated relationship with the British monarchy. In 1850, a seven-year-old African girl named Aina was presented to Queen Victoria as a diplomatic ‘gift’ after losing her family and spending two years in captivity. Renamed Sarah Forbes Bonetta, she grew up under royal protection but faced restrictions on her freedom. Now, 176 years later, a new biography is examining her life, while her great-great-grandson, Bayo Randle, reflects on her struggles, achievements and complicated relationship with the British monarchy.
