Hawaii’s ‘last princess’, Abigail Kawananakoa, dies at 96
- The noble, who was the island chain’s last remaining royal, was from a family whose predecessors ruled Hawaii until they were overthrown by commercial settlers
- A statement from the Iolani Palace says she died peacefully at home, with her wife at her side
A Hawaiian princess dubbed the island chain’s last remaining royal, has died, the palace announced Monday.
Abigail Kawananakoa had no formal title, but was part of a family of nobles whose predecessors ruled Hawaii until their overthrow by commercial settlers at the end of the 19th century.
The heiress, referred to by some on the island as the “last alii” – the Hawaiian word for “royal” – died on Sunday, according to a statement issued by the Iolani Palace, the historic home of the family.
“Hawai’i mourns the loss of HRH Princess Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawananakoa, who died peacefully last evening at her Nu’uanu home with her wife Veronica Gail Kawananakoa at her side,” the statement said. “‘Abigail will be remembered for her love of Hawai’i and its people,’ said Veronica, ‘and I will miss her with all of my heart’.”
No cause of death was given for the 96-year old, but the Hawaii News Now website noted she had been struggling with poor health.