Prince Albert Edward Kauikeaouli Kaleiopapa a Kamehameha, Crown Prince of Hawaii

# Prince Albert Edward Kauikeaouli: Crown Prince of Hawaii

Prince Albert Edward Kauikeaouli Kaleiopapa a Kamehameha, often referred to simply as Prince Albert, was the only son of King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma of Hawaii. Born on May 20, 1858, in the Ihikapukalani residence in Honolulu, Oʻahu, he was immediately recognized as the Crown Prince and heir apparent to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi. His birth was a momentous occasion, celebrated throughout the islands, as he was the first child born to a reigning Hawaiian monarch since Prince Keawe Aweʻula-o-Kalani in 1839, and would be the last. He was affectionately known to the Hawaiian people as _Ka Haku O Hawaiʻi_ ("the Lord of Hawaiʻi") and was seen as the last hope of the Kamehameha Dynasty [3] [4].

His full Hawaiian name, Kauikeaouli Kaleiopapa, was bestowed in honor of his adoptive grandfather, Kauikeaouli, who reigned as Kamehameha III. The name translates from the Hawaiian language to "the beloved child of a long line of chiefs, a sign in the heavens." While his parents often called him "Baby," they referred to him as Kauikeaouli when speaking with their _kahu_ (caretakers), a practice also adopted by the Hawaiian populace [5]. His English names, Albert Edward, were given in tribute to Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII of the United Kingdom. This naming choice reflected the close diplomatic ties and personal friendship that developed between Queen Emma and Queen Victoria, who exchanged letters throughout their lives [6]. Queen Victoria also became his godmother, sending an elaborate silver christening cup as a baptismal gift [5].

Prince Albert's brief life was marked by his significant political role as the Crown Prince. Although he did not live long enough to govern, his existence as the direct heir was crucial for the stability and continuation of the Kamehameha Dynasty. His untimely death left his father without a constitutionally recognized heir, creating a succession crisis that ultimately led to his uncle's accession to the throne after his father's death in 1864 [10]. During his short life, he was styled "His Royal Highness the Prince of Hawaii" by the Privy Council, emphasizing his importance within the Hawaiian Kingdom's political structure. He was also made an honorary member of Fire Engine Company Number Four in Honolulu and was given his own red uniform, a detail that speaks to his public persona and the affection he garnered [4]. His four birthdays were even declared national holidays [1]: 125 .

Culturally, Prince Albert represented a blend of Hawaiian tradition and Western influence. His Hawaiian name and the affection shown by the Hawaiian people underscored his connection to his heritage. Simultaneously, his English names and godparentage by Queen Victoria highlighted the Kingdom's engagement with international powers, particularly Great Britain. The request by his parents for an Anglican bishop to baptize him, and the eventual baptism by an American minister using Episcopal liturgy, further illustrate the growing influence of Christianity within the Hawaiian royal family and the broader society [5]. His parents, King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma, were instrumental in establishing the Anglican Church of Hawaii, and Albert's baptism was a significant event in this context.

Tragically, Prince Albert's life was cut short at the age of four. In August 1862, he fell ill with what was initially reported as "brain fever," now believed to be meningitis. Queen Liliʻuokalani, in her later writings, attributed his illness to his father's harsh punishment involving cold water, though modern medical historians suggest appendicitis as a more likely cause [7] [8]. Despite the efforts of local and British naval doctors, his condition worsened, and he passed away on August 27, 1862, at ʻIolani Palace, just four days after his baptism. His funeral was held on September 7, 1862, and he was temporarily interred beneath a tamarind tree in front of the palace [1]: 139–141 .

The death of Prince Albert plunged his parents into profound grief. King Kamehameha IV was consumed by despair, blaming himself for the loss, and reportedly considered abdicating the throne. Queen Emma, in her sorrow, was given the name _Kaleleokalani_ (The Flight of the Heavenly Chief) by her husband, a name she later modified to Kaleleo(n)ālani to symbolize her double loss when her husband also died a year later [9]. The King ordered the construction of the Royal Mausoleum in Nuʻuanu Valley to house his son's body, a site that today serves as the burial place for most members of the Hawaiian royal family [9].

Prince Albert's legacy, though brief, is enduring. Beyond the Royal Mausoleum, several places and institutions bear his name. The area of Princeville on the island of Kauaʻi was named in his honor in 1860 by Robert Crichton Wyllie, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, following a visit by the royal family [10]. The Leiopapa a Kamehameha Building, a state office tower in downtown Honolulu, is also named for him. Local folklore even suggests his ghost inhabits this building [11]. His life, though short, symbolized the hopes and aspirations for the future of the Hawaiian Kingdom, and his death marked a turning point in its history, profoundly impacting his parents and the line of succession. He remains a poignant figure in Hawaiian history, representing the fragility of royal lineage and the deep love of his parents for their only son.

## References

[1] George S. Kanahele (1999). Emma: Hawai'i's Remarkable Queen: a Biography. University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 978-0-8248-2240-8. [2] "Laying the Corner Stone of the New Royal Palace". Hawaiialive.org. Archived from the original on September 25, 2020. Retrieved April 5, 2013. [3] Pukui and Elbert (2003). "lookup of haku-o-hawaii". on Hawaiian dictionary. Ulukau, the Hawaiian Electronic Library, University of Hawaii. Retrieved January 26, 2010. [4] Roy Alameida. "Ka Haku O Hawai'i: The Prince of Hawai'i". Northwest hawaiʻi Times. Archived from the original on October 7, 2008. Retrieved January 25, 2010. [5] Rhoda E. A. Hackler (1992). "Albert Edward Kauikeaouli Leiopapa a Kamehameha, Prince of Hawai'i". Hawaiian Journal of History. Vol. 26. Hawaii Historical Society. pp. 21–44. hdl:10524/349. [6] Rhoda E. A. Hackler (1988). ""My Dear Friend": Letters of Queen Victoria and Queen Emma". Hawaiian Journal of History. Vol. 22. Hawaii Historical Society. pp. 101–130. hdl:10524/202. [7] Liliʻuokalani (Queen of Hawaii) (1898) [1898]. Hawaii's story by Hawaii's queen, Liliuokalani. Lee and Shepard, reprinted by Kessinger Publishing, LLC. p. 19. ISBN 978-0-548-22265-2. [8] Alfred D. Morris (1994). "Death of the Prince of Hawai'i: A Retrospective Diagnosis". Hawaiian Journal of History. Vol. 28. Hawaii Historical Society. pp. 79–85. hdl:10524/395. [9] William John Kaiheʻekai Maiʻoho (2003). "Nuʻuanu, Oʻahu – Memories: Mauna ʻAla". Pacific Worlds & Associates. Archived from the original on January 31, 2009. [10] Rhoda E. A. Hackler (1982). "Princeville Plantation Papers". Hawaiian Journal of History. Vol. 16. Hawaii Historical Society. pp. 65–85. hdl:10524/630. [11] Rod Ohira (October 31, 1997). "Workers say ghosts dwell in state building: Many people say they feel the presence of Prince Leiopapa and others". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Retrieved January 26, 2010.