Queen Lili’uokalani’s Royal Standard returned after 130 years

Above: Queen Lili’u’okalani’s Royal Standard. Image Courtesy of the Hawai’i State Archives

HONOLULU, HI - On July 24th The Royal Standard of Queen Lili’uokalani (her personal flag) was returned to her Washington Place home for the first time in 130 years, after being placed for auction at Bonham’s Auction House.  

For over a century, private owners have possessed The Royal Standard in their private homes. The estate of Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawānanakoa and Damon Estate heiress Brendan Damon Ethington each donated $30,000 to bring Queen Lili’uokalani’s flag back to Oahu, among other relics. 

The State of Hawai’i sent a four-page notice of claim to Bonham’s Auction House regarding the Royal Standard and other items up for bidding. 

Above: Notice of claim sent to Bonhams Auction House

The Royal Standard of Queen Lili’uokalani was illegally seized as a war trophy during the 1893 overthrow by Col. John Harris Sopher, leader of the invading military troops, and a personal letter was sent ordering Queen Lili’uokalani to take down the flag and never fly it again.    

Above: Kalakaua and Royal Standards. Photo courtesy of the Hawai’i State Archives.

Sopher kept the Royal Standard as his personal property and passed it down to his descendants until it was purchased by an Oahu Antiques dealer seven years ago.

State archivist Adam Jansen flew to New York to retrieve the flag among other articles including documents and letters belonging to Sopher. 

The 12 ft long Royal Standard is now available for public viewing at Washington Place and the Sopher Estate Sale will continue until Oct. 25. 

Above: Queen Lili’uokalani’s Royal Standard Today. Photo Courtesy of Civil Beat.