Force for good

Princess Ariana Makonnen of Ethiopia on becoming a royal bride and her plans to open up the world of philanthropy

- SOPHIE HAMILTON

As a businesswoman and philanthropist, Ariana Austin Makonnen leads a busy life in America. She hosts the inspiring podcast Building Boldly for budding entrepreneurs, runs the Los Angeles-based media company Wax and Gold and is a goodwill ambassador for the charity Studio Samuel, which helps women in Ethiopia. Oh, and she just happens to be a princess, married to Prince Joel Makonnen of Ethiopia.

The story of the couple's first meeting and ensuing romance is a charming one. They met at a nightclub in Washington, DC in 2005, when Ariana had no idea that Joel was a member of an African royal family, descended from one of the world's oldest dynasties.

The great-grandson of the last Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie I, whose monarchy was overthrown in 1974, Joel can trace his ancestors back 3,000 years to the biblical King Solomon and Queen of Sheba.

ROYAL ROMANCE

Joel, 43, kept his status to himself at first and didn’t share his full identity with Ariana, 41, until they were six months into their relationship.

“It was this whirlwind romance,” she recalls in this exclusive interview. “Within a few months, he told me about his family and background. I had no reference point for the Ethiopian royal family, but everyone's heard of Haile Selassie, so when he said that, I was like: 'Oh my God, that is incredible.' I'm honoured to be a part of the heritage.”