Biography
His Royal Highness Raja Remigius Kanagarajah was born to an Aristocratic family in Sri Lanka on 1 October 1964, the youngest son of the late Ilavarasi Maheswary Marina Antoinette Kanagarajah and the late Ilavarasan Thambirajah Mervin Anthony Kanagarajah. His Ancestors hailed from India, Jaffna (Sri Lanka) and Malaysia. He also lived in many countries other than Sri Lanka. Even as the youngest of five children, he was brought up with strict rules and regulations of his Royal descent. He is a Descendant of the Royal Family of Jaffna. The origin of his family's Royal abode is "Cankili Thoppu" in Nallur, the Palace of the Kings of Jaffna.
The Royal Family of Jaffna had ruled the Kingdom of Jaffna for many years. It was a well established Kingdom during its reign in Jaffna and it existed for 403 years. Unfortunately, the Portuguese settlers invaded the Kingdom and on 11 February 1621, the Kingdom of Jaffna fell into the hands of the Portuguese. Those of Royal decent were taken to Colombo and then to Goa and were given the choice of either life through conversion to Catholicism or been put to death. Some who had accepted the Church for guidance were either allowed to return to Jaffna or were interned in monasteries. On 4 February 1948, Sri Lanka gained Independence from British colonial rule. On 22 May 1972, a new constitution was adopted and Ceylon was renamed Sri Lanka. All ties to Britain were severed and Sri Lanka was declared a Republic.
H.R.H. Raja Remigius Kanagarajah is also a member of The International Monarchist League in London as well as the Southeast Asia Imperial and Royal League, which promotes friendship between Royal Families of Southeast Asia. Dedicated to the improvement of social and charitable work within their nations, they also meet at "diplomatic level" in order to improve political relations and issues within their nations. These ideals uphold that royal families can and should influence political, social and economic changes in order to unify their peoples and bring about peaceful solutions to all problems within their countries.
H.R.H. Raja Remigius Kanagarajah and Miss Aishwary Rajnandhini Lusijah Rajaratnam were married in a civil ceremony at the Register Office in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, London in 2002, followed by a Church Blessing on 2 October 2004, at the Balfour Castle, Shapinsay in Orkney, Scotland. By mutual consent the couple decided to separate officially in 2006.
Raja Remigius Kanagarajah was baptized a Catholic, but he takes part in many Hindu religious ceremonies. In this, he follows the traditions and customs of his ancestors. Even though he prefers to do things in his own way, he is aware that his position demands certain observances which are not in keeping with accepted practice in republican life.
He enjoys travelling, reading and taking part in sporting and social activities, such as swimming, tennis, snooker, badminton, horse-riding; and indulging in social and charitable work, besides listening to classical music, and being an amateur photographer. He also collects antiques and other rare objects d'art.
By the time he was a teenager, his parents made sure that he had a busy schedule. Even as a young man, his association with politicians and high functionaries gave him many insights into the ways and means of coping with the problems of the common folk.
Raja Remigius Kanagarajah took part in a Television series, Undercover Princes, screened on BBC Three in the United Kingdom in January 2009. The following year he played a small part in the Television series, Coming to Holland (Prins Zoekt Vrouw), screened on SBS6 in the Netherlands and also took part in the British Television panel show Odd One, screened on ITV1 in the United Kingdom in June 2011.
An Expert View
Foreign Decorations:
ETHIOPIA- The Imperial Ethiopian Order of Saint Mary of Zion (GCMZ) - Grand Collar
- International Federation Cuisiner Exclusive D’ Europe (F.C.E.E.) - Honorary Certificate and a Medal
- The Royal Order of St. Michael of the Wing - Grand Cross
- World Organization of Alternative Medicines (O.M.M.A.) - Grand D. Sc
- The International Order of the Academic Sciences (O.M.M.A.) - Grand Commander
- The Diamond Jubilee Medal of His Majesty The King Bhumibol Adulyadej
- Association of the Representatives of the Kingdom Bunyoro-Kitara, worldwide (ARKBK)
- Honorary Member
Patronages:
H.R.H. Raja Remigius Kanagarajah of Jaffna is the Patron of the following Organisations:
- The Netherlands Red Cross.
- The Independent Overseas Command of the Legion of Frontiersmen.
Language
Raja Remigius Kanagarajah's mother tongue is Tamil. In addition the Prince speaks English, Sinhalese and Dutch.
I would like to thank the following persons:
His Highness Raja N. Kumaran Sethupathy of Ramanathapuram, India.
Prof. S. Pathmanathan, BA, PhD, (London). LFIBA (University Grants Commission) of Sri Lanka.
Prof. S. Sathiyaseelan (Professor of History, University of Jaffna), Sri Lanka.
Mr. Nelson Das Neves of The Netherlands, (Portuguese Translator).
Ms. Isabel Viegas da Cruz of The Netherlands, (Portuguese Translator).
Mr. Vallipuram Anandasivam of Canada.
And not forgetting those that wish to remain unmentioned.