Princess (Omo-Oba) Nurse Adenrele Ademola

When World War II broke out in 1939, Britain needed all hands on deck — and Princess Nurse Ademola stepped up. She continued to serve as a nurse throughout the Blitz and the most intense periods of the war. She worked on hospital wards during air raids, treating and comforting the wounded.

Princess Nurse Ademola didn’t draw attention to herself, however in 1943 the British Ministry of Information produced a short documentary film called, Nurse Ademola. The film was to be shown in West Africa to encourage support for the British war effort, it documented her daily life, from waking up in her nurse's quarters to attending lectures, and caring for patients.

So here’s one for the records, a Nigerian princess - a literal princess - who served as a nurse in the UK during World War Two. Her name is Omo-Oba, Princess, Adenrele Ademola.

Princess Nurse Adenrele Ademola was born in 1916, she was the daughter of Oba Ladapo Ademola II, the Alake - or ruler - of Egbaland, in what is now Ogun State in southwestern Nigeria. “Omo-Oba” means “child of a king.” So from birth she had status..

1935, Princess Nurse Adenrele travelled to Britain - a rare move in itself at the time, especially for a young Black woman and African royal. But she didn't travel to the UK for ceremony she came to enrol as a student nurse at Guy’s Hospital in London, one of the top training institutions in the country. By all accounts she was a hard worker, well-liked and completely committed to her profession.

Omo-Oba Adenrele Ademola and Prince Felix Akenzua visit the House of Commons in 1951

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