Prince Antoine V of Araucania Brings Mapuche Dialogue and Cultural Heritage to Bath

BATH, United Kingdom — September 2026 — More than sixty participants gathered in Bath on September 19 and 20 for the international “Kingdoms in Exile and Human Rights” weekend, bringing together people from different countries and cultural backgrounds to discuss human rights, Indigenous peoples, cultural heritage and intercultural dialogue.

Organized by the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia at the initiative of H.R.H. Prince Antoine V of Araucania, whose civil name is Laurent Lafayne, the two-day gathering placed the Mapuche People and Wallmapu at the center of an international program.

The initiative provided an opportunity for participants to learn more about Mapuche history, culture and identity while creating a space for dialogue concerning Indigenous peoples and their cultural heritage.

An International Gathering in Historic Bath

The first day took place on September 19 at Fairfield House, the former residence of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia.

More than sixty participants attended, including members of the Ethiopian and Rastafari communities, academics, artists and people involved in intercultural dialogue and human rights.

Among the participants were H.E. Tekle Assaefa, great-grandson of Blattengeta Heruy Welde Selassie, and Mr. Kifle Derege, Advisor to the Ethiopian Imperial Family.

H.R.H. Princess Lea Elfara of Indonesia represented H.R.H. Prince Mohammad Ridwan, a founding member of the Global Indigenous Monarchical Alliance. H.R.H. Crown Prince Adil Bharuch also contributed to the program by videoconference.

The second day was held at the Council Chamber of Bath Guildhall, with a program focusing particularly on the Mapuche People, Wallmapu and Indigenous rights.

Inarumen and the Mapuche Cause

One of the highlights was the screening of Inarumen, directed by Agnès Biscaichipy.

The film offered participants an opportunity to discover aspects of Mapuche history and culture and to reflect on contemporary questions concerning heritage, identity and Indigenous rights.

The program concluded with an awards ceremony during which Prince Antoine V of Araucania presented distinctions to individuals involved in intercultural dialogue, human rights and relations between communities.

Reflecting the central theme of the gathering, Prince Antoine V said:

“From dialogue between peoples comes understanding. From understanding comes respect.”

From Wallmapu to the World

The Bath gathering forms part of a broader program of international activities associated with the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia and its engagement with Mapuche cultural heritage.

Wallmapu is a term used in contemporary Mapuche contexts in reference to ancestral territories across areas of present-day Chile and Argentina.

Prince Antoine V's activities in 2026 have included visits and meetings in southern Chile and international initiatives concerning cultural relations, Indigenous peoples and human rights.

The Promise: A Personal Journey to Araucania and Wallmapu

The Bath gathering also comes as The Promise, the English-language edition of Prince Antoine V's biographical testimony, reaches an international English-speaking readership.

Written by Laurent Lafayne, The Promise recounts his personal journey toward Araucania, the circumstances surrounding his election as Prince Antoine V on May 12, 2025, and his experiences in Wallmapu.

Originally published in French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and German, the book combines personal narrative with reflections on the history, heritage and cultural context associated with Araucania and Patagonia. The English edition was published in 2026 and is available through Amazon and Walmart.

The book also discusses Orélie-Antoine de Tounens, a 19th-century French lawyer and adventurer who was elected as the first King of Araucania by Mapuche lonkos, or traditional leaders, in 1860.

The Promise is presented as a personal testimony rather than an academic history of the region, combining the author's personal journey with his reflections on Araucania, Patagonia and Wallmapu.

Prince Antoine V of Araucania

Prince Antoine V of Araucania, whose civil name is Laurent Lafayne, was elected on May 12, 2025, according to the Royal House's published institutional history.

His public activities include international cultural initiatives and engagement concerning Mapuche culture, Indigenous peoples, human rights and intercultural dialogue.

The combination of his personal testimony in The Promise and his international activities provides two complementary perspectives on his relationship with Araucania, Patagonia and Wallmapu.

Continuing International Dialogue

For the organizers, the Bath weekend represents an opportunity to connect people from different cultural and historical backgrounds and encourage discussion around heritage, identity, human dignity and Indigenous rights.

Through cultural events, international meetings and dialogue, the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia continues to develop relationships between communities and international partners.

The Bath gathering brought these themes together through film, discussion, cultural exchange and participation by international guests.

Official information about the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia and Prince Antoine V is available at www.araucanie-patagonie.org.

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to promote, encourage, or provide professional advice related to political, territorial, Indigenous rights, or human rights matters. Always consult a qualified professional or trusted authority before engaging in any activities related to Indigenous rights, territorial matters, cultural heritage, or human rights, especially if doing so may have legal, financial, or personal consequences. The author and publisher are not responsible for any losses, damages, or outcomes resulting from the use or reliance on the information provided.