"Crown Prince Shwebomin" (meaning Prince of Schwebo, born in 1942) is a Pretender to the throne of Burma. The last King of Burma was deposed by the British in the 1880s, and there is doubt over the legitimacy of this London schoolteacher's claim.

Biography

Shwebomin was born at Magwe near Bagan (the former capital of first Burmese empire). He claims distant descent from the Bagan line of emperors of the first Burmese empire through Sinbyushin, Lord of the White Elephant, Konebaung dynasty, whom he has cited as his maternal grandmother's great-great-grandfather but has not provided documented evidence. There is no record of a previous prince of Schwebo in Burmese royalty and historically the Burmese throne did not pass through lineage but to whomever was the most politically or militarily able to hold it.

Accordingly, some critics assert Shwebomin's use of the English-language title Crown Prince is inappropriate since the existence of a Burmese crown prince is an impossibility. Critics also point out that Shwebominthayagyi would be the correct title (not name) if a crown prince did exist.

Shwebomin is a Professor at East London College, Leytonstone, United Kingdom and reportedly holds masters degrees in business administration, political philosophy, thermodynamics and international relations.

Shwebomin is honorary treasurer of the Southeast Asia Imperial & Royal League, whose President is Nguyen Phuc Buu Chanh with Prince Mangkra Souvannaphouma of Laos as Secretary-General.

Shwebomin has publicised both his work with Marie de Roland-Peel of the British Committee for Free Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia & Burma, an organization involved in charitable and social programs meant to improve living conditions in Burma and his role as a Patron of the Philip Green Memorial Trust, a non-profit that helps children in the United Kingdom, by providing education opportunities and social programs.

External links

• Cherwell Online: Friday 16th May 2003 Royal pretender to address Union
• Hounslow Guardian Newspaper article about Prince Shwebomin
• The Philip Green Memorial Trust: Prince Shwebomin is listed on the first row left side
• A Royal Encounter: Interview of Prince Shwebomin by University of Leeds
• Prince Shwebomin visits Majolika studios (Photos)
• Prince Shwebomin speaking to Jewish war veterans gathered at Arlington National Cemetery by Washington Times