A Prince from a Remote Pacific Paradise

I remember standing on the shores of Palau, watching the sun set over the turquoise waters, and thinking about how remote and untouched these islands still feel.

It’s hard to imagine a time when a young Palauan prince set sail from this paradise, embarking on a journey that would make him one of the most remarkable cross-cultural figures of the 18th century.

Prince Lee Boo was born in Palau, a small island nation in Micronesia, where life revolved around the ocean, community, and traditional customs.

Growing up as the son of Abba Thulle, the high chief of Koror, Lee Boo would have lived in a tight-knit, self-sufficient society, where people relied on fishing, navigation, and craftsmanship to thrive.

At the time, Palau was virtually unknown to the outside world, untouched by European colonization. The islands were lush, remote, and rich in cultural traditions, passed down through generations.

But all of that changed in 1783, when an unexpected event altered the course of Lee Boo’s life forever.

A Fateful Encounter: The Shipwreck That Changed Everything

In August 1783, the East India Company ship, The Antelope, captained by Henry Wilson, was shipwrecked on the reefs of Ulong Island in Palau. The crew found themselves stranded, desperate to repair their ship and return to England.

Fortunately, Abba Thulle, the high chief of Palau, welcomed Wilson and his crew with hospitality, providing them with food and assistance. In return, Wilson’s men helped Abba Thulle defeat rival chiefs, cementing a diplomatic relationship between the British sailors and the Palauan people.

Impressed by the skills and knowledge of the British, Abba Thulle made a historic decision—he sent his second son, Prince Lee Boo, on the return voyage to London, hoping that his son would learn European ways and bring new knowledge back to Palau.

At just 20 years old, Lee Boo’s journey across the world had begun.

A Prince in London: Lee Boo’s Experience in Georgian England

In July 1784, Prince Lee Boo arrived in London, a world entirely different from the tropical paradise of Palau. He was taken in by Captain Wilson’s family in Paradise Row, Rotherhithe, where he quickly adapted to British customs, language, and society.

Unlike many other foreigners arriving in England during that era, Lee Boo was warmly received. He was seen as an intellectual and cultural curiosity, and many admired his quick learning and social grace.

He attended St. Mary’s Church in Rotherhithe, studied in local academies, and even became acquainted with the poet George Keates, who wrote about Lee Boo’s intelligence and respectable character.

For five months, Lee Boo became a symbol of friendship between two vastly different worlds. His story captured the imagination of London society, making him one of the first Pacific Islanders to gain recognition in Britain.

A Tragic End: Lee Boo’s Untimely Passing

But Lee Boo’s promising future was cut short by tragedy. In December 1784, barely five months after arriving in England, he contracted smallpox, the most deadly disease of the time.

Having grown up in Palau, where smallpox was unknown, his immune system had no defense against the illness. Despite the best efforts of Captain Wilson’s family and local physicians, Lee Boo passed away on December 27, 1784, at the age of 20.

His death was widely mourned, with Wilson and his family devastated by the loss. Lee Boo, who had shown such promise and adaptability, was buried in St. Mary’s Churchyard in Rotherhithe, far from the tropical shores of his homeland.

Prince Lee Boo’s Gravestone and Its Inscription

To honor his memory, a gravestone was erected in St. Mary’s Churchyard with an inscription from the East India Company. The words on his tombstone capture both his tragic fate and the deep respect he earned in England:

“To the memory of Prince Lee Boo, a native of the Pelew or Palaos Islands and Son of Abba Thulle, Rupack or King of the Island Cooroora, Who departed this Life on the 27th December 1784, aged 20 years; This stone is inscribed by the Honourable United East India Company as a testimony of Esteem for the humane and kind treatment afforded by his Father to the Crew of their Ship, the Antelope, Captain Wilson, which was Wrecked off that island on the Night of 9th August 1783. Stop, reader, Stop! Let Nature Claim a tear. A prince of Mine, Lee Boo, Lies Buried Here.”

Even today, Lee Boo’s grave remains a historical site, visited by those who wish to pay tribute to his remarkable journey and untimely passing.

Prince Lee Boo’s Lasting Legacy

Although his life was short, Lee Boo’s story remains one of the most fascinating cultural exchanges of the 18th century. His journey symbolizes the first diplomatic ties between Palau and Britain, and his legacy has been preserved in books, historical accounts, and museums.

Many books have been written about Lee Boo’s extraordinary life, including George Keates’ “An Account of the Pelew Islands”, which tells the story of his time in England and the historic first meetings between Palauans and Europeans.

Lee Boo’s impact is also felt in Palau, where he is remembered as a figure of cultural exchange and resilience. His story serves as a reminder of how two very different worlds briefly came together in a spirit of friendship and discovery.

Palau: The Remote Island Nation Lee Boo Called Home

Palau remains one of the most remote and beautiful destinations in the Pacific, an island nation of pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lush jungles. Despite its historical ties to Britain, not many people have heard of Palau, making it a true hidden gem for travelers.

Although tourism numbers remain small, more visitors—especially from the United States—are starting to discover its stunning landscapes and untouched beauty.

Top Attractions in Palau

• Jellyfish Lake – A surreal experience where you can swim among thousands of harmless jellyfish.
• Rock Islands Lagoon – A UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with limestone formations and turquoise waters.
• Blue Corner – One of the world’s top diving spots, offering incredible marine life and dramatic ocean views.
• Ngardmau Waterfall – The tallest waterfall in Palau, set in a lush tropical rainforest.
• WWII Relics – Palau has a fascinating history, with abandoned tanks, shipwrecks, and bunkers from World War II.

For travelers looking for a truly unique destination, Palau offers adventure, culture, and a glimpse into one of the Pacific’s most remarkable historical figures—Prince Lee Boo.

Prince Lee Boo FAQs

1. Who was Prince Lee Boo and why is he significant?

Prince Lee Boo was the son of Abba Thulle, the high chief of Koror in Palau, and one of the first Pacific Islanders to visit England in the 18th century. His journey began when Captain Henry Wilson of the East India Company ship, The Antelope, was shipwrecked in Palau in 1783. Impressed by British craftsmanship, Abba Thulle sent Lee Boo to London to learn European ways. He was warmly welcomed into British society, but tragically, he died of smallpox within five months of arriving. His story is one of cultural exchange, diplomacy, and historical significance.

2. Where is Prince Lee Boo buried?

Prince Lee Boo is buried in St. Mary’s Churchyard in Rotherhithe, London, near the banks of the River Thames. His gravestone, inscribed by the East India Company, commemorates his short yet impactful life. The inscription highlights his father’s kindness towards the stranded crew of The Antelope, and visitors can still see his tombstone today as a historical landmark.

3. What does Prince Lee Boo’s gravestone inscription say?

Prince Lee Boo’s gravestone bears a touching inscription, honoring his memory and the bond between Palau and Britain. The inscription reads:

“Stop, reader, Stop! Let Nature Claim a tear. A prince of Mine, Lee Boo, Lies Buried Here.”

The full text also acknowledges his father, Abba Thulle, and the wreck of The Antelope in 1783. It remains one of the most well-known historical memorials in Rotherhithe.

4. What is Palau like today, and why is it a unique travel destination?

Palau is a stunning Pacific island nation known for its pristine beaches, lush jungles, and incredible marine biodiversity. Though remote and lightly visited, it is becoming an emerging destination for eco-tourism, attracting visitors—especially from the United States—who seek unspoiled beauty and adventure. Some of the top attractions in Palau include:

• Jellyfish Lake – A surreal experience where you can swim among harmless jellyfish.
• Rock Islands Lagoon – A UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with limestone formations and turquoise waters.
• Blue Corner – One of the world’s best diving spots, teeming with marine life.
• Ngardmau Waterfall – The tallest waterfall in Palau, perfect for hikers and nature lovers.

5. What books or literature have been written about Prince Lee Boo?

Prince Lee Boo’s life and journey have been documented in several historical accounts, the most famous being George Keates’ “An Account of the Pelew Islands”, published in the late 18th century. The book details his time in London, his relationships with British society, and the diplomatic ties between Palau and England. Today, he is still remembered in various historical texts, museums, and cultural studies exploring early global encounters between Europe and the Pacific Islands.

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