His Royal Highness Prince Remigius Jerry 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. Prince 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. Prince 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.
Prince 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.
