The former Emperor of Viet-Nam, now titled only as Prince d'Annam, was forced to go into exile in the French North African colony of Algeria. For a Vietnamese, this was a terrible form of punishment. All Vietnamese people feel a strong connection to their country, a mentality established through centuries of constant warfare to keep their independence. Now, he was forced to stay away for the rest of his life, unable to see his people, and unable to honor the tombs of his ancestors as Asian custom demanded. However, Cuu Hoang Ham-Nghi refused to apologize for his actions or attempt to "reform" his patriotic principles.
       He continued to speak out in favor of freedom for his people, on any level, to any degree, anything that would see them increase their independence from France. However, Ham-Nghi managed to find some happiness during his exile. On November 4, 1904 he married Marcelle nee Laloe, the daughter of a French colonial judge. In time, the couple had three children: Prince Nguyen-Phuc Minh-Duc, Princess Nhu May and Princess Nhu Ly (Comtesse de la Besse).
       Although he continued to agitate for independence, and the people at home never forgot his heroic sacrifice, the French kept  him around in case he could ever be put to use. Later, when both the
Emperors Thanh Thai and Duy Tan also proved troublesome and opposed to French rule, they actually considered restoring Cuu Hoang Ham-Nghi to the Golden Throne, but opted instead to go back to the senior line of the family and enthroned his nephew Prince Nguyen Buu Dao, son of his older brother Emperor Dong Khanh. The father of all Vietnamese independence movements lived out the rest of his life in exile, finally passing away on January 14, 1943 in El Biar, Algiers. He is buried at Chateau de Losse in Thonac, Dardogne France.
       After the success and fanfare following the return of the remains of Emperor Duy Tan to Viet-Nam, the government sent agents to the home of Princess Nhu Ly in 2000 to inquire about returning the remains of Emperor Ham-Nghi to Hue as well. She deferred the question to her son, Viscount Philippe de la Besse, but stated that she would be in opposition to such a move.
Cuu Hoang Ham-Nghi, the exiled Prince of An-nam & first patriot