The Chicago Daily Tribune reports today on the "latest royal scandal," this time involving Archduchess Elisabeth of Austria and her husband, Prince Otto of Windisch-Graetz, and a French actress.
Archduchess Elisabeth, the only child of the late Crown Prince Rudolf and Princess Stephanie of Belgium, married Prince Otto last year.
According to the story, Prince Otto was "entertaining the actress" in his apartment, where he "was discovered" by his wife, who "shot and seriously wounded" the actress.
The archduchess was about to shoot her husband, but "lost her courage just as at the critical moment."
Prince Otto is said to be "quite a young man, with an "immensely wealthy" wife."
The shooting took place at the palace in Prague, which belongs to Prince Otto's family. He had been "secretly paying assiduous attention" to the actress, who is well known to "half the gilded youth of Prague."
The archduchess, who is 20 years old, learned of her husband's perfidy, when she was informed that he was "entertaining the actress" in his rooms. She reached for a "small gold mounted revolver," which Prince Otto had given to her for "her own protection at an hour of possible peril."
She made her way to her husband's rooms, only to find his devoted valet standing guard outside the door. He remained obstinate to her entreaties to open the door. When he refused to budge, the archduchess pulled out her revolver, and began firing "wildly" at the valet, who then fled the ante-chamber.
Elisabeth opened the door, and stood before the couple, "revolver in hand." Prince Otto moved toward his wife, who cried "beast," and shot the actress "in the breast."
The woman fell to the floor as Otto "seized his wife" and struggled for the fun. She broke down and was led crying from the room.
The actress was treated by a doctor. Her wound is serious, but not "mortal. She was taken to her apartment in Prague.
"Strenuous efforts" were made to keep the news of the shooting out of the newspapers, but this proved to be impossible. Archduchess Elisabeth was "generally commended by the more straight laced members of high society."
She will not face any legal charges for her "punishment of the actress."
Archduchess Elisabeth is said to be Emperor Franz Josef's favorite granddaughter, was determined to marry the now 30-year-old Prince Otto. They met a "grand ball," and fell in love. The prince is a member of a very wealthy mediatized princely family, but at the time of their meeting, he was a "simple lieutenant in the First Regiment of Uhlans."
Franz Josef was opposed to the marriage, but the very "determined" Elisabeth told him that she would marry the "man she loved" or she would go to a convent and become a nun.
The Emperor gave it, and the wedding was "celebrated in a magnificent way" after Archduchess Elisabeth renounced her right to the throne.
Franz Josef gave the bride "securities valued at $1,000,000, a yearly allowance of $250,000, jewels worth $1,000,000, a golden dinner service, and several residences."
Elisabeth was only 6 years old when her father, Crown Prince Rudolf, and his mistress, Marie Vetsera, were found dead at the imperial hunting lodge at Mayerling.
She was considered one of the "most desirable catches" among Europe's eligible young women. She was once reported engaged to the young king of Spain, but she told her grandfather that she would not "marrying into any reigning house."
Prince Otto is now "unanimously detested" now that his wickedness toward his wife" is public knowledge. Everyone believes that Elisabeth's love for him "will triumph," and they will reconcile.
Friday, December 6, 2013
a royal photographer
http://www.ouest-france.fr/lartiste-et-princesse-sophie-de-roumanie-bogard-ce-week-end-1752969
A nice article about Princess Sophie of Romania ... a truly gifted landscape photographer.
A nice article about Princess Sophie of Romania ... a truly gifted landscape photographer.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Haakon and Mette-Marit out and about
Here is a link to a photograph released earlier today by the Kronprinsparets Fond (the Crown Prince and Crown Princess's Foundation)
http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=10148475
Crown Princess Mette Marit may be returning from her sick leave in two weeks.
I really, really doubt the rumors of alleged infidelity with supermarket chief Ole Robert Reitan (reported in German press) or marital discord.
http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=10148475
Crown Princess Mette Marit may be returning from her sick leave in two weeks.
I really, really doubt the rumors of alleged infidelity with supermarket chief Ole Robert Reitan (reported in German press) or marital discord.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
"Son" of Clarence wanted $3,000
December 4, 1929
Clarence Guy Gordon Haddon, who says he is the illegitimate son of the late Duke of Clarence, brother of King George V, " has been remanded to jail, reports the Associated Press.
Haddon, who is jobless, wrote to the king saying he "was forced to wash his own dirty linen in a backroom 'and that of the royal family in public for a living.'"
His statement and extract from letters were read at a preliminary hearing today in a London court at Haddon's hearing. He has been charged with an attempt to extort money from King George.
Haddon, who is 43 years old, will learn on December 12 whether he will stand trial.
He wrote that he would have been "satisfied" with £600 ($3000) a year, and "enough ready money to start a modern boarding house."
"I don't want a great fortune in life, but only a comfortable living," he wrote in his letter. "It would only have taken a year's income from my late father to have made me the happiest and most contented man in the British Empire. It would have meant so little to the royal family.
"The blessing of God would have been on their household for years, whereas now I will be a byword to the world and so will the name of the royal family.
"Within a few days I have having made sandwich boards giving the particulars of my case. I shall personally carry this board about the streets of London to secure justice."
In his opening statement, the prosecutor declared: "There is absolutely no evidence to support his assertion."
Clarence Guy Gordon Haddon, who says he is the illegitimate son of the late Duke of Clarence, brother of King George V, " has been remanded to jail, reports the Associated Press.
Haddon, who is jobless, wrote to the king saying he "was forced to wash his own dirty linen in a backroom 'and that of the royal family in public for a living.'"
His statement and extract from letters were read at a preliminary hearing today in a London court at Haddon's hearing. He has been charged with an attempt to extort money from King George.
Haddon, who is 43 years old, will learn on December 12 whether he will stand trial.
He wrote that he would have been "satisfied" with £600 ($3000) a year, and "enough ready money to start a modern boarding house."
"I don't want a great fortune in life, but only a comfortable living," he wrote in his letter. "It would only have taken a year's income from my late father to have made me the happiest and most contented man in the British Empire. It would have meant so little to the royal family.
"The blessing of God would have been on their household for years, whereas now I will be a byword to the world and so will the name of the royal family.
"Within a few days I have having made sandwich boards giving the particulars of my case. I shall personally carry this board about the streets of London to secure justice."
In his opening statement, the prosecutor declared: "There is absolutely no evidence to support his assertion."
Prince Carol to visit America
December 4, 1923
Crown Prince Carol of Romania is "planning to tour the United States" next year, perhaps in the spring or early summer, according to the New York Times.
The report from Bucharest is based on unofficial sources.
The Crown Prince's mother, Queen Marie has been hoping to visit America since the end of the war, but she now feels that the trip would be too costly "in view of the royal finances and the depreciation of Rumania's currency."
Crown Prince Carol of Romania is "planning to tour the United States" next year, perhaps in the spring or early summer, according to the New York Times.
The report from Bucharest is based on unofficial sources.
The Crown Prince's mother, Queen Marie has been hoping to visit America since the end of the war, but she now feels that the trip would be too costly "in view of the royal finances and the depreciation of Rumania's currency."
Much to my surprise
People in Belgium read my blog ...
Prince Amedeo of Belgium is in a serious relationship with an Italian woman Lili Rosbach von Wolkenstein , according to the Belgian newspapers. One paper describes Prince Amedeo, along with Prince Harry, as one of the most charming princes who are not yet married.
This article cites a blog post:
http://www.lameuse.be/872897/article/actualite/belgique/2013-12-03/le-prince-amedeo-fils-aine-de-la-princesse-astrid-et-du-prince-lorenz-aurait-tro
Let's just say I am most surprised by this, as the journalist did not contact me.
Prince Amedeo of Belgium is in a serious relationship with an Italian woman Lili Rosbach von Wolkenstein , according to the Belgian newspapers. One paper describes Prince Amedeo, along with Prince Harry, as one of the most charming princes who are not yet married.
This article cites a blog post:
http://www.lameuse.be/872897/article/actualite/belgique/2013-12-03/le-prince-amedeo-fils-aine-de-la-princesse-astrid-et-du-prince-lorenz-aurait-tro
Let's just say I am most surprised by this, as the journalist did not contact me.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Maxima to be regent
The Dutch Parliament today approved legislation that names Queen Maxima as regent for her eldest daughter, Princess Amalia, the Princess of Orange.
This legislation will be valid only if King Willem-Alexander dies before Amalia reaches her eighteenth birthday.
Queen Maxima will also retain parental authority over her three daughters, and will be assisted by a five member Board of Directors: the Vice President of the Council of State, the President of the Supreme Court, the President of the Audit Chamber, and two other members designated by the royal family.
If Queen Maxima dies before Willem-Alexander (and if he dies before Amalia's eighteenth birthday, Prince Constantijn will become the Regent.
Queen Emma, the consort of Willem III, was named regent for her minor daughter, Wilhelmina, who was only eight years old when she succeeded to the throne in 1890. She reached her majority in 1898.
http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/12/03/koningin-maxima-door-parlement-benoemd-tot-regentes/
This legislation will be valid only if King Willem-Alexander dies before Amalia reaches her eighteenth birthday.
Queen Maxima will also retain parental authority over her three daughters, and will be assisted by a five member Board of Directors: the Vice President of the Council of State, the President of the Supreme Court, the President of the Audit Chamber, and two other members designated by the royal family.
If Queen Maxima dies before Willem-Alexander (and if he dies before Amalia's eighteenth birthday, Prince Constantijn will become the Regent.
Queen Emma, the consort of Willem III, was named regent for her minor daughter, Wilhelmina, who was only eight years old when she succeeded to the throne in 1890. She reached her majority in 1898.
http://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2013/12/03/koningin-maxima-door-parlement-benoemd-tot-regentes/
The Calvi di Bergolo children
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| Marlene A. Eilers Koenig collection |
Countesses Maria Ludovica, Vittorio and Guia with their younger brother, Pier Francisco. This image is from about 1936-37.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Princess Johann Georg of Schönaich-Carolath and her son, Hans
 |
| Marlene A. Eilers Koenig Collection |
Princess Hermine married Prince Johann Georg in January 1907. Hans Georg was born ten months later. Johann Georg died in 1920. This postcard was certainly published before or in the early days of World War I, as Hans Georg is still a child.
Princess Hermine and her sisters and their families often appeared on postcards published in Greiz.
Margaret due in April
December 2, 1963
Princess Margaret is expecting her second child in late April, according to announcement made by Kensington Palace.
The child will be seventh in line to the throne after Queen Elizabeth's fourth child, which is due earlier, Princess Margaret herself, and her two year old son, Viscount Linley.
Princess Alexandra and the Duchess of Kent are also expecting babies next year.
Princess Margaret, 33, married to society photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones in May 1960. Shortly before the birth of their first child, Armstrong-Jones was created Earl of Snowdon.
"The Princess and Lord Snowdon are delighted," said the Princess' press secretary Major John Griffin.
Princess Margaret is expecting her second child in late April, according to announcement made by Kensington Palace.
The child will be seventh in line to the throne after Queen Elizabeth's fourth child, which is due earlier, Princess Margaret herself, and her two year old son, Viscount Linley.
Princess Alexandra and the Duchess of Kent are also expecting babies next year.
Princess Margaret, 33, married to society photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones in May 1960. Shortly before the birth of their first child, Armstrong-Jones was created Earl of Snowdon.
"The Princess and Lord Snowdon are delighted," said the Princess' press secretary Major John Griffin.
Princess Grace complimented by Labour supporting newspaper
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| Both images from the Marlene A. Eilers Koenig Collection |
Princess Grace of Monaco "received high praise" from the Daily Mirror, a "hard-boiled tabloid" that likes to "prick bubbles of pomposity and frequently lectures royalty -- including Britain's -- in -plain language," according to the Associated Press.
However, the Labour supporting Daily Mirror has succumbed to the charms of Princess Grace, the American-born wife of Prince Rainier of Monaco.
The paper approves "heartily" for her "modesty of her demeanor" during her private visit to London.
The newspaper's editor opined: "Her Serene Highness is her with her husband, His Serene Highness Rainier III, Sovereign Prince of Monaco. Exalted titles.
"But there is nothing high falutin or flamboyant about Princess Grace.
"She was Grace Kelly, the film start. What a change from other film stars who parade themselves around, seeking every opportunity to catch the public eye.
"With her husband, Princess Grace is here for a quiet holiday. No fuss. No flashy display. When they lunched with the Queen, they slipped into the palace almost unnoticed."
The Mirror also noted that the Monegasque couple "do their Christmas shopping quietly, like sensible people.
"No hitting the night spots. No painting the town red. Modest restaurants and off-beat places for them. Just an unassuming couple on holiday.
"It's grand to have Princess Grace and her husband in London. We hope they will come again."
Belgian heir would like to be master of a tramp steamer
December 2, 1933
Crown Prince Leopold of the Belgians is "so fond of travel and adventure that he finds routine work rather irksome," reports the New York Times.
The 37-year old heir to the throne is married to Princess Astrid of Sweden. He has one brother, Prince Charles, and his only sister, Marie José, is the wife of Crown Prince Umberto of Italy. His official duties are "almost as arduous as those of the Prince of Wales."
If he had not been "destined for a throne," Prince Leopold once said he would have chosen to be a "master of a tramp steamer that journeyed the world over."
Leopold has traveled to Africa twice, and "studied conditions in the Belgian Congo." His English is said to be "perfect." In the first years of his marriage, Prince Leopold did not speak English, and Princess Astrid spoke only a little French, so they "made English their common tongue."
Crown Prince Leopold of the Belgians is "so fond of travel and adventure that he finds routine work rather irksome," reports the New York Times.
The 37-year old heir to the throne is married to Princess Astrid of Sweden. He has one brother, Prince Charles, and his only sister, Marie José, is the wife of Crown Prince Umberto of Italy. His official duties are "almost as arduous as those of the Prince of Wales."
If he had not been "destined for a throne," Prince Leopold once said he would have chosen to be a "master of a tramp steamer that journeyed the world over."
Leopold has traveled to Africa twice, and "studied conditions in the Belgian Congo." His English is said to be "perfect." In the first years of his marriage, Prince Leopold did not speak English, and Princess Astrid spoke only a little French, so they "made English their common tongue."
Nicholas II has escaped: latest rumor
December 2, 1917
Former Emperor Nicholas II has "fled from the convent near Tobolsk," where he has been imprisoned and has made "his escape through Harbin" and is now in Japan, according to the latest rumor.
The New York Times reports that the rumor reached London from Zurich via Paris, but there is no confirmation to the story.
Former Emperor Nicholas II has "fled from the convent near Tobolsk," where he has been imprisoned and has made "his escape through Harbin" and is now in Japan, according to the latest rumor.
The New York Times reports that the rumor reached London from Zurich via Paris, but there is no confirmation to the story.
The Prince of Liechtenstein on leadership
A very interesting interview-cum-profile:
The Prince of Liechtenstein, leadership and business
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/191ef6fc-5135-11e3-b499-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2mLt69XVg
The Prince of Liechtenstein, leadership and business
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/191ef6fc-5135-11e3-b499-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2mLt69XVg
Friday, November 29, 2013
Haakon and Mette Marit: comment from spokesman
In response to rumors of an impending separation, the spokesman for Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette Marit of Norway confirmed that "there will be no press release of any sort", concerning the couple.
For the past week, Twitter and other social media outlets have been passing on rumors of a press conference on Friday or Monday in Oslo to announce a separation between the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.
The Palace also stated that they will not comment on rumors.
The Norwegian media are largely silent on the rumors.
Update on December 1. King Harald and Queen Sonja have spent the weekend at Sandringham with the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Earl and Countess of Wessex. I sincerely doubt that the King and Queen would spend a weekend in Norfolk if the Crown Prince's separation was going to be announced on Monday.
I think the rumors are just that: rumors. Made up. Not true. The Crown Princess has been recovering from surgery. Her husband canceled a trip to the United States to be with her.
http://www.newsinenglish.no/2013/12/02/royal-rumours-set-off-press-debate/
For the past week, Twitter and other social media outlets have been passing on rumors of a press conference on Friday or Monday in Oslo to announce a separation between the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.
The Palace also stated that they will not comment on rumors.
The Norwegian media are largely silent on the rumors.
Update on December 1. King Harald and Queen Sonja have spent the weekend at Sandringham with the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Earl and Countess of Wessex. I sincerely doubt that the King and Queen would spend a weekend in Norfolk if the Crown Prince's separation was going to be announced on Monday.
I think the rumors are just that: rumors. Made up. Not true. The Crown Princess has been recovering from surgery. Her husband canceled a trip to the United States to be with her.
http://www.newsinenglish.no/2013/12/02/royal-rumours-set-off-press-debate/
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