Tuesday, October 19, 2010

King Alexander remains in a coma

October 19, 1920

The condition of King Alexander of the Hellenes "showed little change" today reports the New York Times.   The congestion in his lung persists, and "drowsiness is taking the form of coma."  His temperature, at 10 a.m., was reported at 102, pulse 124, respiration 34.
There is much speculation on the King's successor, "should his illness terminate fatally."  The names of several foreign Princes have been mooted, and it seems that the favorite is Prince Charles of Belgium, the younger son of King Albert and Queen Elisabeth.
Opposition newspapers point out "the natural heir to the throne under the Constitution" would be King Alexander's younger brother, Prince Paul, third son of the former King Constantine and Queen Sophie.  Many believe that Prince Paul will accept the invitation to be king on the condition that his father and his elder brother, Prince George, renounce their claim to the throne. They take it for granted, however, that Prince Paul "would refuse to accept the throne with such conditions attached to his action."
Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden arrived in Athens last night. He is "observing the strictest incognito."

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