Monday, December 1, 2014

Grand Duchess defies Kaiser

December 1, 1914

The Dowager Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, who was born Grand Duchess Anastasia Mikhailovna of Russia, was present last night at a "gala performance at the Scala Theatre, reports the Daily Mail and sent by special dispatch to the New York Times.

Milan's press hosted the event, which was to raise funds for the "Belgian war sufferers."

When the national anthem of Belgium was played, Grand Duchess Anastasia, "arose from her seat as if to emphasize her sympathy with the applauding audience." 

This action is unlikely to please her son-in-law, Crown Prince Wilhelm of Germany, who is married to her daughter, Cecilie.   The Crown Prince is the eldest son of Kaiser Wilhelm II.

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