Popuar Imperial couple

August 1, 1914

The new heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Karl Franz Josef, was not so well known in Hungary, as in Austria, reports the Associated Press' foreign correspondent.  But his popularity has been spreading with the telling of "numerous anecdotes illustrative of his democratic simplicity."

His sympathy for Hungary and Hungarians is well-known, and he and his wife, Archduchess Zita, "speak the Hungarian language well."  They have chosen to live in the "magnificent royal palace at Buda," which Karl believes is well situated for "bettering the relations between the Austrian and Serbian peoples."

This dispatch was filed on July 19 from Budapest but was not published until today.

Intermarriages don't stop war

August 1, 1914

It is war in Europe as Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany has declared war on Russia, and her Emperor Nicholas II, whose wife, Alexandra, is the Kaiser's first cousin.

According to the Ex-Attache's most recent dispatch in the Chicago Daily Tribune,  the many intermarriages among the European royal houses have failed to stop the escalating war in Europe.

It has been largely assumed that these marriages would "serve to cement offensive and defensive  alliances between the countries which the bride and bridegroom belonged."

But it comes as a shock to see what a "small and insignificant role" these marriages have played in involving all the "great powers of the old world in war."

These matrimonial alliances have "exercised little influence on political alliances in today's Europe. Empress Alexandra and a number of the Grand Duchesses are of German birth, but this did not deter Nicholas II from "embarking upon a war with Germany."

Queen Sophie of the Hellenes is a sister of Kaiser Wilhelm II but her husband, King Constantine I has refused Wilhelm II's entreaties to join the Triple Alliance.

Great Britain is siding with France and Russia.  The Duchesses of Connaught and Albany, who married sons of Queen Victoria, as well as her son-in-law, the elderly Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein, were all Germans at the time of their respective marriages.  Christian, a naturalized Briton, serves as a general in the British army.

The widowed Duchess of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, who remains at Coburg, is a Russian Grand Duchess by birth.  She is "Russian through and through," as the only daughter of Alexander II.  The Dowager Duchess Anastasia of Mecklenburg-Schwerin is also a Grand Duchess of Russia as she is the daughter of the late Grand Duke Michael Mikhailovich.   Grand Duchess Anastasia has two daughters: Alexandrine, the wife of the Crown Prince of Denmark, and Cecilie is the wife of the Crown Prince of Germany.

The late Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was also a British prince as he was the second son of Queen Victoria.

Kaiser Wilhelm and his younger brother, Prince Henry, are the sons of a British mother, Princess Victoria, sister of the late Edward VII.

Empress Alexandra and Grand Duchess Elisabeth, the widow of the assassinated Grand Duke Serge, are the sisters of the Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine.  Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantovich's wife, Elisabeth, is the daughter of the late Duke of Saxe-Altenburg.

Grand Duchess Victoria, the wife of Grand Duke Kirill, second in line to the throne, is a British princess by birth, and is the daughter of the late Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.   Her mother, Grand Duchess Marie is the sister of the late Grand Duke Wladimir and Grand Duchess Marie, born a Duchess of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.

Grand Duchess Victoria's older sister, Marie, is the wife of Crown Prince Ferdinand of Roumania.

Fortunately for the Austrians, all the members of imperial house are married to princes or princesses of the sovereign families of Germany, such as Saxony, Bavaria and Württemberg.   Several members of the family are married to members of the former ruling house of Portugal as well as with the Spanish and Italians.  None of the Habsburgs have married members of the British or Russian royal houses.

King George V "recently decreed" that the princes of Battenberg were to be "regarded" as members of the British royal family.   Prince Louis, a British admiral, and First Sea Lord, "was born and bred a German," and has a German title.  He is married to the sister of the Grand Duke of Hesse and By Rhine and the Empress of Russia.  His wife's brother-in-law, Prince Henry of Prussia, is the ranking officer in the Germany navy.

It is not known if Prince Louis will be allowed to remain in his position due to his German title and origins, although he is a naturalized British national.

Little Alexis: most important baby in Russia

August 1, 1908

The baby with the "highest position in Russia" is the only son and heir of Emperor Nicholas II, reports the Los Angeles Times.  If this little boy ever "gains the throne," he will known as Alexis II.

Little Alexis was born on August 13, 1904. He has four older sisters who adore him, and "he has so many toys that that he probably doesn't know how many he owns."

His first toys "were a set of brightly painted funny little figurines that fitted into one another."   He loves a "jointed serpent that wriggles along in a fearsome manner," as well as a little horse drawn cart, and miniature railway set.

Alexis has "electrical toys, steam toys, all sorts of mechanical toys and toys that talk from hidden phonographs."

He wears "magnificent clothes," as well.   Many little boys love playing soldier.  The young tsarevitch is all ready the colonel of regiments in Finland, Lithuania, Siberia,  and several others.  He also is the commander of the Cossacks.    Certainly enough military honors for a little boy who isn't yet four.

A girl for Jean and Philomena

@HRH The Duke of Vendome

It is a princess for the Duke and Duchess of Vendome.  The Duchess gave birth on July 30 at Poissy to Princess Louise-Marguerite Eléonore Marie.

This is the third child for the Duke and Duchess.  Prince Gaston was born on November 19, 2009 in Paris and Princess Antoinette was born on January 28, 2012 in Vienna.


The announcement was made by the baby's proud papa, Prince Jean, on his website.


http://princejeandefrance.fr/naissance-de-la-princesse-louise-marguerite/

Charles buys water pistol

July 31, 1958

The  Prince of Wales was in King's Lynn earlier today, where he bought a "water pistol on a surprise shopping tour," reports Reuters.  The 9-year-old heir to the British throne came into the coastal town with his younger sister, Princess Anne.  The Royal children and their parents have been staying at Queen Elizabeth's country home, Sandringham.

A report on the death of Nicholas II

July 31, 1918

More reports on the recent execution of Nicholas II are being published,  Today, an op-editorial in the New York Times notes that Nicholas "was so poor a figure of a Czar, fickle. self-satisfied, ignorant, weak, henpecked, usually a dupe, brought up to believe himself a sort of Grand Lama and god on earth."  The writer added that his "panegyrists have had to dwell on his domestic virtues," as he was "habitually led by the nose."

He was described as a "good son," and the "too obedient husband of a German wife."

Nicholas might have been a "happy father, a happy bourgeois, a happy snow shoveler," but was "cast for the wrong part."  He played it "awkwardly and stupidly," but one hopes that he made his "final exist" with grace and courage.

In a recent story published in the Berlin Lokal-Anzeiger, which published an account of his final hours told to the paper by an unnamed "high Russian personage."

According to this report, Nicholas was "roused" at 5:00 a.m., "made to dress, lugged to a room where he was told of the decision of the Soviet," that his execution will take place in two hours. He "hears the sentenced with perfect calmness."   He is returned to his bedroom where he collapses, perhaps from hunger, and "cannot stand up when the escort comes for him."

He fell down the stairs, so they have to "prop him against a post, log against log, to shoot him."

Nicholas' courage was questioned when he was the heir to the throne.  At his best, he was a "neurotic quarter-wit, on the road to madness."  But in his final hour, courage, the "elementary first virtue of Kings, should not have failed him."

His execution was murder.  We can "hope that Nicholas Romanoff died like a man."  Just like Louis XVI and Charles I.

Kaiser makes war speech

July 31, 1914

Germany is in a state of war, reports the New York Times.  An "imperial decree" was issued today "proclaiming the empire in a state of war."

The Kaiser will issue a proclamation ordering the "mobilization of the entire army and navy after he returns to Berlin from Potsdam.

The decision to go to war was forced by an act of "unpardonable disloyalty" by Russia.   Although Wilhelm II continued to communicate with Emperor Nicholas II, it came to Germany's knowledge that the Russian navy and army had already mobilization.

Germany could not ignore this action by Russia, despite attempts to "negotiate on the basis of Sir Edward Grey's proposal."


The Kaiser's second youngest son, Prince Oskar, was married today in what is being called "nuptials of war."  He married Countess Ina von Bassewitz, a former lady-in-waiting.

Engagement: Habsburg-Fairfax

Alexander Fairfax has popped the question to Archduchess Elmerice of Austria, and she said yes.  The couple were among the guests last weekend at the wedding of Prince Francois of Orléans and Theresa von Einsiedel, so one presumes that Alexander's proposal took place not long afterward.

Elmerice Karoline Sidonie Elisabeth von Habsburg-Lothingen is the fifth and youngest child of Archduke Christoph of Austria and Ebba von Mohrenschildt.  Elmerice, who will celebrate her 30th birthday on September 6, is the only daughter.  She has four older brothers: Dominik, Maximilian, Constantin and Ferdinand.


This branch of the family descends from Archduke Heinrich (1878-1969) whose marriage to Karolina Ludescher, was morganatic.   Until the mid-1990s, the morganatic Habsburgs had the surname Habsburg-Lothringen, but were upgraded to counts and countesses of Habsburg-Lothringen by Archduke Otto.  (This was allegedly done because his elder son, Archduke Karl, was dating Camilla von Habsburg-Lothringen, and as a countess, she would be seen as equal.  Since then the marriage rules have been loosened.  The only requirement now is for the bride to be Christian.  According to several reports, Karl has extended the archducal titles to all the former morganauts.)


Heinrich was the 6th son of Ferdinando IV, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and was the issue of Ferdinando's second marriage to Princess Alicia of Bourbon-Parma.

The bride-to-be is an independent art consultant based in London.  http://www.elmericehabsburg.com/

In January 2003,  Elmerice was made her debut at the International Debutante Ball at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. 

Alexander Thomas Digby Fairfax was born in 1986 and is the eldest child of the Hon. Hugh Fairfax and Victoria Neave.  Hugh is a younger brother of Nicholas, 14th Lord Fairfax of Cameron.  I live on land once owned by his ancestors.

A specialist in mobile marketing communications, Alexander Fairfax is also based in London.

http://www.smallbusiness.co.uk/starting-a-business/success-stories/992622/rising-star-alexander-fairfax.thtml

New title for Prince Francois and Princess Theresa of Orléans

Prince Francois of Orléans was created Count of Dreux by his uncle, the Count of Paris, on the morning of his wedding to Theresa von Einsiedel.

Although no official announcement was made by the Count of Paris' office,  the news appeared in the new issue of Point de Vue, which has TEN pages of wedding coverage. 

The newlyweds will be styled TRH The Count and Countess of Dreux. 

http://www.noblesseetroyautes.com/2014/07/francois-dorleans-comte-de-dreux/

This second link has 75 photographs from the wedding.  Two interesting couples in the photographs.   Duchess Olga of Mecklenburg arm in arm with Prince Wilhelm Karl of Urach, the 23-year-old son, of Prince Karl Anselm and his former wife, Saskia Wüstof.
Prince Karl Anselm succeeded his uncle Prince Karl Gero, as Duke of Urach in 1981, as his father, Prince Eberhard, married to Princess Iniga of Thurn und Taxis, had died in 1969.  Following his marriage to a commoner,  Karl Anselm renounced his rights in favor of his younger brother, Wilhelm, who succeeded as Duke of Urach

The other photo shows Alexander Fairfax and Archduchess Elmerice of Austria, who have just announced their engagement.

Prince Wilhelm Karl and his younger brother, Prince Maximilan do not have dynastic rights.  Duchess Olga, who was born in 1988, is the eldest child of Duke Borwin of Mecklenburg and Alice Wagner.

Another gleaned tidbit from the wedding.  The bride's younger sister, Felicitas, is in a serious relationship with Alexander von Kempis, who was born November 14, 1992.  He is the son of Andreas Eberhard von Kempis and  New Mexican-born Beatrix von Thaden.  Andreas' mother, Countess Johanna von Mensdorff-Pouilly, is a descendant of Count Emanuel von Mensdorff-Pouilly and Princess Sophie of Saxe-Coburg and Saafeld.

A sure sign an announcement is coming?

photo by Ulrike Bartsch

There have been reports for several years now about a relationship between these two young people.

The US-educated and raised Countess Olympia is the third of six daughters of Count Riprand von und zu Arco-Zinneberg and Archduchess Maria Beatrice of Austria, daughter of Archduke Robert of Austria and Princess Margherita of Savoy.

Prince Jean-Christophe, head of the house of Napoléon, worked for many years in New York City's financial sector, is now based in London.

http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2011/12/engagement-for-jean-christophe-prince.html

The couple have attended several royal weddings, including Archduke Imre of Austria's marriage to Kathleen Walker in Washington, D.C., in September 2012, but have always arrived and left separately.  On this occasion, last Saturday, they arrived arm in arm at the wedding of Prince Francois d'Orléans and Theresa von Einsiedel.

They were also photographed together at an event in New York City, where the Countess wore the same skirt that she wore to the wedding.

http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2014/05/prince-jean-napoleon-countess-olympia.html

Franz Josef and heir are cheered

July 30, 1914

From a dispatch sent by the Vienna Correspondent of the Daily Mail and sent by special cable to the New York Times.

"Standing at the entrance to the Palace Thursday I witnesses the most solemn and touching spectacle of my life.

"Emperor Francis Joseph, who is aged 83, and his heir, the young Archduke Charles Francis Joseph, returned from Ischl to Vienna at noon today.  All Vienna welcomed them.  The crowd waved the national black and yellow flags and shouted till their throats were hoarse in enthusiasm for their monarch, who is going to war in his old age.

"The streets were lined with aged veterans bearing banners, while deputations from the city and other corporations stood awaiting the open carriage which swept up the open drive to the palace.

"The Emperor, although a little bent with his years, looked very well. The young Archduke at his side returned the greeting of the crowd, who remarked how closely he resembled his [great] uncle."

There were "great throngs" as the Emperor and his great-nephew returned to Schönnbrun Castle.  Cafes and restaurants are all deserted this evening as the "main streets are filled with singing and cheering processions."

Crowds also greeted the Emperor and the archduke as they left Ischl for Vienna earlier today. 

In Linz, the Emperor addressed officers of the local garrison who were waiting on the railway platform.

"I only have time to give you a few words of greeting in this grave hour.  These are that I trust in the good spirit, the endurance, and the valor of my army.  It was my wish to maintain peace."

Bulletin: Kaiser tells Russia to stop; Grand Duke of Hesse in Russia

Embed from Getty Images 

 July 30, 1914

In what many see as a "last extreme move on behalf of peace"  Kaiser Wilhelm II's  government "launched a peremptory demand" on Russia to explain the "menacing mobilization" on the German and Austrian borders, reports the New York Times.

There is little hope that Germany's demands will be met.  Germany has not stated that it will "declare war" if Russia does not cancel its "military preparations."  There is only a threat to retaliate with a "counter demonstration," but this would be seen as "tantamount to war."

This "momentous decision" was made late last night at the New Palace in Potsdam, at a council of war, led by Wilhelm II as the Supreme War Lord.  His brother, Admiral Prince Henry of Prussia, just returned from England, was also present, as was Crown Prince Wilhelm, who "in accordance with Prussian traditions, will lead one of the German Armies."

The Grand Duke of Hesse and By Rhine, who is the brother of Empress Alexandra, consort of Nicholas II, is in St. Petersburg.  He was sent to Russia by the Kaiser in a "last endeavor to arrange for peace."

Embed from Getty Images

Monarchists want Grand Duke Nicholas on the throne

July 29, 1918

Russian monarchists recently met in Kiev, and they have "resolved to form centres throughout Russia for the re-establishment" of the monarchy "on the lines of that in power prior to March 1917, according to a New York Times dispatch from Amsterdam.

The aim is reunite the "Ukraine and Great Russia" with Grand Duke Nicholas Nicholavitch" as Emperor, according to reports from the Monarchist congress.

When confirmation of the death of the former emperor Nicholas II was made public in Kiev, many Russian officers wrapped crepe around their Crosses of St. George.  Only a short time before, officials were denying the reports of his execution in a "crowded thanksgiving service" in Kiev's cathedral. 

The congregation sang "God Protect the Czar."   During the celebration, the archpriest declared:  "The church stands outside politics, but it is befitting all true believing Russians to pray for Nicholas, the servant of God, who has suffered much."  He also spoke of the re-establishment of the monarch and the Romanov dynasty: "The temple which was destroyed shall rise again."

Fighting continues in Kiev's streets between monarchists and Bolsheviks.

Franz Josef communicates with Nicholas

July 29, 1914

The New York Times is reporting that a St. Petersburg newspaper, Novoe Vremya is stating that the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef has sent a "personal letter" to Nicholas II, which is likely to have "an important influence on the crisis."

The text of this letter has not been made public.

Flurry of telegrams between Nicholas and Wilhelm

July 30, 1914

Earlier this evening Kaiser Wilhelm II held a "naval council of war," which was attended by Admiral von Tirpitz, Minister of Marine; Prince Henry of Prussia, Admiral Commanding in Chief; Admiral von Pohl, Chief of the Admiralty Staff, and Vice Admiral von Mueller, Chief of the Imperial Naval Cabinet, according to the New York  Times.

This meeting was followed by a "council of the Cabinet," which lasted for several hours.

No information about what occurred at either meeting has been announced.

Crown Prince Wilhelm was in "conference" with the Kaiser earlier today, and their meeting "lasted three hours."

It was also learned tonight that there has been an "exchange of telegrams regarding the international situation" between Wilhelm II and Nicholas II.

The Russian Emperor dispatched a telegram to Wilhelm II, which "crossed a message" that Wilhelm had just sent to Nicholas. 

The details of the communication between the two sovereigns have not been disclosed, but the fact that they are in communication with each other has "created an unmistakably favorable impression."

There is anxiety in Germany about Russian troop movements.  On Berlin newspaper,  Lokal Anzeiger published the following:  "The pretended conciliatory aspect of the Russian policy is a grave contrast to the restless, comprehensive military dispositions of the Czar's army on the German frontier.  As long as these continue there can hardly be any question of the relaxation of the political tension.  It can only be hoped that the Czar will also give some tangible proof of his peaceable inclinations by ordering the immediate cessation of the conspicuous concentration of troops in the western regions of the empire."