November 3, 1914
Emperor Nicholas II of Russia left for the front today, accompanied by the Minister of War, reports the New York Times.
An official bulletin from the Russian General staff notes that Russian army continues to advance in East Prussia and Poland. The troops have occupied one of Kaiser Wilhelm II's estates. (The estate was not named in the communique.)
Nicholas II stated that Germany "must be crushed." He says there will be no peace until "Russians reach the heart of the Fatherland."
The Emperor also issued a manifesto after the outbreak of war with Turkey.
"Russia will receive this fresh aggression on the part of the ancient persecutor of the Christian religion and the Slav peoples with tranquility and confidence in God. The valiant armies of Russia will triumph once again, not for the first time over the Turkish hordes. Once again we will know how to punish the insolent foe of our Fatherland.
"Our confidence is unshakable that the ill-advised intervention of Turkey will only hasten the fatal end of that Empire and will open the way for the Russian settlement of problems on the Black Sea coast which have been handed down by our ancestors."
Monday, November 3, 2014
Empress visits hospitals
November 3, 1914
Empress Auguste Viktoria of Germany "recently visited" hospitals at Breslau, Psen and Konigsberg, according to a dispatch from Berlin, and sent to the New York Times via London and Amsterdam.
According to the brief report, the Empress also inspected "Socialist institutions" during her visit.
Empress Auguste Viktoria of Germany "recently visited" hospitals at Breslau, Psen and Konigsberg, according to a dispatch from Berlin, and sent to the New York Times via London and Amsterdam.
According to the brief report, the Empress also inspected "Socialist institutions" during her visit.
Louis Windsor - baptized
Louis Arthur Nicholas Felix Windsor was baptized on Saturday, November 1 (All Saints Day). The five-month old baby is the third the son of Lord and Lady Nicholas Windsor.
The ceremony took place in the Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace. The Chapel is Church of England, but the baptismal ceremony was according to the rites of the Roman Catholic Church.
Lord Nicholas, the youngest child of the Duke and Duchess of Kent, converted to the Roman Catholic faith in 2001. He married Paola Doimi de Lupis de Frankopan in November 2006.
The couple's first son, Albert, was baptized at the Queen's Chapel, St. James's Palace, in a Roman Catholic service. The middle son, Leopold's baptism took place at St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican.
The ceremony took place in the Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace. The Chapel is Church of England, but the baptismal ceremony was according to the rites of the Roman Catholic Church.
Lord Nicholas, the youngest child of the Duke and Duchess of Kent, converted to the Roman Catholic faith in 2001. He married Paola Doimi de Lupis de Frankopan in November 2006.
The couple's first son, Albert, was baptized at the Queen's Chapel, St. James's Palace, in a Roman Catholic service. The middle son, Leopold's baptism took place at St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Ferdinand in Paris for years with ambition to be king
October 31, 1908
Ferdinand of Bulgaria planned to be king for "a long time," reports the New York Times. He visited Paris often, making sure he visited French officials.
"Bulgarians are friends, admirers, and pupils of France," he once said. "They owe their civilization and their liberty to France."
He was "tireless" in his pursuit, and French diplomats would try to avoid him so they would not have to talk with him.
During his final years as the French president, Loubet "received many visits" from Prince Ferdinand, who "attempted to talk to him in his usual matter." President Loubet was very clever, and "always managed to change the subject.
On one occasion, Prince Ferdinand was en route to a hunt at Rambouillet, and was on the same train, with the French president. As usual, Ferdinand tried to dominate the conversation. "The Bulgarians are the friends ...." Ferdinand said, but Loubet quickly interrupted, by saying "Your Highness shall I tell you the story of my first election? It is a curious story."
President Loubet rambled on until the train reached Rambouillet.
Prince Ferdinand was "something of a fop" before he became Prince of Bulgaria. He used to visit Chantilly as a "perfumed dandy," but is now "completely changed."
He has four children by his late first wife, Princess Marie Louise of Bourbon-Parma. After the birth of the fourth child, Prince Ferdinand, then experiencing serious political difficulties, and to resolve the situation, he announced that his eldest son, Boris, would convert to the Orthodox faith.
Marie Louise, a devout Roman Catholic, would not agree to Ferdinand's decision. He had to "employ a ruse," and Marie Louise was only "informed of Boris' abjuration of Catholicism after the deed was accomplished."
The news hastened the Princess' death, and had the "effect of loosening the ties" between Ferdinand and his Orleans cousins. They stopped going to Bulgaria, although would "receive him in Paris.
Ferdinand of Bulgaria planned to be king for "a long time," reports the New York Times. He visited Paris often, making sure he visited French officials.
"Bulgarians are friends, admirers, and pupils of France," he once said. "They owe their civilization and their liberty to France."
He was "tireless" in his pursuit, and French diplomats would try to avoid him so they would not have to talk with him.
During his final years as the French president, Loubet "received many visits" from Prince Ferdinand, who "attempted to talk to him in his usual matter." President Loubet was very clever, and "always managed to change the subject.
On one occasion, Prince Ferdinand was en route to a hunt at Rambouillet, and was on the same train, with the French president. As usual, Ferdinand tried to dominate the conversation. "The Bulgarians are the friends ...." Ferdinand said, but Loubet quickly interrupted, by saying "Your Highness shall I tell you the story of my first election? It is a curious story."
President Loubet rambled on until the train reached Rambouillet.
Prince Ferdinand was "something of a fop" before he became Prince of Bulgaria. He used to visit Chantilly as a "perfumed dandy," but is now "completely changed."
He has four children by his late first wife, Princess Marie Louise of Bourbon-Parma. After the birth of the fourth child, Prince Ferdinand, then experiencing serious political difficulties, and to resolve the situation, he announced that his eldest son, Boris, would convert to the Orthodox faith.
Marie Louise, a devout Roman Catholic, would not agree to Ferdinand's decision. He had to "employ a ruse," and Marie Louise was only "informed of Boris' abjuration of Catholicism after the deed was accomplished."
The news hastened the Princess' death, and had the "effect of loosening the ties" between Ferdinand and his Orleans cousins. They stopped going to Bulgaria, although would "receive him in Paris.
Best ever photograph of the Prince of Wales
Only one British reporter, Rebecca English, and several photographers accompanied the royal couple. Due to illness Rebecca will be returning to the UK early, but kudos to her for going to Colombia in the first place to cover the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
Nor is the Prince of Wales afraid to show affection for his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall.
The British royal beat writers would have fallen over themselves to accompany the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge if they were the ones making the tour, and we would have read numerous articles about what the Duchess wore to a particular engagement.
The Prince of Wales is the heir apparent, first in line to the throne. He is the next sovereign. His son, William, is the second in line, and does not a constitutional role.
William has yet to embrace the full mantle of royal duties. Lots of criticism about this, but if the Queen wanted the Duke take on more engagements, he would be doing more.
There have been many discussions on why the Duke of Cambridge was not present at the recent state dinner. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are not dissing the Queen by not attending. At some point, the Queen will request the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at a state dinner, but this has not yet happened. When this does happen, we will know if the Duchess has received the Queen's Family Order. I expect she has received it, but an official announcement of the order being bestowed on a distaff member of the Royal Family is never made by the Court.
If the Queen wanted the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to be full time royals, she would command it, and they would do it. There is a lot of criticism for perceived slacking off, but the Queen does not seemed to be concerned. At some point, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be asked to do more, and the request will come from their Sovereign. Perhaps they should do more, but, in the end, it is up to one person, and only one person, to make the decision. When she does, we will know. How will we know. More engagements, more charities, more appearances at official events, including state dinners, will be announced for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
So right now enjoy the good work that the Prince of Wales does. He has admirable support from his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall. He's the heir apparent. He's the real star! And his star is shining bright ... his face is so full of joy and happiness.
It is sad ... and wrong ... that the Prince of Wales is getting far less press for this arduous tour. Four full days in Colombia, followed by four more days in Mexico. The Duchess of Cornwall is doing her fair share, too, with her own schedule of engagements.
The Prince of Wales' star is shining brightly.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Alexander near death
October 30, 1894
A new bulletin regarding the condition of Alexander III of Russia was issued at 10 p.m. from Livadia:
"During the day the spitting of blood continued, and the Emperor was seized at times with shivering fits. His temperature was 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and his pulse was 90 and weak. His breathing was difficult. He can take little nourishment, and has become very weak. The oedema has increased materially."
Another dispatch from Livadia states that the Emperor's "malady has attacked his left lung" and his condition is described as "most serious."
There is a marked change for the worse in Alexander III's condition. He is suffering congestion in "the lobe of his left lung," which has increased the "coughing and raising of blood."
A dispatch from Yalta states that his condition is "much worse." All of "immediate relatives" of the imperial family have already arrived, including Queen Olga of Greece and her children and the eldest daughter of Grand Duke Constantine, an uncle of Emperor.
Alexander III did receive holy communion today.
Grand Duke Alexis Mikhailovich, youngest brother of Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna's husband, Grand Duke Alexander, is said to be "seriously ill." He left Yalta earlier today "to hasten southward for the winter."
Another dispatch from St. Petersburg was published in Vienna. "The Czar was delirious last night and did not recognize his family. He grew calmer this morning. Upon learning that death was near, he asked that several friends who had not been summoned be called at once to his bedside."
The Russian Minister to the United States, Prince Cantacuzene received an "alarming dispatch this morning from St. Petersburg: "The condition of the Emperor is considerably worse since yesterday. The expectoration of blood is increased by a strong cough. In the night symptoms of partial inflammation on the left lung. Condition dangerous."
A new bulletin regarding the condition of Alexander III of Russia was issued at 10 p.m. from Livadia:
"During the day the spitting of blood continued, and the Emperor was seized at times with shivering fits. His temperature was 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and his pulse was 90 and weak. His breathing was difficult. He can take little nourishment, and has become very weak. The oedema has increased materially."
Another dispatch from Livadia states that the Emperor's "malady has attacked his left lung" and his condition is described as "most serious."
There is a marked change for the worse in Alexander III's condition. He is suffering congestion in "the lobe of his left lung," which has increased the "coughing and raising of blood."
A dispatch from Yalta states that his condition is "much worse." All of "immediate relatives" of the imperial family have already arrived, including Queen Olga of Greece and her children and the eldest daughter of Grand Duke Constantine, an uncle of Emperor.
Alexander III did receive holy communion today.
Grand Duke Alexis Mikhailovich, youngest brother of Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna's husband, Grand Duke Alexander, is said to be "seriously ill." He left Yalta earlier today "to hasten southward for the winter."
Another dispatch from St. Petersburg was published in Vienna. "The Czar was delirious last night and did not recognize his family. He grew calmer this morning. Upon learning that death was near, he asked that several friends who had not been summoned be called at once to his bedside."
The Russian Minister to the United States, Prince Cantacuzene received an "alarming dispatch this morning from St. Petersburg: "The condition of the Emperor is considerably worse since yesterday. The expectoration of blood is increased by a strong cough. In the night symptoms of partial inflammation on the left lung. Condition dangerous."
Sisi's remains interred
October 30, 1898
The remains of Empress Elisabeth of Austria were transferred today to "their final resting place" in the vaults of Vienna's Capuchin Church. The remains were placed next to the remains of Crown Prince Rudolf, who died in 1889.
The consort of Emperor Franz Josef, Empress Elisabeth was assassinated on September 10, while boarding a steamer in Geneva, Switzerland
The remains of Empress Elisabeth of Austria were transferred today to "their final resting place" in the vaults of Vienna's Capuchin Church. The remains were placed next to the remains of Crown Prince Rudolf, who died in 1889.
The consort of Emperor Franz Josef, Empress Elisabeth was assassinated on September 10, while boarding a steamer in Geneva, Switzerland
A girl for the Hereditary Prince and Princess of Sweden
October 30, 1934
Hereditary Princess Sibylla of Sweden gave birth to a daughter this morning in Stockholm, reports the New York Times. Mother and daughter are said to be "doing well.
The Princess is the wife of Hereditary Prince Gustaf Adolf, son of Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf and the late Princess Margaret of Connaught.
This is the first child for the Hereditary Prince and Princess who were married two years ago in Coburg, Germany. The princess was born Princess Sibylla of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
The infant princess' birth was "announced to the public" by a forty-two gun salute. The birth of a prince would have been "marked by a salute of eighty-four guns."
A Thanksgiving Service will be held later today in the palace's chapel in honor of the new princess, whose birth makes King Gustaf V the only "great-grandfather among the reigning Kings of Europe."
Princess Sibylla's mother, Duchess Vikoria Adelheid arrived from Coburg several days ago and was one of the first people to visit "her after the birth of the baby girl."
Succession to the Swedish throne is based on Salic law, which means the infant princess does not have dynastic rights.
Hereditary Princess Sibylla of Sweden gave birth to a daughter this morning in Stockholm, reports the New York Times. Mother and daughter are said to be "doing well.
The Princess is the wife of Hereditary Prince Gustaf Adolf, son of Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf and the late Princess Margaret of Connaught.
This is the first child for the Hereditary Prince and Princess who were married two years ago in Coburg, Germany. The princess was born Princess Sibylla of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
The infant princess' birth was "announced to the public" by a forty-two gun salute. The birth of a prince would have been "marked by a salute of eighty-four guns."
A Thanksgiving Service will be held later today in the palace's chapel in honor of the new princess, whose birth makes King Gustaf V the only "great-grandfather among the reigning Kings of Europe."
Princess Sibylla's mother, Duchess Vikoria Adelheid arrived from Coburg several days ago and was one of the first people to visit "her after the birth of the baby girl."
Succession to the Swedish throne is based on Salic law, which means the infant princess does not have dynastic rights.
Francoise's engagement confirmed
October 30, 1928
The Duke of Guise's office has confirmed the betrothal of the Duke's daughter, Princess Francoise, to Prince Christopher of Greece, widower of Princess Anastaisa, the former Mrs. William B. Leeds.
The Duke of Guise is the pretender to the French throne.
The date of the marriage is expected to be announced next month. According to the Associated Press, the wedding will probably take place in Italy.
The Duke of Guise's office has confirmed the betrothal of the Duke's daughter, Princess Francoise, to Prince Christopher of Greece, widower of Princess Anastaisa, the former Mrs. William B. Leeds.
The Duke of Guise is the pretender to the French throne.
The date of the marriage is expected to be announced next month. According to the Associated Press, the wedding will probably take place in Italy.
Kaiser & Franz Josef lose British ranks
October 31, 1914
The German and Austrian Emperors have been "removed from the list of British Field Marshals in the Army list, just published, according to the New York Times. Wilhelm II and Franz Josef have also been removed from the list of officers of the Royal Dragoons and King's Dragoon Guards. Both were "respective Colonels in Chief" of the two regiments.
The Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Goth no longer appears on the list as Colonel in chief of the Seaforth Highlanders.
The German and Austrian Emperors have been "removed from the list of British Field Marshals in the Army list, just published, according to the New York Times. Wilhelm II and Franz Josef have also been removed from the list of officers of the Royal Dragoons and King's Dragoon Guards. Both were "respective Colonels in Chief" of the two regiments.
The Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Goth no longer appears on the list as Colonel in chief of the Seaforth Highlanders.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Modification to the succession of the Romanian throne
The succession to the Romanian throne has been changed. The new list has been published on the Royal Family's website.
King Michael has stripped his third daughter, Irina, of her title Princess of Romania and her HRH. She and her descendants are no longer in line to the throne. Irina is now styled as Irina Walker.
http://www.familiaregala.ro/ro/familia-regala-astazi/linia-de-succesiune/
King Michael has stripped his third daughter, Irina, of her title Princess of Romania and her HRH. She and her descendants are no longer in line to the throne. Irina is now styled as Irina Walker.
http://www.familiaregala.ro/ro/familia-regala-astazi/linia-de-succesiune/
Will the Monarchy return to Romania?
Victor Ponta, Romania's Prime Minister, told a local TV reporter on Sunday that he would hold a referendum on a form of government if he wins the election for President.
"I believe that, in the coming years, in Romania we should have not only a public date, but we should also make a decision, through a referendum, on the form of government."
Although recent polls show Romanians favoring a republic, nearly 45% of Romanians have a "good and very good opinion" about Romania's royal house. This survey was taken in early May, and shows an increase of 5 points from a previous poll in 2013.
Ponta, who appears to have a good relationship with Crown Princess Margarita (and has been a guest at official dinners held at the Elisabetha Palace), said he would step down as President if Romanians vote for a monarchy.
We should have such a referendum on the government form sometime during my mandate, maybe even by 2016,” Ponta said.
Prince Karl of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen (1839-1914) was elected as Prince of Romania on April 20, 1866 after a palace coup overthrow Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza. It was not until 1878 after the Ottoman Empire was defeated in the Russo-Turkish war that Prince Carol was able to declare Romania as an independent, sovereign state. He was proclaimed as King of Romania on March 26, 1881.
Prince Karl was the second son of Karl Anton, Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen and Princess Josephine of Baden. He was closely related to the Bonaparte family as one of his maternal grandmother, Stephanie de Beauharnais, was the niece-in-law of Empress Josephine, first wife of Emperor Napoleon. The princely family of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen maintained good relations with Napoleon III, who recommended Prince Karl to Romanian politicians. It was Ion Bratianu who made the offer and invited Prince Karl to Romania. When Karl crossed the border, he was met by Bratianu, who welcomed him, and invited him to join him in his carriage for the ride to Bucharest.
The 1866 Romanian Constitution established a hereditary monarchy with male line succession only. The king's heirs would be raised according to the Eastern Orthodox faith, although the king and queen were not required to convert. On November 15, 1869, Carol married Princess Elisabeth of Wied. It was not a happy marriage. He was straitlaced and formidable. She was emotional, a dreamer, eccentric -- and better known as the writer Carmen Sylva.
In 1871, Elisabeth gave birth to the couple's only child, Marie, who died three years later. Elisabeth never truly got over the death of her daughter, which lead to a further estrangement between the couple. It was only in the final years of Carol's life that there was a rapprochement between them due to their shared belief in German militarism.
Carol's elder brother, Leopold and his eldest son, Wilhelm, renounced their rights to the Romanian throne in favor of Leopold's second son, Ferdinand.
Ferdinand (1865-1927) was the second son of Leopold, Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmarginen, and Infanta Antonia of Portugal. He was recognized as Prince of Romania in 1889. He nearly caused a dynastic mishap when he fell in love with Elena Vacarescu, Queen Elisabeth's lady-in-waiting. Queen Elisabeth, a hopeless romantic herself who was trapped in a loveless marriage, encouraged the relationship even though the Romanian Constitution forbid a marriage between the heir and a Romanian.
The crisis ended in 1891 when Elena was packed off to Paris and Queen Elisabeth exiled to her childhood home at Neuwied. Crown Prince Ferdinand, still pining for his lost love, was sent by King Carol (Der Onkel) to find a nice, eligible princess.
On January 10, 1893 in Sigmaringen, Crown Prince Ferdinand married Princess Marie of Edinburgh, eldest daughter of Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and Grand Duchess Marie Alexandrovna of Russia. The new Crown Princess of Romania, who remained an Anglican, was the granddaughter of Queen Victoria and Alexander III of Russia.
The couple had six children: Carol II, Elisabetha, Marie, Nicholas, Ileana and Mircea. The youngest child was most likely fathered by Marie's lover Barbu Stirbey.
The children were all baptized according to the rites of the Romanian Orthodox Church
King Carol I died on October 10, 1914, and was succeeded by his nephew, King Ferdinand. It was Ferdinand's pro-British wife Marie who played a successful role in moving Romania away from the Triple Alliance and onto the side of the Triple Entente during the first world war.
Unfortunately, for Romania, the young Crown Prince Carol (1893-1953) was more interested in a social life than preparing for his future role as King Carol II. Much to his parents' dismay, Carol fell in love with a Romanian commoner, Zizi Lambrino, and ran off and married her in Odessa in August 1918. The marriage was annulled a year later, but Carol remained with Zizi for a few more months because she became pregnant and gave birth to their son, Mircea Gregor Carol Lambrino. The joy of fatherhood did not last long, and Carol dumped his former wife and son, and agreed to return home and find a more respectable bride.
Queen Marie played matchmaker and effectively arranged the marriages between Carol and his sister, Elisabeta, to Princess Helen of Greece and her brother, the future King George II. The Greeks were the children of Marie's first cousin, Queen Sophie of the Hellenes. (Both marriages were abysmal failures.)
Carol and Helen were married on March 10, 1921. Seven months later, on October 25th, she gave birth to their only child, Michael. Carol was already having an affair with Elena Lupescu, the divorced wife of an Army officer. He was so enamored with Elena that he abandoned Helen and Michael to live with Elena in France. He also renounced his right to the throne in favor of his son, Michael. He and Helen were divorced in 1928.
The renouncement took place on December 31, 1925. Less than two years later, on July 20, 1927, King Ferdinand died after a long battle with cancer. He was succeeded by his 5-year-old grandson, Michael. A regency included Ferdinand's younger son, Prince Nicholas.
By early 1930, there was discontent in the country and in Parliament. Carol II was invited back to Romania. The regency was disbanded, and Carol proclaimed as King. Michael was named as Crown Prince. The country moved toward a fascist dictatorship, which was established by Carol II on February 10, 1938. Two years later, he transferred his powers to the Prime Minister, Ion Antonescu. In September 1940, Carol was forced to abdicate in favor of Michael. Carol would never see his son again. He wanted to go to the United States, which denied him entry, and stayed for a time in Mexico and Brazil before finding a home in Portugal. He married Elena Lupescu in 1947.
Michael never trusted the pro-German Antonescu. It was on August 23, 1944, when Michael, aided by like-minded politicians, led a coup against Antonescu. The pro-German government was overthrown, and Romania was now able to join the Allies. Unfortunately for Romania and its neighbors, the alliance meant that Soviet, and not American, troops were about to invade and occupy the country.
By the early spring of 1945, King Michael was forced to name a pro-Soviet Government. He tried to oppose the government by refusing to sign their laws, and, in effect, went on strike for five months until January 1946, when the Allied nations asked him to cooperate with the government. He had tried to demand the government to resign, but the Soviets were increasing their control in the Balkans.
In November 1947, Michael and his mother, Helen, flew to London to attend the wedding of Princess Elizabeth to Prince Philip of Greece. It was in London where Michael was introduced to Princess Anne of Bourbon-Parma (whose parents were guests at the wedding). It was love at first sight.
Much to the dismay to the Romanian government, Michael returned to the country and discussed the plans for his marriage. Petru Groza and the other Romanian communist officials had other ideas, long planned and now about to be carried out with the full support of the Soviet Union. Michael was a very popular monarch. A marriage to Princess Anne would have further endeared him to the people. The government knew this. But in order for Romania to be fully brought into the Soviet orbit, Michael would have to go.
King Michael was at Peles Castle in Sinaia, on December 30, 1947, preparing to host a New Year's Party, when he received a phone call from Groza. He was told to return to Bucharest. He arrived at the Elisabeta Palace to find it surrounded by Communist troops. Grozu and Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej were already at the palace, waiting for Michael's return.
It was all planned in advance. The phone lines were cut. One of the men placed a gun at Michael's head, and handed him the act of abdication. Michael had no choice but to sign it. Later that day, Romania was proclaimed a People's Republic.
Michael and Anne were married in Athens on June 10, 1948. Queen Anne has remained a Roman Catholic, but agreed to raise her children as in the Orthodox faith.
The couple have 5 daughters (Crown Princess Margarita, Princess Helen, Princess Irina, Princess Sophie and Princess Marie.)
Michael's first trip to Romania since his exile was on Christmas Day 1990. He and several members of his family were given a 24 hour visa. His plan was to visit the Curtea de Arges cathedral where members of his family are buried, but en route to the cathedral, Michael's car was stopped by the police and he and his family were forced to leave the country.
Two years later, Michael was permitted to return to the country to for Easter, but after more than one million people showed up to see him in Bucharest, President Ion Iliescu would not allow the former king to return for another five years.
But after Iliescu was defeated by Emil Constantinescu, the new government restored Michael's citizenship, which had been taken away in 1948.
Michael changed the succession law on December 30, 2007, naming his eldest daughter as Crown Princess. As Crown Princess Margarita and her husband, Radu Duda, have no children, the next in line is Prince Nicholas, the only son of Margarita's sister, Helen.
King Michael, 93, and Queen Anne live in Switzerland, but spend holidays at their home Savarsin in Arad (which was restored to him.) The Romanian government has also returned Peles and Pelisor, in Sinaia, as these were private properties bought and built by Carol I. King Ferdinand left Sinaia and other properties to Michael in his will.
The family also maintains a residence in Bucharest at the Elisabeta Palace, once owned by Michael's aunt, Elisabeta. The palace remains owned by the government, and is placed at the disposal of the former head of state, due to a law passed by the Romanian Parliament.
I was in Romania in October 2011 to attend the 90th birthday celebrations for the King, who is popular and loved. Crown Princess Margarita and Prince Radu are also respected and do a lot for Romanian charities. Official dinners and other events take place at the Elisabeta Palace, where the royals mix with Romanian citizens and government officials.
Romania is a country with serious economic problems, and corruption is rife at all political levels. I certainly believe that Crown Princess Margarita has what it takes to be a constitutional monarch. The view of the monarchy's history is far more positive now. When I toured Cotrocenci Palace, I burst into tears because the tour guide spoke only in positive terms about Ferdinand and especially Queen Marie.
If you liked this article
http://www.romania-insider.com/what-do-romanians-think-about-the-countrys-royal-house/123316/
http://www.familiaregala.ro/
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
New statement from Livadia on Emperor's condition
October 28, 1894
An official bulletin from Livadia was issued shortly after noon today, reports the New York Times.
"The Emperor slept well and his appetite is good. Otherwise his condition has not changed."
A second bulletin was released at 7:00 p.m, and was the same as the first. Another report in the London Daily News, from its St. Petersburg correspondent, states: "The Czar's bettering is a surprise to everyone." Emperor Alexander III's doctor remarked to a friend "that medical science was unable to explain this turn in the case. Such a rally contradicts all presumptions and impossible things now seem possible."
Alexander III is expected to take part in the wedding ceremony to "the extent of blessing the couple." The weather in Livadia is said to be "charming." The windows in Alexander's room are kept open, and the temperature remains at 78 F.
In a dispatch from Yalta, the Daily Telegraph reports that the Tsarevitch's marriage "is not impending, as the religious preliminaries have not been arranged. Since Wednesday the Czar has risen between 7:30 and 8 a.m, and has dressed himself unassisted. He remains all day in an arm-chair and opens and reads all letters. He takes too little care of his health, and attaches too little importance to his physicians' counsels and orders."
In Washington, D.C., Prince Cantacuzene, the Russian Minister to the United States, received a "satisfactory bulletin" on Alexander's condition.
"The Emperor slept well on Friday night. Yesterday his appetite was good and the function of the heart more satisfactory. General condition better. Oedema has not increased." The bulletin had been sent to Washington by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Prince Cantacuzene is "greatly encouraged" by the news. He believes that the marriage between the heir and Princess Alix will not take place immediately because this is "additional proof" that the Emperor;s condition is not as serious as previously reported." The postponement of the wedding "justifies the believe that the Emperor is improving," and may be well enough to be present for the ceremony.
Royal family learns of Prince Maurice's death
October 28, 1914
Princess Henry of Battenberg was informed today of the death of her youngest son, Prince Maurice, an officer of the King's Royal Rifles Corp, who was killed yesterday in action.
King George and Queen Mary visited Kensington Palace this afternoon to "console" Princess Henry, reports the New York Times.
The Princess was born Princess Beatrice, and is the youngest child of the late Queen Victoria. She is the widow of Prince Henry of Battenberg, who died after contracting malaria in January 1896, having sailed to Africa to serve in the Ashanti campaign.
Princess Henry of Battenberg was informed today of the death of her youngest son, Prince Maurice, an officer of the King's Royal Rifles Corp, who was killed yesterday in action.
King George and Queen Mary visited Kensington Palace this afternoon to "console" Princess Henry, reports the New York Times.
The Princess was born Princess Beatrice, and is the youngest child of the late Queen Victoria. She is the widow of Prince Henry of Battenberg, who died after contracting malaria in January 1896, having sailed to Africa to serve in the Ashanti campaign.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Princess Amelie of Fürstenberg
Princess Amelie of Furstenberg, the eldest daughter of the late Joachim, Prince of Fürstenberg and his wife, died on October 26 following surgery at a hospital in Villingen, Germany. She was 66 years old.
The princess's brother, Heinrich, Prince of Furstenberg, released a statement to the media. "The death of my oldest sister has met with great sadness and deep sorrow."
The private family funeral will take place at Neudlingen.
HSH Princess Amelie-Egona Maria Huberta Maximiliane Georgine Ricard Joachima Pauline Eusebia of Fürstenberg was born on April 3, 1948 at Donaueschingen, nearly 10 months after her father, Joachim, married Countess Paula zu Königsegg-Aulendorf.
She suffered from ill health and for many years had lived in Switzerland. Since 2001, she had been a resident of Haus Wartenberg, a nursing home in Geisingen, in Germany's Black Forest.
Princess Amelie was the eldest of six children. She is survived by mother, Paula, Princess of Fürstenberg, and her five siblings: Princess Marie-Antoinette, Heinrich, Prince of Fürstenberg, Prince Karl-Egon, Prince Johannes and Princess Anna Lucia, along with many nieces and nephews and their families.
http://www.suedkurier.de/region/schwarzwald-baar-heuberg/donaueschingen/Prinzessin-Amelie-zu-Fuerstenberg-verstorben;art372512,7357244
The princess's brother, Heinrich, Prince of Furstenberg, released a statement to the media. "The death of my oldest sister has met with great sadness and deep sorrow."
The private family funeral will take place at Neudlingen.
HSH Princess Amelie-Egona Maria Huberta Maximiliane Georgine Ricard Joachima Pauline Eusebia of Fürstenberg was born on April 3, 1948 at Donaueschingen, nearly 10 months after her father, Joachim, married Countess Paula zu Königsegg-Aulendorf.
She suffered from ill health and for many years had lived in Switzerland. Since 2001, she had been a resident of Haus Wartenberg, a nursing home in Geisingen, in Germany's Black Forest.
Princess Amelie was the eldest of six children. She is survived by mother, Paula, Princess of Fürstenberg, and her five siblings: Princess Marie-Antoinette, Heinrich, Prince of Fürstenberg, Prince Karl-Egon, Prince Johannes and Princess Anna Lucia, along with many nieces and nephews and their families.
http://www.suedkurier.de/region/schwarzwald-baar-heuberg/donaueschingen/Prinzessin-Amelie-zu-Fuerstenberg-verstorben;art372512,7357244
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