Prince Nicolas' role in Carol's return

June 8, 1930

It appears that Prince Nicolas played a prominent role in Carol's return to Roumania, according to reports in the New York Times and other newspapers.
Long negotiations had been going on in political and military circles on behalf of Carol since the death of his archenemy, Jon Bratianu, and with certain obstacles overcome, plans were made for Carol to return as king.

His position was helped by Elena Lupescu's "personal sacrifice." She urged Carol to "follow his conscience," and she was willing to step aside in order for Carol's return home.
Prince Nicolas, as one of the members of the Regency Council for the young King Michael, was certainly aware of the negotiations. At some point during the past week, he quarreled with his mother, the Dowager Queen Marie, "with regard to the personality and political influence of Prince Barbu Stirbey," and he threatened to resign from the Regency Council.

Queen Marie told her younger that he "must refer the question" to the Prince of Hohenzollern, who is the head of the house. She then announced her departure for Bavaria to meet with Friedrich, the son of her the late King Ferdinand's brother.

Carol received a message from his cousin to meet him in Bavaria for the family council.

Carol sent a reply to his mother saying that he would attend a meeting, but shortly afterward, a "Colonel in the Rumanian Army, whose name is now withheld," arrived in France "with important information." The Colonel, whose connections are said to be impeccable, "made a complete expose of the internal political situation, which fully convinced Carol that the conditions he had fixed for his return had been fulfilled."

The major revelation to Carol was that the younger members of the Liberal party would not oppose his "recovery of his right to the throne."
Instead of going to Sigmaringen, Carol went to Munich, boarded a private plane, and flew to Roumania.

He chose not to notify his mother of his "sudden decision and his action proves his sympathy with his brother" in the family quarrel.

Carol has not had any secret meetings with Princess Helen, and their "reconciliation depends entirely" on Helen. But there is every hope that "it will be effected and she will become Queen."