Richard & Madeleine zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg

This postcard was probably published shortly after the marriage of HSH Richard, 4th Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg (1882-1925), and HSH Princess Madeleine of Löwenstein-Wertheim-Freudenberg (1885-1976).   The couple was married at Langenzell, Baden, on November 21, 1905.  This postcard was mailed on February 26, 1906.

The couple had three children:  Gustav, 5th Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg (1907-missing 1944 and declared dead in 1969) who married Margareta Fouché d'Ortrante; Christian Heinrich, 5th Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Hohenstein (1908-1983); Prince Ludwig-Ferdinand (1910-1943), who married Princess Friederike Juliane of Salms-Hortsmar.

Gustav and Margareta's eldest son, Richard, married Princess Benedikte of Denmark.  He died in March 2017.  They had one son and two daughters.
Hereditary Prince Gustav has been involved in a long-term relationship with Carina Axelsson, but they cannot marry because of the terms set in his grandfather's will.  It is unlikely that the will can be overturned, which means that the estate and title will eventually pass to Christian-Heinrich's line.

Prince Richard's younger brother, Prince Robin,  has one son,  Prince Sebastian, who is married to a commoner, which means which  Sebastian and his descendants are excluded from the succession.  The next in line is  Bernhart, 6th Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Hohenstein (1962), the only son of Christian-Heinrich and his second wife, Princess Desiree of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Hohenstein.

Bernhart was married in 1996 to Countess Katharina von Podewils-Dürnwitz.  They have one son, Prince Wenzel, born in 1997. If you liked this article

Princess reaches the century mark

HRH Infanta Maria Adelaide Manoela Amelia Micaela Rafaela of Portugal celebrates her 100th birthday.   The youngest of the eleven children of Dom Miguel de Braganza,  Infanta Maria Adelaide was born on January 31, 1912, at St. Jean de Luz, France. (Dom Miguel had three children by his first wife, Elisabeth of Thurn und Taxis, who died several weeks after giving birth to a daughter in 1881.  He married in 1893 for a second time to Princess Marie Therese of Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg.)
Adelaide was named for her paternal grandmother, Princess Adelheid of Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg.

During the Second World War, the family lived in Vienna, where the infanta worked as a nurse. She was active in the Resistance movement, arrested and was sentenced to death by the Gestapo, after being accused of listening to the BBC.   But the Portuguese dictator, Antonio Salzar intervened on the Infanta's behalf, stating that she was someone of national heritage.  Infanta Maria Adelaide was a granddaughter of King Miguel.  She was also apparently active in a group called O5, where her code name was Mafalda.  The group helped to hide Jews from the Nazis.

Thanks to Salazar Maria Adelaide was released and deported to Switzerland, where her brother, Dom Duarte Nuno, Duke of Braganza lived with his wife, Maria Francisca.

After the war, Infanta Maria Adelaide and her family returned to Vienna.

On October 31, 1945, in Vienna, Infanta Adelaide married Nicolaas van Uden (1921-1991), a Dutch national.  She and her new husband planned to go to Africa, but after being allowed to return to Portugal before the repeal of the ban against her family, the plans to move to Africa were dropped.

In 1949, Infanta Maria Adelaide and her husband, a doctor specializing in skin diseases, were able to move to Portugal.   Unfortunately, Dr. van Uden's medical degree was not recognized in Portugal, and he could not practice medicine.  For many years he worked for a research laboratory and other scientific foundations in Portugal.

Infanta Maria Adelaide and her late husband have six children: Adriano Sergio, Nuno Miguel, Francisco Xavier, Filippa Theodora, Miguel Ignacio, and Maria Teresa.

Her nephew, the Duke of Braganza, is the current head of the royal house of Portugal.
For more information about her role in the resistance, see the book, The Hand of Compassion: portraits of Moral Choice during the Holocaust by Kristen Monroe. 

Yesterday, the Infanta's family celebrated her life with a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Church of Alvalde do Sado.  Two of her children, Nuno and Maria Teresa van Uden attended the service. 

"These honors are a way to convey what she thinks, fears and makes proposals for the future, passing by Christian values," Nuno van Uden told a reporter.

Today, the Portuguese president conferred the Order of Civil Merit on Infanta Maria Adelaide.   She is, according to the official statement, "an example of life by moral stature."

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2012/02/death-of-royal-infanta-maria-adelaide.html

Royal birth: It's a girl

Embed from Getty Images

January 31, 1938

Great joy in The Netherlands today.  Crown Princess Juliana gave birth to her first child, a daughter, reports the New York Times.  The Netherlands "generally would have hailed a son most enthusiastically, but this country has been ruled so satisfactorily by Queen Wilhelmina," that no real disappointment has been seen by the "nation-wide rejoicing."

The official communiqué read:  "Her Royal Highness Juliana gave birth to a fine daughter today, the 31st of January, 1938, at 9:37 a.m.  The condition of mother and child is most satisfactory."

Queen Wilhelmina was told that the "child is perfect." The new princess has blue eyes and fair hair.  She weighs 7lbs 11 ozs.

The news spread like lightning throughout the country.   Former Kaiser Wilhelm II, who lives in exile in the Netherlands, sent flowers from his hothouse.

The infant will have the titles Princess of Orange-Nassau and Princess of Lippe-Biesterfeld.  Her names will not be announced until the day after her father, Prince Bernhard, "announces the birth to the burgomaster in the presence of two witnesses."

The AP reports that "for months the pious Hollanders had prayed" that the Crown Princess would give birth to a son.  The last King of the Netherlands, Willem III, was born in 1817.   But Princess Juliana wanted a daughter, and her "wish was granted at the little white palace of Soestdyk," her country home.

Jolanda not to marry Boris

January 31, 1922


Princess Jolanda is not going to wed King Boris III of Bulgaria, according to official reports in Rome, states the New York Times.

The princess is the eldest daughter of King Vittorio Emanuele and Queen Elena of Italy.

Empress Alexandra takes a turn for the worse

January 31, 1908

Empress Alexandra of Russia has taken a turn for the worse, reports the New York Times.   The "nervous disability" which has baffled Russian specialists, is now "complicated" by an eye infection.  The infection is considered serious to warrant possible surgery.

The Empress, the mother of five children, is "being strongly urged to try a change of climate" in order to restore her health.  She may go to Germany to with her sister, Irene, the wife of Prince Henry of Prussia, who is at present taking care of a third sister, Grand Duchess Elisabeth Feodorovna.

A divorce for Duchess Marie

January 31, 1908

Duchess Marie of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, daughter of the reigning Grand Duke Adolf Friedrich, is about to file for divorce from her French husband, Count Georges Jametel, reports the New York Times from Berlin.

Their "romantic marriage in 1899" caused consternation among Europe's royal houses.   There is no confirmation regarding the report of a possible divorce.

It was "alleged" several years ago that Duchess Marie, "after an adventure with a servant," left Germany for France.  It was at a seaside resort in France that she met Count Jametel, the son of "a patent medicine manufacturer." 

She married him not long afterward.  It was said that Infanta Eulalia of Spain arranged the match.    First reports of marital problems surfaced in 1900 "that owing to the differences between her husband and her family," Duchess Marie sided with her "blood relations" and left the Count.

It's a boy ... for William and Kate

and he's soooooo adorable ... a black Cocker Spaniel puppy...

http://animaltracks.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/31/10278893-will-and-kates-new-puppy-breed-revealed

Boris to marry Princess Jolanda

January 30, 1922


King Boris of Bulgaria is about to announce his engagement to Princess Jolanda of Italy, according to a New York Times dispatch from Rome, which quotes Sofia newspapers. 

This engagement "will arouse divided opinions" in Italy.  The marriage will undoubtedly strengthen Bulgaria's dynasty among other European nations, especially Yugoslavia, Romania, and Greece.

Princess Jolanda is the eldest daughter of King Vittorio Emanuele and Queen Elena.  She was born at the Quirinal on June 1, 1901.  The Princess is Roman Catholic.

King Boris, who is six years older than the princess, was baptized as an infant, according to the Roman Catholic rites, but two years later, he was received into the Orthodox faith, as the Bulgarian constitution requires the heir to the throne to be raised in the Orthodox church.

Frederik VIII proclaimed king

January 30, 1906

Frederik VIII was proclaimed King of Denmark today, reports the New York Times. 

"King Christian the Ninth is dead! Long Live King Frederik the Eighth!"

The proclamation was made by Denmark's Premier, who appeared on the palace balcony and announced to a crowd of 50,000 people the death of King Christian IX and the succession of his eldest son Frederik VIII.

There were "roars of cheers" and the city's "forts thundered a royal salute," as King Frederik stepped out on the balcony.

"Our old King, my dearly beloved father, has closed his eyes.  He fell asleep peacefully and calmly, having faithfully discharged his royal duties to the last.
"In taking over the heavy heritage placed on my shoulders I cherish the confident hope, and offer a sincere prayer that the Almighty may granted me strength and happiness to carry on the Government in the spirit of my dearly beloved father, and that I may have the good fortune to reach an understanding with the people and their chosen representatives on all that tends to the good people and happiness of our beloved fatherland.

"Let us joy in the cry, 'Long live the Fatherland!.'"

King Christian will be buried in Roskilde Cathedral, where his wife, Queen Louise, is interred.

Concerns for the Princess of Asturias' son

January 30, 1902

The Marquise de Fontenoy reports today on the "grave fears" for the health of the Princess of Asturias' infant son, the "heir presumptive to the Spanish throne."

Since his birth three months ago, Infante Alfonso "has grown neither in weight nor size."   His wet nurses have been changed four times, and now, the doctors, "in utter despair," are considering "to bring him up on the bottle." 

It is "doubtful under the circumstances" whether Alfonso "will survive infancy."  The only thing "in his favor" is that his uncle, the present King of Spain was an "equally unpromising baby."

A daughter for the Vendomes

The Duchess of Vendome gave birth to her second child, a daughter, Antoinette, earlier today in Vienna.

The former Philomena Tornos y Steinhart married Prince Jean, Duke of Vendome on May 2, 2009.  On November 19, 2009,  the Duchess of Vendome gave birth to a son, Prince Gaston.

George's Widow to be Queen Mary

January 27, 1936


The late George V's widow will continue "to be called officially Queen Mary and not Queen Mother Mary" after the king's funeral, and "at least until KIng Edward VIII marries," according to a decision by governmental and court officials.

The Chicago Daily Tribune also reports that "according to King George's will, which is not published," Queen Mary "has been left Sandringham House as long as she lives, after which it reverts to King Edward."  The newspaper reports that the new King Edward VIII will "substitute Fort Belvedere, at Sunningdale on the edge of the Windsor forest, for Sandringham as his country home."   Fort Belvedere is closer to London. 

Fort Belvedere is crown property. It was refitted recently "with modern furniture, an outdoor swimming pool, and a tennis court."  There are only fifteen rooms in house house, but it is "likely to become Edward's favorite abode even after he moves in Buckingham Palace."

Kira denies she's engaged to the Prince of Asturias

January 27, 1932

Grand Duchess Kira of Russia is "denying reports of her engagement to the Prince of Asturias, former heir to the Spanish throne," reports the Associated Press.

Her mother, Grand Duchess Victoria confirmed that there "was no engagement at present, " but my daughter shows a serious liking for the young man."

Grand Duchess Kira and the Prince of Asturias are second cousins.  Their mothers, Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna and Queen Victoria Eugenia, are first cousins.

Princess Pat loves Americans

Embed from Getty Images

January 27, 1912

Princess Patricia of Connaught loves New York, according to an exclusive dispatch to the Los Angeles Times.  The princess spent four days in New York City with her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Connaught.  There are so many things that she liked: "the Metropolitan Tower and the art galleries," as well as the opera house and "the fascinating glimpse of lower Broadway." 

The princess has made friends, and revels in the new "American girls' dance."

For four days, the charming and very pretty "fair-haired English girl" has had a "glorious American good time.   Some of King George's subjects "hold to a strange, old, whimsical idea that New York is an 'inartistic' city and America a land of 'crudity,'" but this is a view not held by Princess Patricia of Connaught.

She is interested in the American girls' lives because she has found that American girls have for the most part been brought up less simply than she herself."

A Princess's education is not "hedged about with formality nor cushioned in luxury."  Princess Patricia has known "much of magnificence," yet "her own life has been, for the biggest part of each of her twenty-four years a simple thing."  She was brought up simply, but with a "certain sternness.   She also has a "freshness of enjoyment that many an American girl lacks. 

Her education has been such "as to fit her for any station from artist's wife to Queen."

The Leishmans call on Prince Henry

January 26, 1912

American Ambassador John Leishman and Mrs. Leishman "made their introductory call" on Grand Admiral Prince Henry of Prussia and his wife, Irene, at the royal castle in Berlin, where "their Royal Highnesses arrived for the Kaiser's birthday celebrations."

Ambassador Leishman wore his "uniform for the occasion, reported the New York Times.  The Ambassador and his wife were not accompanied by their daughter, Nancy.

Love is in the air ... or in the car

January 26, 1906

King Alfonso XIII returned to Biarritz today to lunch privately with his fiancee, Princess Ena of Battenberg, and her mother, Princess Henry, reports the New York Times.

At 3 p.m., the King and Princess Ena got into Lord Dudley's automobile for an afternoon spin to Bayonne.  A little bit of wooing, or spooning?

After returning, the King rested "for a short time in a room reserved for him at the hotel," and then had dinner with the two princesses.  At 11:00 p.m., the King returned to San Sebastian.

Oh dear - pass the hat

http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2012/01/26/tough-times-for-the-worlds-royals/?mod=WSJBlog

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Another "exclusive" interview with Danish Queen

Queen Margrethe II has been giving numerous "exclusive" interviews on the occasion of her Ruby Anniversary.  Here is the newest exclusive:


http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/26/uk-denmark-queen-paintings-idUSLNE80P02L20120126

Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Prussia in San Remo

January 25, 1888

Crown Prince Friedrich and Crown Princess Victoria of Prussia arrived today in San Remo, and were presented with "handsome bouquets," on the occasion of their wedding anniversary," reports the New York Times.

The Crown Prince and Crown Princess are celebrating their 30th anniversary.

The Crown Princess opened a charity bazaar in San Remo, and was again "presented with bouquets, the gift of the British and American residents of San Remo."

In the evening, the Crown Prince and Princess enjoyed a "display of fireworks" over their residence, the Villa Zirio.  A local band serenaded the imperial couple below their windows.   The Crown Prince appeared before a window, and "bowed in recognition of the compliment."

Tomorrow, the Crown Prince's second son, Prince Heinrich, will travel to Milan to meet his fiancee, Princess Irene, and her father, the Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine.

Juliana remains indoors

January 25, 1938

Crown Princess Juliana of the Netherlands did not live the palace today for her usual walk or automobile drive," reports the New York Times.   The princess is expecting her first child.  

Her private secretary said that the "bad weather" was the reason for the princess to stay inside.  But many believe that "medical intervention" will be needed if the Princess's "condition remained unchanged."

Princesses who work with their hands

January 25, 1908


Several royal ladies are, according to the Chicago Daily Tribune, "efficient workwomen."   Archduchess Isabella of Austria, the wife of Archduke Friedrich, "makes scented candles."   The Duchess of Guise is said to be a "skilled milliner," and is also known for her skill in making artificial flowers.  Duchess Philipp of Württemberg makes "ordinary surgical bandages" and "elastic stockings.

Princess Hermine Reuss makes watches and has exhibited her work.   Princess Arnulf of Bavaria enjoys making "beautiful lace."   Princess Ingeborg of Sweden  is a "noted toymaker."  All of the "gollywogs and other dolls, as well as the dolls' houses and furniture," in the nursery of her three daughters, Princesses Margaretha, Martha and Astrid, were made by her.

Alfonso visits Fiancee

January 26, 1906

King Alfonso XIII of Spain arrived today in Biarritz, France, and "took dejeuner" with his fiancee, Princess Ena of Battenberg, the Los Angeles Times reports in an exclusive dispatch. 

The guests at midday meal include Princess Ena's mother, Princess Henry of Battenberg, and her elder brother, Prince Alexander of Battenberg, and Princess Frederica of Hanover and her husband, Baron Alfons von Pawel-Rammingen. 

After lunch, the king traveled by car to Cambo, and then returned to Biarritz before heading back this evening to San Sebastian.  During his visit with Princess Ena, the king maintained "a rigorous incognito as Baron de Covadonga."

another QVD

Princess Tatiana zu Hohenlohe-Langenburg and her husband, Hubertus Stephan, are the parents of a son, Carl Casper, born on January 22 in Munich.

A third grandchild for Prince and Princess Andreas zu Hohenlohe-Langenburg.

Charlotte Casiraghi's problems with the press

even though she is not a "Monaco Royal"

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-57363962-10391698/monaco-royal-has-paparazzi-troubles-too/

Rumors of a Swedish royal engagement

January 24, 1932


The Los Angeles Times reports exclusively on the rumors in Sweden concerning the engagement of Hereditary Prince Gustaf Adolf.  Several names have been suggested as the the future bride, but the "most prominently mentioned" is Princess Sibylla of of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

The couple met in London recently at the wedding of Queen Mary's niece, Lady May Cambridge.  Princess Sibylla was one of Lady May's bridesmaids.

Nicholas' heir has grip

January 24, 1906

Members of the Russian Imperial Family are suffering from influenza, according to the New York Times.   Grand Duke Alexis, the Emperor's only son and his four older sisters all "have been stricken."    The heir apparent's condition is complicated "by an inflammation of the ear."

Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna, daughter of Grand Duke Paul Alexandrovich, is also "down with the disease."  She is engaged to marry Prince Wilhelm of Sweden.

It is believed that the infection "was brought to the palace on the occasion of the Russian Christmas.   The Emperor's children "distributed Christmas gifts and mingled freely" with soldiers of the Guard.

It's a princess

HRH Princess Marie of Denmark gave birth today to her second child, a daughter.  The princess is the wife of Prince Joachim of Denmark, younger son of Queen Margrethe II.  The infant princess, whose name will not be announced until the christening, joins older brother, Prince Henrik, and two older half brothers, Princes Nikolai and Felix, who are Joachim's sons by his first marriage to Alexandra Manley.

The princess was born at Copenhagen's University Hospital.  She weighed 6.5 lbs and measured 19.3 inches.
http://www.b.dk/nationalt/prinsesse-marie-har-faaet-en-pige

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/denmarks-french-born-princess-marie-gives-birth-to-her-second-child-a-daughter/2012/01/24/gIQAnb2tMQ_story.html

Grand Duke's mistress gets her pension

Embed from Getty Images

January 23, 1926

The Condesa de Mazzenau, the former chorus girl, and mistress of the late Grand Duke Adolf Friedrich V of Mecklenburg-Strelitz will keep her royal pension, according to the New York Times.

The late Grand Duke had bequeathed a "yearly pension of $5000" to the Condesa because "she cheered up his life."   She won the suit against Adolf Friedrich's widow, "who insisted that she and the other mistresses be cut off from the pension list."

A Berlin court, however, cut down the annual pension to $1,500 a year because the Grand Duchess is in "straightened financial circumstances."  She can now afford to pay only thirty people "to look after her personal needs."

The Condesa de Mazzenau can keep her villa in Berlin, which was given to her by the Grand Duke.  She considers the court's ruling to be meager, "in view of her accustomed manner of living.  Her husband is a former officer in the Austrian Army and a member of the "Papal nobility."

With the court favoring the countess, another former confidant of the Grand Duke and his son, Adolf Friedrich VI, Countess Budna de Litic "will press her claims for her allowance of $5000a year and "cash for a check for $225,000, which she claims was genuine but was never cashed."

The Grand Duchess and her two daughters, Princess Lippe and the Crown Princess of Montenegro will again "appeal to the courts" in Strelitz to ask for funds in addition to "the $2,000,000 awarded to them shortly after the establishment of the republican government."

Royal engagement: Romania-Bulgaria

January 23, 1926

The Los Angeles Times is reporting, in an exclusive dispatch, based on an unofficial report, that Princess Ileana of Romania is about "to become the bride" of King Boris of Bulgaria.

The loveliest of all the eligible European princess,  Princess Ileana is the youngest daughter of King Ferdinand and Queen Marie.  She is 17 years old.  King Boris is 32.

Zizi says she is a prisoner

January 23, 1926

Crown Prince Carol's former morganatic wife, Zizi Lambrino has confirmed a report that "she is not allowed to leave the country," states the Chicago Daily Tribune.

"Eight days ago I applied for a visa to enable me to from Bucharest to Paris. Ordinarily I would have received the necessary papers with one day's delay.  I have inquired repeatedly, but they will not tell me their reason for keeping me here.
The Tribune has learned that Zizi is "a virtual prisoner."  Her letters are opened. "her every move observed," and she is forbidden to travel "except under escort."

No baby for Wilhelmina

January 23, 1912


Earlier today,  Dutch officials officially confirmed "the report that the hopes of the birth of an heir" to the Dutch throne "had been shattered."   The New York Times reports that Queen Wilhelmina, who has been disposed "for some days," is now said to be in satisfactory condition.

Royal marriage: Austria-Windisch-Graetz

Marlene A Eilers Koenig Collection

January 23, 1902

Archduchess Elisabeth of Austria, the granddaughter of Emperor Franz Joseph, was married "this morning" to Prince Otto zu Windsich-Graetz, according to a report in the New York Times,  The marriage took place in the Josefi Chapel at the Hofburg palace in Vienna.

Franz Joseph attended the wedding ceremony, along with the bride's mother, Countess Lonyai (formerly Crown Princess Stephanie), and "a number of Princes and Princesses of the imperial family were present."

Prince Stephan zur Lippe fights for his forest

Prince Stephan zur Lippe fights for his family's land.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/9030954/German-princes-one-man-fight-over-plans-to-turn-900-year-old-family-land-into-national-park.html

Prince Henry of Battenberg's memory

January 20, 1898

Today was the annual commemoration of Prince Henry of Battenberg's death on January 20, 1896.  Prince Henry, the husband of Princess Beatrice, was on his way back to England from taking part in the Ashanti campaign, when he caught a fever and died on board the ship.

The service took place that the Whipppingham Church on the Isle of Wight, where the Prince's remains were interred.   Queen Victoria lead the mourners and was accompanied by Princess Henry,  Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein, and Princess Louise, Marchioness of Lorne.

The sarcophagus was "covered with wreaths."

Prince Eitel Friedrich - the Kaiser's favorite

Embed from Getty Images 

January 20, 1912


Kaiser Wilhelm II is making most of the opportunity to draw attention to the "model conduct of his favorite son," Prince Eitel Friedrich,  especially after the "late indiscretions" of Crown Prince Wilhelm.

Prince Eitel Friedrich is married to Duchess Sophie-Charlotte of Oldenburg,  who is, according to the Los Angeles Times, "the best looking and richest" of the Kaiser's daughters-in-law.   Her husband is seen as the "fat boy" of the Imperial family, but remains the "idol of the German people." But as he matured, he "lost his looks," is now rather short, "enormously stout, and of rather insignificant features."

Princess Eitel Friedrich is four years older than her husband.  She is the daughter of the Grand Duke of Oldenburg and his first wife, from whom she "inherited her fat purse."  She met her future husband at the wedding of the Crown Prince Wilhelm and Duchess Cecilie of Mecklenburg.   They often met during that summer and were married on February 27, 1906.

Prince Eitel Friedrich was not the Duchess' first love.  When she was in her late teens, she fell in love with "her father's adjutant, a handsome and dashing young soldier."  The romance faded quickly after Sophie Charlotte's father discovered what was happening, and the young soldier was sent to America "for his health."

He returned to Oldenburg, "entirely recovered" not long afterward, and he and the Princess and her family have remained good friends.

Princess Eitel Friedrich made a great impression when she and her husband traveled to the Holy Land last year.  In Jerusalem, at a "brilliant gathering representing every race and religion," lemonade and cigarettes were passed around.  Princess Eitel Friedrich accepted one of the cigarettes and lighted it.  A woman smoking did not "astonish her Mohammed hosts," but they were surprised that a "western Christian woman would have adopted their customs."

The princess' action helped to "promote a good feeling among the people whom they traveled."

Because she does not like "ordinary social amusements,"  Princess Eitel Friedrich does not do as much as the Crown Princess.   She prefers the "country life" and "'pottering' about her garden.  She also shares several interests with her "august" in-laws.   Like Kaiser Wilhelm,  Sophie Charlotte enjoys music, and like Kaiserin Auguste Viktoria, she "takes the keenest interest in all hospital work," and she tries to visit a charitable institution every day.

The couple, much to their regret, do not have any children, but the Princess is a great favorite of her nephews, the children of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.


(If you liked this article)

Queen Ena expecting!

January 20, 1908

It was semi-officially announced in Madrid today that Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain is "again enciente," according to a dispatch to the New York Times.  The "accouchement" is expected to take place in July. 

This will be the second child for the Queen and King Alfonso XIII.   Their first child, a son, Alfonso, Prince of Asturias, was born in May 1907.

Interesting photos

This postcard was issued in 1898 to commemorate the marriage of HH Princess Feodora of Saxe-Meiningen and HSH Prince Heinrich XXX Reuss.  Princess Feodora was the first great-grandchild of Queen Victoria. Her mother was Princess Charlotte of Prussia who married Duke Bernhard of Saxe-Meiningen.  Feodora was their only child.  The wedding took place at Breslau on September 24, 1898.

 I have had this card for some time.  The card also commemorates the wedding of Princess Feodora and Prince Heinrich but also features portraits of the bride and groom's parents, and the bride's maternal grandparents, Kaiserin Victoria and Kaiser Friedrich III, who had died in 1888. 

This photo shows HSH Princess Mechtilde zu Leiningen and Karl Bauscher.  They married on November 25, 1961.  This card commemorated their 50th anniversary

CNN interview with KIng Constantine II

and Queen Anne Marie, Crown Prince Pavlos and Crown Princess Marie Chantal by Max Foster (who also interviewed Queen Margrethe II for CNN)

http://edition.cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2012/01/17/ctw-pkg-foster-could-greek-throne-be-resurrected.cnn

A great granddaughter of King Gustav V

January 19, 1937

A forty-two gun salute announced the birth today of a daughter to Princess Sibylla, the wife of Hereditary Prince Gustaf Adolf, grandson of King Gustav V.  This is the second daughter for the Hereditary Prince and Princess.   Their first daughter, Princess Margaretha, was born in 1934.

The Hereditary Prince is the eldest son of Crown Prince Gustav Adolf and his late wife, Princess Margaret of Connaught.

Duke of York to wed English girl

Embed from Getty Images

January 19, 1922

The Duke of York, second son of King George V, is to marry Lady Mary Ashley, daughter of Lord and Lady Shaftesbury, according to a London cable dispatch received by the Canadian newspaper, the Mail and Empire, and reported by the New York Times.

The dispatch states that the sources of the information are "persons in high standing at the Court.  "Lady May is a great favorite of the Queen.  She is a beautiful brunette and is 20 years old."

Lady Shaftesbury is a lady-in-waiting to Queen Mary.

The engagement is expected to be announced next month at the wedding of Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles.

The dispatch also stated, "The approaching betrothal of the Duke of York is especially significant because it shows an heir presumptive to the throne may marry a girl of the British nobility."

Recent group photographs showing Princess Mary and Lord Lascelles, "the figures of the Duke of York and Lady Mary Ashley have been prominently displayed."

Lady Mary's late aunt, Lady Susan Ashley, was once considered a bride for the late Duke of Clarence.  There is a "well-authenticated romance between her and the Duke of Clarence," who died at the age of 28 on January 14, 1892.

Lady Susan married the Earl of Mar and Kellie on July 14, 1892.

Is Viktoria Luise about to become engaged

January 19, 1912

Is the Kaiser's only daughter, Princess Viktoria Luise about to become engaged to Hereditary Duke Adolf Friedrich, eldest son of the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.  

According to the New York Times,  "extensive repairs" are being made to the Grand Duke's residence at Neustrelitz, which may indicate that the palace is being made ready for Adolf Friedrich and Viktoria Luise, to be used as their marital home.    A dispatch from Neustrelitz gives credence to the statement published earlier this week that the engagement will be announced on January 27, which is Kaiser Wilhelm II's birthday.

However, court officials "still refuse to answer questions" concerning the possibility of an engagement between the Hereditary Grand Duke and Princess Viktoria Luise.

Infanta Maria Cristina dead

January 19, 1902

Infanta Maria Cristina, widow of Infante Don Sebastian of Spain, has died, reports the New York Times.  She was the daughter of the Duke of Cadiz, and the "niece of the pretender, Carlos V."   Maria Cristina was born on June 5, 1833.  She married Don Sebastian in 1860.

Prince Feodor sees split from Soviet rule

January 18, 1932

Prince Feodor of Russia, son of Grand Duke Alexander,  is staying at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, where he spoke to the Los Angeles Times and other newspaper.   He is in Los Angeles to assist the American branch of the Fund for the Liberation of Russia.  The Prince declared "the happiness of 160,000,000 Russians is at stake." He envisions an "an independent nation three times the size of France," carved out of the Soviet Union's "eastern expanse."

Prince Feodore and Antase A Vonsiatsky, the head of the American branch of the Fund for the Liberation of Russia, drove to Los Angeles.

"We passed through fourteen states," said the Prince," and California is my favorite. I reminds me of Southern Russia."

The 33-year-old prince came to the United States in December from Paris.  He is married to Princess Irina Paley, daughter of the late Grand Duke Paul.  They have one son, Michael, 7, who lives with his mother in Paris.

"I was 17 when we left St. Petersburg.  I was just beginning to live -- when everything ended."

Princess Patricia is in love with with a peer who loves another

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 January 18, 1908

The Los Angeles Times has an exclusive report about Princess Patricia of Connaught, "the handsomest member of the English royal family."  She is, according to the dispatch, is "tall, stately, has an elegant figure, deep blue eyes, full of thoughtfulness, almost melancholy," and she is said to be "consumed with a hopeless passion for a young English peer" who prefers "the stage door of the theater to the private entrance of the court."

Princess Patricia is the third and youngest child of the Duke and Duchess of Connaught. Her elder sister, Princess Margaret, was married in 1905 to Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden. 

The name of the young peer has not been made public. 

Peter Phillips keeps job

Peter Phillips will not be one of the the many Royal Bank of Scotland employees who have lost their jobs ...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/9015295/RBS-sees-Princess-Royals-son-Peter-Phillips-as-a-long-term-investment.html

All England in mourning for the late Duke of Clarence

January 17, 1892

All the sermons in London "today contained reference to the affliction which has befallen the royal family," reports the Associated Press.  The remains of the late Duke, who died on January 14, have been removed from Sandringham to the parish church, where the Prince of Wales and his family attended service today. 

No female member of the royal family is expected to attend the Duke of Clarence's funeral.  Queen Victoria has been advised by her doctors, to not leave Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.

Grand Duke Kirill condemns capitalism

Embed from Getty Images 

January 17, 1932

Grand Duke Kirill, the "self-styled" heir to the Russian throne has condemned capitalism in his New Year's greeting, reports the Associated Press.   "Capitalism," he said, "has generated into a form of servitude of the peoples to an insignificant minority."

His greeting was published in a small Russian paper in Paris.  "The nations, however, are beginning to open their eyes and struggled against the oppressors is growing. Can capitalism be saved by police dictatorships, or will it be replaced by communism?  Neither the one nor the other."

Grand Duke Kirill is the father of Grand Duchess Kira, who is "reported to be the choice of the Spanish Prince of the Asturias for his bride."  

His manifesto also stated that "nations would find new forms of social organization which would guarantee real freedom."

The loyal Russian community in Paris was said to be startled by the Grand Duke's remarks.

Queen Sophie's funeral

January 17, 1932

The funeral of the late Queen Sophie of the Hellenes was held today at Schloss Friedrichshof at Kronberg, the residence of her younger sister, Margarete, the wife of the Landgrave of Hesse, according to the Associated Press.

Three children of her older brother, the former Kaiser Wilhelm II, were among the mourners.  They were former Crown Prince Wilhelm, Prince Eitel Friedrich and the Duchess of Brunswick-Lüneburg.

The Greek Orthodox service was followed by a Lutheran service.  Wilhelm II sent "a wreath of laurel" to the funeral.

Queen Sophie's body will be taken tomorrow to Florence, Italy, for final burial.

Prince Nicholas and bride arrive in Paris

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January 17, 1932

Prince Nicholas and his bride, Joana, arrived in Paris today "on what is understood to be a slightly delayed honeymoon," reports the Chicago Daily Tribune.    According to a recent dispatch from Bucharest,  Prince Nicholas was about to be "incarcerated in a military prison" as he remained determined to remain with his wife, even after King Carol II had the marriage annulled.

The arrest was never "carried out", and Nicholas had a "stormy interview" with his brother, and declared that he was 'through' with Carol,  the Romanian crown, and his "title and rank of commander of the army.  Prince Nicholas stalked out, "slamming the door" in Carol's face.  He was seen shortly afterward boarding a "westbound express with his lady love clinging to one arm."

His decision to renounce his title and "live the life of an exile is said to be irrevocable."  He also plans to remarry Joana. 

The couple got off at Munich to say goodbye to Dowager Queen Marie, and "ask a mother blessing."  

When Prince Nicholas and Joana arrived in Paris, he was wearing a "dark double-breasted overcoat and a jaunty traveling cap," while his wife "looked dashing in a Eugenie hat and a dark ensemble with a fox collar."   They are staying at the Hotel George V, but plan to leave in a few days for a more permanent residence in Switzerland.

King Alexander seeking a divorce?

January 17, 1902.

Two German newspapers, the Allgemeine Zeitung and the Morgen Zeitung, are reporting "to the effect" that King Alexander of Serbia is "seeking to obtain  a divorce from Queen Draga, according to a New York Times dispatch.

The Duke of Clarence: anxiety for his life

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A bulletin from Sandringham at 8:00 a.m, regarding the condition of the Duke of Clarence, says "that there has been no abatement of the unfavorable symptoms during the day"  There is also a great concern for the Duke of Clarence's condition, "although his strength is being well maintained," reports the Chicago Daily Tribune.

The Duke of Clarence's physicians consulted "over the Duke of Clarence" at 9 a.m., and "the absence of this promised bulletin leaves no doubt that the Duke's condition, if not hopeless, is extremely critical."

This view is confirmed by a "statement just received privately from Sandringham, and from an authority which can be vouched for, which states that nothing but a miracle can save the patient."

The Duke's kidneys, always, are now infected with "symptoms of blood poisoning.  According to "same authority,"  the "reassuring bulletin of this afternoon" is considered misleading, as "all hope is given up at Sandringham tonight."

The Duke's mother, the Princess of Wales is distraught, and "fears are entertained for her life should the Duke of Clarence die."

A further examination shows that both of the Duke's lungs are now severely congested.  He is in acute pain, and "his breathing is difficult.    The Duke of Clarence has never had the "robust vitality of his brother."

The Princess of Wales has "assiduously nursed" her son, and has been "occasionally assisted" by the Duke's fiancee, Princess Mary Victoria of Teck.

Embed from Getty Images 

Crowds continue to grow outside the gates at Sandringham. This afternoon, the Prince of Wales could be seen leaving the house and "solemnly pace up and down before the Norfolk gate."  He was later joined by Princess Mary, accompanied by Prince George of Wales.

Princess Mary told a friend that this was the seventh day of the Duke's illness.   A week ago, the Duke was a member of a shooting party.  At luncheon,  he complained that he did not feel well. He was shivering and felt cold, but after lunch, he continued to shoot.   At the end of the day's shooting, he walked back to the house, "instead of driving with the rest of the party." That evening, he dined with the "assembled party," but retired early.   Although Princess Mary and others tried to dissuade him from joining the shooting party the next day, the Duke of Clarence insisted on taking part, "saying he felt equal to the exercise."

But after luncheon, he said he felt unwell and left the party, and returned to Sandringham on foot.  Princess Mary accompanied him back to Sandringham.  Later that evening, he "seemed rather better," but the following day, "his malady began to declare itself."

Sarah, the queen of Cringe

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/9013458/Sarah-Duchess-of-York-and-Queen-of-Cringe.html

Max Egon & Irma, Prince and Princess zu Fürstenberg

Both postcards: Marlene A. Eilers Koenig Collection.

The first postcard was postmarked on April 30, 1900. The second postcard was postmarked sixteen years later on September 12.

Prince Maximilian Egon II succeeded his father, Maximilian Egon II,  in 1873.  He was born in 1863 and died in 1941.  He married Countess Irma von Schönborn-Buchheim in 1889.

Prince Max Egon moved in Kaiser Wilhelm II's inner circle, and his star rose after Count Philipp zu Eulenberg, Wilhelm II's closet friend, "fell from grace," after he was charged with homosexuality in 1906.

In his two-volume biography of Kaiser Wilhelm II, Lamar Cecil writes that after "Eulenberg's star had begun to set, another person emerged who would become Wilhelm's closest friend, although not one so inseparable as Eulenberg once had been."

Prince Max Egon was an "Austro-German bon vivant of great wealth, superficial charm and limited intelligence.  Wilhelm was a frequent visitor to the prince's home, Schloss Donaueschingen in Baden, "where he had encouraged the prince to renovate in an ornate Louise Quinze style." 

The prince had no political ambitions, but was Eulenberg's equal in devising ways in which to please the Kaiser."  Wilhelm, for one, enjoyed "the prince's crude badinage and his propensity for gossip."  The friendship eventually waned because Empress Auguste Viktoria "disapproved" of the Prince.

After Kaiser Wilhelm went into exile in the Netherlands, at Doorn,  "his dendrological projects were partly financed" by Prince Max Egon who would send specimen trees or money "to be used for plantings."  Max Egon would also visit Wilhelm II at Doorn, and by the mid-1930s, he had become a committed Nazi.

The current Prince of Fürstenberg is Max Egon's, great-grandson, Heinrich.

Boris dismisses talk of marriage to an American

January 12, 1922

King Boris of Bulgaria "has no intention of marrying an American girl if he should visit America with Premier Stamboulisky next Spring," reports the Associated Press.

The King laughed when a reporter suggested that he might find an American Queen.

"That is an extremely interesting and novel idea, but I am afraid it isn't true.  Anyway, I'm too busy with the reconstruction of the country and other vital problems to give away any time to matrimonial projects.

"It is true that I have been living a life of great loneliness, devoid of all social diversion, but now I have my two sisters with me and that makes great change.  You see, it is the duty of a brother to get his sisters married off first before he himself marries."

The trip to the United States has not been definitely set, as King Boris is facing "a seemingly endless succession of State problems."

Royal wedding in Spain

January 12, 1906

Infanta Maria Teresa of Spain, elder sister of King Alfonso XIII, and Prince Ferdinand of Bavaria were married today at Madrid.  Cardinal Sancha y Hervas, Archbishop of Toledo, was the officiant at the Roman Catholic service.

The New York Times described the wedding ceremony as "brilliant, and there was a great gathering of members of the royal family, Cabinet Ministers and other notabilities."

The Infanta and her husband, who has become Infante Ferdinando of Spain, are first cousins.

Very anxious about the Duke of Clarence

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 January 12, 1892

Although the physicians attending the Duke of Clarence of Avondale have taken a "very cheerful view" of his condition,  there is a general feeling abroad that the Duke "is more seriously ill than his family and the physicians would have the public believe," reports the New York Times.

The Duke of Clarence, the elder son of the Prince of Wales, is second in line to the throne.  It is only "natural that the English people" should be concerned about his illness, and there "is little doubt that their fears of a break in the line of succession have much to do with the belief that the full extent of his illness has not been made public."

Earlier today, the doctors released the "official statement" that the "inflammation of the lungs from which the Duke is suffering is pursuing its course."   His strength is "well-maintained but no improvement can be reported."

This "guarded statement" indicates that the Duke's condition "is less reassuring than it was yesterday or last night."  Reports received up until noon today from Sandringham state that "pneumonia is developing into a more severe type than is publicly announced by the physicians."

Queen Victoria, who is at Osborne House, is "very anxious" about her grandson's condition, and she has "ordered  that information be immediately telegraphed to her of the slightest changes in the Duke's condition."

https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Eddy-Britain-Revealing-History/dp/0752434101?&linkCode=ll1&tag=royboonew-20&linkId=c39f04568f192d8f29726999488c5c8c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

https://amzn.to/3SdwSXu

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Could Sarah, Duchess of York, be sent to the slammer?

... in Turkey

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/9011182/Duchess-of-York-charged-by-Turkish-authorities-over-orphanage-film.html


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2085796/Turkish-court-charges-Duchess-York-undercover-film-footage-shot-state-run-orphanage.html

Looking at this from another angle, Sarah would not have to worry about her finances for 22 years!

two reasons to be in London

Three ... if you count the Diamond Jubilee ...

at the National Portrait Gallery, an exhibition on Princess Charlotte and Queen Victoria 

http://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/display/2011/queens-in-waiting-charlotte-victoria.php

and at Kensington Palace, opening in March,  Victoria Revealed, a new exhibition on Queen Victoria. 

http://www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace/WhatsOn/VictoriaRevealed?EventDate=26/03/2012&Step=View


Oh, please continue to purchase books and other things (CDs, movies, candy, electronics, all sorts of things) through my Amazon links here at Royal Musings, and at my other blog, Royal Book News!  Thank you.

Queen Beatrix in headscarf row

Give me a break!  Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands  covered her head when she visited a mosque in Oman, during an official visit.  Several Dutch politicians began foaming at the mouth because of it.  Do these same politicians issue expletives when the Queen wears a hat to church? 

Queen Beatrix called the criticism "nonsense."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16524897

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/dutch-queen-dismisses-criticism-of-decision-to-cover-head-during-abu-dhabi-mosque-visit/2012/01/12/gIQA5T5AtP_story.html

Queen Margrethe II interview - CNNI

Queen Margrethe II  of Denmark will be interviewed on CNNI (that's CNN International), not CNNA, which is the US network.

The program is called Meet the Queen.  It will be shown this coming Saturday (January 14) at 9:30 p.m. (GMT),  21:30 for people who use military time.  Many American cable companies carry CNNI, along with CNN.

 It will be seen at 4:30 p.m.  (ET)/1:30 p.m. (PT).    CNNI will repeat the program on Sunday, January 15 at 10:30 (GMT).

http://www.b.dk/english/meet-the-queen-on-cnn


The interview is in connection with the Queen's 40th anniversary on the throne.

Duke of Clarence's condition improves

January 11, 1892

The Duke of Clarence, eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, is said to be improving, according to the latest bulletin from Sandringham.  The Duke, who is suffering from influenza and pneumonia, "passed a good night," according to the New York Times.

Dr. Laking, who was called from London to "attend the Duke," is in "constant attendance upon his patient."  He said that the Duke's condition is better, his temperature is lower, and believes "there is no cause for alarm."

No further bulletins will be issued.

Duchess of Aosta near death

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January 11, 1908

By telegraph from Rome to Clifden, Ireland, and then by Marconi wireless telegraph to the New York Times.

All of Italy is "following with deep solicitude the flickering out of the life of the Duchess of Aosta," who is said to be near death from consumption at Cairo.

She is held in deep affection by the Italian people, "in whose lives she has taken such great interest."  There is "universal sympathy" for the Duchess due to a crisis in her life.  Last summer,  British Queen Alexandra spent some time cruising in the Mediterranean, where the "real object" of her visit was to try to reconcile the Duke and Duchess of Aosta, after a failed attempt by the King of Italy.

The Duchess of Aosta's "tenderest affections for her husband" were wounded by the revelation that her husband was having an affair with an aristocratic lady from Naples.

The former Princess Helene of Orléans hurried to Rome to speak to King Vittorio Emanuele, to gain his consent for a separation.  Wishing to avoid further scandal, the king reluctantly agreed to a separation if this is what the Duchess wanted.

The Duchess also poured out her heart in letters to Queen Alexandra.  The Queen was very fond of Helene, who was once considered as a bride for her eldest son, the Duke of Clarence, but religious obstacles prevented an engagement from taking place.

Queen Alexandra arrived in Naples and "did everything possible to reconcile the Duke and Duchess."  It appears that she was successful.  The Duke of Aosta acknowledged that he "dearly loved and respected his wife," but the news of his infidelity did harm to the Duchess' "frail health."

A lung condition has developed into consumption.   In Cairo, the Duchess of Aosta appears well enough, but she is "doomed unless a miracle is worked on her behalf within the near future."  Her doctors believe she has suffered from consumption for some time.   Her sons have "inherited the weakness she was not conscious of having at the time of her marriage."

Princess Helene grew up in England, where Alexandra, then Princess of Wales, "conceived a great fondness for her."  At the time of her eldest son's death, the Duke of Clarence, engaged to Princess May of Teck,  remained "madly in love" with Princess Helene.  On his deathbed, he "called incessantly" for Helene, "his wish being granted before he died."

Afterward, Princess Helene married the Duke of Aosta, then heir to the Italian throne, and it seemed "that her prospects in life were extremely rosy,
contrasting with her approaching death and "makes it seem all the sadder."

https://royalbooknews.blogspot.com/2017/12/the-wandering-princess-by-edward-hanson.html

Serbia in revolt

January 11, 1902

The following dispatch has been received by the Chicago Daily Tribune in Vienna from a "high quarter in Belgrade."

"The situation is truly alarming.  Everyone feels that a revolution is imminent.  King Alexander is at this moment little more than an idiot.  Queen Draga is Queen, both in fact and in name, and she and her grasping and avaricious family are directing the affairs of the country so far as they have any direction at all.

"Discontent is universal.  The state treasury is empty. The government is unable to pay the salaries of its employees or even the officers of its army.

"We shall wake some morning and find the army in possession of the capital and the King and Queen in flight or assassinated.

"The choice of a successor to the crown lies between Prince Karageorgevitch, son-in-law of Prince Nicholas of Montenegro, and Colonel Constantineovitch, uncle of King Alexander and an Obrenovitch in his mother's side.

"There is also a party in Serbia which favors the election of a Prince of some reigning European house on the lines that have been adopted in Greece and Bulgaria.  This party is for the moment lying low but may become dominant."

Bulletin: Duke of Clarence "very ill"

January 10, 1892


The Duke of Clarence, elder son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, is "seriously ill" at Sandringham.  He is "suffering from a severe attack of influenza, complicated with pneumonia," reports the New York Times.

The latest reports from Sandringham indicate that the "patient has so far maintained his strength well."

All of the Duke of Clarence's engagements have been canceled.  The Prince of Wales has also announced that "on account of the illness of his son," he is unable to leave Sandringham "to keep his engagements in London."

An annulment for Princess Radziwill

January 10, 1922

The Sacred Rota Tribunal has annulled the marriage of Prince Radziwill and his American-wife, Dorothy Deacon, according to the New York Times.

The announcement was made by the Prince's mother, Princess Radziwill.

Miss Dorothy Deacon was the daughter of the late Edward Parker Deacon of Boston.  She was a "noted for her beauty," and was prominent in London and Paris society.   The princess has sought the annulment of her marriage "on the ground that she had not entered voluntarily into that state."

Her sister, Gladys Deacon, was married to the Duke of Marlborough hast June.

Royal engagement: Yugoslavia-Romania

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 January 9, 1922

It's official.  After several years of rumors and denials, the engagement of King Alexander of Yugoslavia and Princess Marie of Romania, second daughter of King Ferdinand and Queen Marie, was announced today in Belgrade, reports the New York Times.

The first reports of a possible marriage were in September 1920,  when Alexander was Prince Regent, and his father, King Peter, "was suffering from his last illness" at the royal palace in Belgrade.

Alexander also had to face supporters of his older brother, Prince George, who had renounced his rights to the throne in March 1909, after he was "implicated in the death of a servant," and political groups from Croatia and Slovenia that "indulged in a propaganda circulated ruin" Alexander's "moral reputation.

The Bucharest court paid no attention to the rumors or the stories in the press linking Alexander's name "with this or that favorite of the night of Paris."  They knew that the young king was "rather studious" and a proud man who "loathed vulgarity."

When his father died on August 16,  Alexander was in Paris, where he was "slowly recovering" from a serious operation.   His enemies continued to concoct stories, "giving scandalous information" about his supposed private life. 

He remained in Paris, even after he had recovered from his surgery because he had "become enamored" with Princess Sophie of Orléans, second daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Vendome.

The new king continued to deny the scurrilous reports about his life and his health.  He also denied frequent reports that he planned to abdicate in favor of Prince George.  Alexander returned to Belgrade to take his oath and "support the new constitution," and make plans for his wedding to Princess Marie.

King Alexander took the oath to support the "monarchy of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes" on November 5 in Belgrade.  A month later, he traveled to Bucharest, and then to Sinaia, where he spent Christmas with his fiancee and her family.

[Note:  I think the stories about Princess Sophie and King Alexander were made up by the press, as Sophie was mentally handicapped, and was unlikely to marry.]

Royal Marriage: Spain-Bavaria

January 10, 1906

Infanta Maria Teresa, the only surviving sister, of King Alfonso XIII of Spain, will be married in two days to Prince Ferdinand of Bavaria.  According to the Marquise de Fontenoy,  Prince Ferdinand has "divested himself of his German citizenship and secured letters of naturalization as a Spaniard."

In October, he was granted the rank of Infant of Spain.

Ferdinand, 22, was "splendidly brought up and is a pleasant looking,
stalwart, unaffected lad," but this marriage has not met with "universal approval," because the couple are first cousins.

Infanta Maria Teresa is "far from strong," and she has inherited the "delicacy of a constitution which was so largely responsible for the premature deaths of her father, Alfonso XII, and her elder sister."

Under the circumstances, it may have been better if Ferdinand were not so closely related as the Infanta is in the line of succession to the throne.  She is third in line after her nephew, Infante Alfonso, 4, and 11-month-old niece, Infanta Isabel Alfonsa, the children of her late sister, the Princess of Asturias. 

Prince Ferdinand does have one advantage, "in the eyes of the people of Spain."  He is not seen as a foreigner, despite being a Prince of Bavaria.  His mother, Infanta Paz, was one of the younger daughters of the late Queen Isabel, and her husband Prince Louis Ferdinand of Bavaria, "famous throughout continental Europe as a gynecologist."   He, too, is half-Spanish, as his mother was the "eccentric Infanta Amelia of Spain, who died last summer."

If King Alfonso XIII dies before marriage and parenthood,  Infanta Maria Teresa would become "by the terms of the constitution," regent for her young nephew, Alfonso, even if King Alfonso left a widow.

The Spanish constitution "expressly provides" that in the event of a minor sovereign, the regency shall be "entrusted to the nearest adult agnate who is a prince or princess of the blood in Spain."  Thus, after the death of the late King Alfonso XII, the regency should have gone to his eldest sister, Infanta Isabel, and not to his widow, Queen Maria Cristina.

Sympathy for Michael

A rather interesting piece from Romania ..

http://www.nineoclock.ro/wave-of-sympathy-for-king-mihai/

Royal Twins talk about love

Princes Alexander and Philip, twins, talk with “Blic”

We want to get in love with Serbian women

By Milka Radovic

Prince Philip

Crown Prince Alexander II, Crown Princess Katherine, Princes Peter, Philip and Alexander together celebrated the Christmas holidays in Serbia. Last time the Princes were here was in August, and now they came to take a break, spend time with their family and to see friends. The twins Alexander and Philip, who live on their own for the last 12 years, revealed in their interview for “Blic” how much they like coming to Serbia, did they have any privileges in life for being princes… Prince Philip, who came to Belgrade this time without his longtime girlfriend Lucy Attwood claims there will be no wedding soon, before he realizes himself professionally.


What are your feelings about Belgrade?


Philip: I love this city, and my family is here. I come here pretty often, as often as I could. The atmosphere here is great.

Alexander: I love to come to Belgrade because people here are very interesting, and Serbs are very warm people, I would have loved to come more often if I only could.

Did the title of Prince help you in your career, and did you have any benefits in life because of that?

Philip: There are great expectations when someone is born with the title, and people usually believe that such persons are born with a “silver spoon”. It is much better not to show off the title, which is what I usually do in my professional and private circles, because I want to be just a regular person, which I really am.

Prince Alexander

Alexander: I agree with my brother, I like to show my professional and private talents, and that is something I can do without a title.


Considering that you are twins, and that you live on different continents, is it hard for you, and how did you get used to that?


Philip: We have not lived together for 12 years, since we were 18, and finished high school. We speak on the phone pretty often, but not every day.


Alexander: I live in San Francisco and Philip in London, and somehow we know that everything is OK, that we are OK and that is most important for us.

Are you happy to get together on Christmas, here in Serbia?

Philip: Of course, to be here with our family.

Alexander: I am very happy that we all got together and to be here.

For how long have you not seen each other?

Since August, and we were together here then as well.

Are you in love?

Philip: I am, I have long time girlfriend, Lucy.

Alexander: I am not, I do not have a girlfriend, it looks like they don’t want me, he said with a big smile.


You said in one interview that you are not ready yet for a wedding, did it change maybe since then?


Philip: Nothing has changed, I am not ready yet because I am still trying to build my professional career. When I succeed, I would like to provide the same to somebody else, and to be the real head of my family.


Would you like to marry a Serbian woman?

Alexander: Nationality has nothing to do with emotions and love, but I would surely like if it happens that I get in love with Serbian woman. Besides beauty, they are strong women with good character, and I like such girls.


Philip: I think exactly the same as my brother, we are twins after all, joked Philip.

Do you consider coming back to Serbia eventually, and what do you think could you live here?


Philip: It is not easy to live outside ones country, build up your life in another country, and then suddenly give it all up. At present circumstances, I am developing my career in another place. I would like to realize myself professionally, and then to use my knowledge and contacts for the benefit of this country.

Alexander: It is not easy to take such a step, but I surely review and recognise possibilities that I would have had here.

Could you compare Belgrade with cities you currently live in, London and San Francisco?

Philip: London is much bigger, and has more different nationalities living there, but some positive vibes are very much alike here and there.

Alexander: Bridges are the common thing for San Francisco and Belgrade, but people are more relaxed here and I like that.

What can you tell us about the humanitarian Ball that you organize in New York?

Alexander: I want to help Serbia and to promote it in a best possible way, and that is exactly what I will do during that Ball.

Philip: We promote our country in the best possible way, regarding culture and all things interesting here, and we pay much attention to problems that Serbia is facing. The next Ball will be on March 15 in New York City.

Kate and William are wonderful people

We know William and Kate, but we don’t hang around with them. We have common friends who keep them in high esteem, and we certainly think they are wonderful couple and very nice people.

From left to right: TRH Prince Philip, Prince Alexander, Crown Prince Alexander, Crown Princess Katherine, Prince Peter

Aga Khan still married?

It seems the Aga Khan has plans to challenge the recent divorce ruling

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2084107/RICHARD-KAY-Divorced-Oh-says-Aga.html

A thank you

From Prince Georg Friedrich and Princess Sophie of Prussia

A separation for the Hesses

January 8, 1898

The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Hesse and By Rhine have separated again, according to the Chicago Daily Tribune, and it is understood that this separation "will be final, a fact all the more to be regretted as the sundering of the domestic ties, in this case, is prompted solely by the complete incompatibility of character."

Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig is now on his way to Russia, where he will stay for several months as the guest of the Emperor and Empress, "the latter of whom is his sister," while his estranged wife, Victoria Melita, is in Nice with her sister, Crown Princess Marie of Romania.  She will return with Marie to Bucharest in several weeks.

Queen Victoria is said to "be very angry about the affair."  She is the grandmother of both the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess.   Victoria Melita is the second daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

The Prince of Wales and the Grand Duke's eldest sister, Princess Louis of Battenberg, who lives for six months a year in Darmstadt, have been trying to effect a reconciliation between the young couple.   Victoria Melita's father, the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha has been "rendered so ill by the worry and annoyance" due to his daughter's marital problems, that he has been sent to Egypt by his doctor to take the sulfur baths, "with the object of getting the bile out of his system."

The Grand Duke is to have an "irrepressible fondness for practical joking," and should his separation be final, "it will be the first instance of a royal divorce ascribed to such a cause."

Victoria Melita, "a high-spirited, quick-tempered" woman, has been the butt of her husband's practical jokes, which have included the "roughest kind of horse-play."   She is said to possess a horror "for everything that offends her delicacy or that verges on vulgarity."

It is said that the married life of this young couple has been "marked by continual squabbles."

The Grand Duchess departed from Darmstadt last spring after one incident, and it took months of "negotiations and entreaty" before she was persuaded to return to her husband "at the time of Queen Victoria's jubilee."  The reconciliation apparently took place at Clarence House, the London residence of Victoria Melita's parents.

all images from Marlene A. Eilers Koenig collection

The Grand Duke promised to "repress his tendency" to practical jokes, but it was a promise he failed to keep.   After the final incident,  the Grand Duchess left Darmstadt for good. 

The couple have a two-and-half-year old daughter, Princess Elisabeth

Princess Jutta wants Germany to pay for her father's favorites

Jutta, Crown Princess of Montenegro

January 9, 1926

The German Parliament continues to discuss the requests of the former ruling families.  The requests keeps Germany "gaping in shocked surprise," reports the Chicago Daily Tribune.

The heirs to the throne of Mecklenburg-Strelitz have filed a "sensational claim," demanding that the German republic pay $5,000 each "to the titled women who had romances" with the late Duke Adolf Friedrich II, who died in 1914.

The former Crown Princess Jutta of Montenegro, the late Duke's youngest daughter, received $2,000,000 from the 100,000 residents of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, but she "insists that the republic pay for the ladies who cheered her father."

Duke Adolf Friedrich

The government of Mecklenburg-Strelitz has refused to comply with the princess' demands, and an "arbitration committee decided there was a moral as well as financial side to the question."