Archduke Karl Stephen gets a Polish throne

August 17, 1918

Germany has approved Austria's recommendation that an Archduke "be made King of Poland," according to the New York Times.

It is understood that Archduke Karl Stephen, is Austria's choice.

Archduke Karl Stephan was born on September 5, 1860, at Gross-Seelowitz, Silesia.  He is the son of the late Archduke Karl Ferdinand. He married his cousin, Archduchess Maria Theresa in 1886.  They have six children. The eldest son, Archduke Karl Albrecht, is an artillery officer in the Austrian army.

The archduke has long prepared himself for the role of King of Poland. When he was exiled from Austria "many years ago," he moved to Cracow, "setting up a Polish household. All of his children speak Polish.  One of his daughters is married to Prince Jerome Radziwill, and another is the wife of the Polish leader, Prince Czartoryski.

Various demands and counter demands between Berlin and Vienna must be met before a final decision is made on Poland's future.