Princess Elisabeth breaks hearts

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November 27, 1912

Princess Elisabeth of Romania is "one of the most prominent Red Cross workers in the Balkan war," reports the Chicago Daily Tribune in an exclusive dispatch.

The eldest daughter of Crown Prince Ferdinand and Crown Princess Marie is said to be one of the "famous beauties of Europe."  She certainly does not fit into the "idea held by most Americans" that royal princesses are "pale, anemic, listless puppets, used chiefly in political trades."

This princess is described as "tall and slender," and is "self-possessed and fair."  She is also "flesh and blood and fire."   This princess can write, ride, golf, cook, sew.  She can "operate a typewriter" and a sewing machine.  

The exclusive dispatch also notes that Princess Elisabeth can "manage a fractious horse," and "flirt desperately."

She has turned all her "energies and sympathies" into relief work.  The princess is said to be "brainy and resourceful, and "has more prestige and influence than many rulers."

The princess has been able to raise money to fund nurses and surgeons, and has arranged for the purchase of much needed medical equipment to care for the "sick and wounded soldiers."

The princess is only nineteen-years-old, but she must be considered as one of the "great European powers.   In her "brief but active life," she has apparently "broken many hearts."   But she has made amends by tending the wounds of so many Balkan soldiers.

For now, Princess Elisabeth's love affairs, which have been the thoroughly discussed by the wags in Europe, have been put aside as she concentrates solely on her hospital work.