Official: Archduchess Renate's marriage is unequal

March 29, 1909

Emperor Franz Joseph's latest official announcement by his Court Marshal Prince Montenuovo, has caused a bit of a flutter at court, reports the Marquise de Fontenoy.

The announcement was made in connection with the marriage of Archduchess Renate to Prince Jerome Radziwill.  The Emperor has officially stated that this marriage is not "ebenburtig," but unequal, and the Archduchess has "forfeited her rank as an archduchess, and her predicates of imperial and royal highness."

Although the emperor gave the "necessary consent" for the marriage, he has made it quite clear that "in his eyes." and, according to the law.  the marriage is a "mésalliance."

Although the Radziwills are styled as Prince, and they have retained "some of their former Polish ducal dignities," they are considered a part of the lower nobility, and are included in part 3 of the Almanach de Gotha.

The Radziwills do not rank as high as the mediatized princely families, who are on "a footing of equality" with Europe's reigning houses.  There have been been a number of marriages between the mediatized houses and the Austrian Imperial family.

These marriages include Archduke Friedrich who married Princess Isabella, daughter of the Duke of Croy, their daughter Archduchess Maria Christina is married to Prince Emanuel zu Salm-Salm, and another daughter, Archduchess Maria was recently married to Prince Gottfried zu Hohenlohe.

The late Crown Prince Rudolf's daughter, Archduchess Elisabeth is the wife of Prince Otto zu Windisch-Graetz.

None of these archduchesses were required to forfeit their rank and titles, but were required to renounce their places in the succession "and content themselves with the precedence of their husbands." 

But Archduchess Renate, daughter of Archduke Karl Stephan, and a nice of Queen Maria Cristina of Spain, is no longer an "imperial and royal highness," and will now be styled as a "mere Prince Radziwill.

The emperor's "public proclamation" of Renate's marriage as a mésalliance, will not please the Radzwill family.  The late Emperor Wilhelm I was in loved Princess Elise Radziwill but was forced to disavow her due to her unequal status, and he entered into a loveless marriage with Princess Auguste of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach.

Sadly for Renate and her family,  Prince Jerome's "genealogical requirements" does not satisfy "admission into the great world at Vienna."

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Two Germans lose British titles

Duke of Cumberland

March 28, 1919

The Duke of Albany, the Duke of Cumberland and Viscount Taafe, "who adhered to the enemy during the war," were deprived today of their British peerages by a "King's Order in Council," according to the New York Times.

The Duke of Albany, a first cousin of King George V, and the Duke of Cumberland, the late King Edward VII's brother-in-law, both "served with the German forces for a part at least of the late war."

Both men were British royal dukes.  The Duke of Albany is the only son of the late Prince Leopold, who died several months before his son was born.  The infant prince Charles Edward succeeded to his father's peerages.  In 1899, he became the heir to his uncle, Prince Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.  He succeeded to the German title in 1900, following his uncle's death.   The Duke's older sister, Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone, is married to Queen Mary's brother, the Earl of Athlone.

The Duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale was also a British prince by birth.  He was the son of the late King Georg V of Hannover, a first cousin of Queen Victoria.

[Queen Victoria succeeded to the British throne in 1837, but due to the Salic law in Hanover, thet throne passed to the next in line, Victoria's uncle, Prince Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, who succeeded to the Hanover throne as King Ernst August.   King Georg V was his only son.]

The Duke of Cumberland is married to Princess Thyra of Denmark, younger sister of the Dowager Queen Alexandra.  Their son, Prince Ernst August, was married in 1913 to Princess Viktoria Luise, only daughter of the former Kaiser Wilhelm II.

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Both Dukes had "courtesy commands" in the British Army. The Duke of Albany was a full General.

Before the war, the Duke of Albany "took precedence" over his uncle, the Duke of Connaught, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Lord Chancellor.  Both dukes had seats in the House of Lords.

Viscount Taafe is a member of an "ancient Irish family.  When the war broke out, he was living in Silesia and he fought "with the Austrian army," with the rank of Captain.

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Royal death: Prince of Schwarzburg-Sonderhausen

March 28, 1909

Prince Karl Günther of Schwarzburg-Sonderhausen died earlier today in a private sanitarium in Dresden, reports the New York Times.   He was 80 years old.

He had suffered a serious injury while hunting three years ago, and was confined to bed for the rest of his life.
The Prince was the head of the princely house of Schwarzburg.   He served as General in the Prussian army and was Colonel in Chief of the 3rd Regiment  of the Thuringia infantry.

His marriage to Princess Marie of Saxe-Altenburg childless.  The title passes to a cousin, Prince Gunther Viktor.

Prince George Wins Charleston Contest

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March 27, 1929

Many are wondering what Queen Mary will say to her youngest son, Prince George, who has "attracted the attention of all European society," today when he won the Charleston Contest at the Sporting Casino at Cannes.

Prince George and his partner, the Marchioness of Milford Haven  competed against "dozens of expert partners.

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According to the New York Times,  Prince George's victory "will not help him at Buckingham Palace," as King George V and Queen Mary "have frowned upon the eccentricities of the Charleston."  They also have forbidden the dance at court functions.

The identity of Prince George and his "pretty partner" were not known until after the award was given.  Afterwards, Prince George and Lady Milford Haven "gave an exhibition dance."

Prince George is in France "to perfect his knowledge of French."

Lady Milford Haven's husband is a cousin of King George.

Lady Mary Cambridge to wed

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March 27, 1923

Lady Mary Cambridge, the elder daughter of the Marquess and Marchioness of Cambridge, is engaged to marry the Marquess of Worcester, heir to the Duke of Beaufort, reports the Daily Express.

  There has not been an official announcement from Lord and Lady Cambridge.

Last year Lady Mary was a bridesmaid at the wedding of Princess Mary to Lord Lascelles.  She was born in 1897.   Lord Worcester is 23 years old.

Lady Mary is a niece of Queen Mary, and she is "the second of Princess Mary's bridesmaids to become engaged" since the Princess's wedding.   Lady Mary is "intimately connected with royal circles," and is better known to the public than Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who is engaged to marry the Duke of York.

Lady Elizabeth was the first of Princess Mary's bridesmaids to become engaged. Lady Mary will be one of Lady Elizabeth's bridesmaids next month.

Henry Hugh Arthur Fitzroy, Marquess of Worcester,  attended the Military College at Sandhurst, and "served in the Royal Horse Guards."  He is the only son of the Duke of Beaufort. If you liked this article,


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Four royal dukes to march in funeral

March 26, 1953

Reuters is reporting that four royal dukes will "march behind Queen Mary's coffin" during the procession  to Westminster on Sunday.

Queen Mary, the widow of King George V, "will lie in state in Westminster Hall, where her husband and son, Kings George V and George VI lay before her."

The Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Windsor and the Duke of Gloucester, the late Queen's two surviving sons; and her grandson, the Duke of Kent, will follow the coffin after it leaves Marlborough House.

The coffin was moved today from Marlborough House to "the little chapel on grounds" where it will be watched over by members of the late Queen's household.

Queen Mary's granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II, spoke publicly for the first about about her grief.

"I know all my people share my grief for a great queen who throughout a lifetime of devoted service was happy in the knowledge of their warm regard and affection.
The funeral will be at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on Tuesday. The number of mourners will be limited to 1,000, including "ranking figures from the remaining royal houses of Europe."

Royal death: the Dowager Marchioness of Cambridge

March 26, 1929

The Dowager Marchioness of Cambridge died today at her London home, reports the New York Times.

She was 55 years old.  The cause of death was pneumonia.   The Marchioness was born Lady Margaret Evelyn Grosvenor, third daughter of the 1st Duke of Westminster.  She married Prince Adolphus of Teck, younger brother of Queen Mary, in 1894.

Her husband was created Marquess of Cambridge in 1917 after relinquishing his German titles.  He died in October 1927.

Lady Cambridge is survived by her four children,  George, the 2nd Marquess of Cambridge,  Lady Mary, the Duchess of Beaufort,  Lady Helena Gibbs and Lord Frederick Cambridge and one granddaughter, Lady Mary Cambridge.


https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2013/03/dowager-marchioness-of-cambridge-is-ill.html

Hermine leaves Doorn

March 26, 1923

Princess Hermine, the second wife of former Kaiser Wilhelm II, does not travel lightly, reports the New York Times.   Her departure today from Doorn was a "considerable exodus" as she began her trip to Germany with her "three children, nurses, governesses, maids and lackeys" and plenty of luggage.

Her husband accompanied her to the train station at Amersfoort, about eight miles from Doorn, and put them on the train.  He kissed them all goodbye "affectionately," and then returned to Doorn alone.

Although there have been reports of matrimonial discord at Doorn, due to Wilhelm's "moods and tempers,"  Hermine is not leaving Doorn for good.   There are times when she and her husband are on "very affectionate terms," and he is "most attentive" to her.

The princess is going to visit her estate, Schloss Saabor in Silesia to spend some time with her two eldest sons.  She is expected to return after Easter.

It's a boy

March 26, 1909

Infanta Maria Teresa, wife of Prince Ferdinand of Bavaria, gave birth to a son earlier today. 

The Infanta, a sister of King of Alfonso XIII, married Prince Ferdinand in 1909.

This is the second child and second son for the young couple, reports the New York Times.

Sacha goes home

Andrea Casiraghi and Tatiana Santo Domingo took their bundle of love home from the hospital today ... Sacha Casiraghi was born at the private Portland Hospital in London on March 21st.

http://www.brunopress.nl/bin/Brunopress.dll/go?a=disp&t=gl-loader.html&_tlid=1068&groupid=1071&galleryid=202437&glbid=201714&si=6BEE891BE5A449E4986716A8C725C5&rnd=1890.20

Dowager Marchioness of Cambridge is gravely ill

March 25, 1929

The Dowager Marchioness of Cambridge is "suffering from septic pneumonia."  Her condition, according to the Associated Press, is reported to be "rather grave."

Lady Cambridge is Queen Mary's sister-in-law.   Lord Dawson of Penn, one of King George V's doctors, is attending to her.

The 55-year-old Lady Cambridge was born Lady Margaret Grosvenor, daughter of the Duke of Westminster, in April 1873.  She married then Prince Adolphus of Teck, at Eaton Hall on December 12, 1894.

They had four children,  George, 2nd Marquess of Cambridge,  Lady Mary, who is married to the Duke of Beaufort, Lady Helena, the wife of John Gibbs, and Lord Frederick Cambridge.

In 1917,  Adolphus, who succeeded his father as Duke of Teck in 1900, relinquished in German titles and was created Marquess of Cambridge.

Lord Cambridge died on October 24, 1927. 

Queen Marie to visit Spain

March 25, 1933

Dowager Queen Marie of Romania is now on her way to Spain, reports the New York Times.  She is accompanied by her youngest daughter, Princess Ileana.

The widow of King Ferdinand had been visiting her sister, Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna of Russia.

During her visit to France,  Marie reconciled with her eldest son, former Crown Prince Carol. He is now on his way to Nice.

Marie and her daughter are expected to stay with her youngest sister, Infanta Beatrice.

Marital problems for Wilhelm & Hermine?

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 March 25, 1923

Is the honeymoon already over for former German Emperor Wilhelm II and his second wife, Hermine? According to a report in the Los Angeles Times,  Hermine had left Doorn for Schloss Saabor in Silesia, where she will spend the Easter holidays with her elder sons.  Contrary to earlier reports, Hermine will return to Doorn and not travel to Corfu.

Sources close to the former Kaiser are denying that the relations between the couple "are strained."  They are often seen together in their private gardens  and Hermine "has succeeded in creating a real social life among the noble families in the neighborhood."

She has adopted "an attitude of modesty" and is trying at all costs to give the "slightest cause for hostility" among her husband's family.

Although their marriage contract has a "strict division" of Wilhelm and Hermine's private property, several of the Kaiser's children remain distant.   Wilhelm's eldest son, former Crown Prince Wilhelm, refuses to acknowledge his stepmother and refuses to come to Doorn.

Another clause in the marriage contract allows for Hermine to travel to Germany twice a year "for six weeks to watch over the education of her elder sons and inspect her estates."

Princess Mary's son, George, is baptized

Marlene A. Eilers Koenig collection

March 25, 1923

Princess Mary's son was baptized today, Palm Sunday, at St Mary's, the small village church at Goldsborough, which adjoins the Harewood estate. The Princess is married to Viscount Lascelles, heir apparent to the Earldom of Harewood.

The little boy was given the name George Henry Hubert. According to the New York Times report, the baby "cried lustily during the great part" of the ceremony. Local villagers consider crying at a baptism to be lucky.

Invitations to the baptism were limited to the family and to the local Goldsborough residents and Harewood estate tenants. "Elaborate precautions were taken to keep visiting strangers away," as the police presence had been increased to forty.

Inside the chapel, the baptism took place at the "close of morning service, when King George V and Queen Mary, Princess Mary and Lord Lascelles, the sponsors and their proxies took their places around the baptismal font. As the ceremony processed, Master Lascelles "promptly started to cry, and his voice gradually gathered strength until the congregation could not hear the words of the baptismal ceremony."

Princess Mary and her husband "at first looked somewhat uncomfortable, but soon resigned themselves to what could not be helped."

George's cries "were stilled for a moment" when Queen Mary took her grandson into his arms and announced his name, George Henry Hubert. Her "voice could be distinctly heard in every part of the church. But George "made another vociferous protest" when he "felt the touch of the cold water" as the  Archbishop of York baptized him.

The Archbishop then said: "In order that with a full heart we may singly and collectively command this child to love of God let there be silence for one minute."
The congregation then knelt, and indeed, there was silence, even from the Hon. George Lascelles, who is the first grandchild for King George V and Queen Mary.

The godparents are Queen Alexandra (the Countess of Harewood stood proxy), Lady Patricia Ramsay (Lady Mary Trefusis), the Earl of Harewood, who is ill (his son, Major the Hon. Edward Lascelles), and Prince George represented General Sir George Higginson, who is the oldest living officer in the Grenadier Guards. Lord Lascelles formerly served in the Grenadier Guards.

The baby wore the family baptismal gown that was first worn in 1840 by Queen Victoria's first child, Princess Victoria.

In the afternoon, the four grandparents "planted a lime tree in the grounds" to commemorate George's baptism.

As the King entered the church, the choir led the singing of two verses of the National Anthem. Lord Lascelles read both the lessons and the hymns included a Palm Sunday anthem, "Ride on in Majesty," and "Loving Shepherd of Thy Son," a childrens' hymn "specially chosen" by Queen Mary.

After the singing of the hymn "All Glory, Laud, and Honor," the chapel doors were "thrown open," and the nurse carried in the baby as the royal family and their guests proceeded to the baptistery, for the actual ceremony.
Queen Alexandra, who is one of the godparents, attended divine service at the chapel at Marlborough House. She was accompanied by the Princess Royal and Princess Maud.

Queen Olga of Greece, the Princess Royal with Princess Maud and Grand Duchess Xenia visited Queen Alexandra today, and stayed for lunch at Marlborough House, according to the Court Circular.

Former Austrian emperor arrives in Switzerland

March 25, 1919

Former Emperor Karl of Austria and his family have arrived in Switzerland, according to a New York Times dispatch.  They will be staying at the Chateau de Wartegg at Staad, near Rorschach, on Lake Constance.

The chateau is owned by former Empress Zita's brother, the Duke of Parma.

The party traveled by special train and reached Switzerland's border this afternoon, where they were met by a Swiss delegation.

Vienna newspapers are reporting that Karl left Austria without renouncing the throne for himself and his descendants, which "had been demanded."  One newspaper, the Reichspost says that former unnamed Archdukes, who reside in German Austria, have "renounced the throne and all privileges, asking the rights of only ordinary citizens."

The departure arrangements were kept secret.  The news was made public in Vienna this morning "from a short Government statement," which noted that Karl and his family had left the country.

Prince of Wales may meet Kaiser

March 25, 1913

The Prince of Wales, who is now traveling through the Rhine region, may meet with Kaiser Wilhelm II, in Homburg, reports the New York Times.

The German Emperor and Empress and their daughter, Princess Viktoria Luise, will leave Berlin on March 27 for "an extended stay at Homburg."

It is "understood" that the Prince of Wales will pay an "informal visit" to the Kaiser shortly afterward.

The name is....

Sacha Casiraghi.  A very proud grandmother, Princess Caroline, made the announcement at the Bal de la Rose du Rocher earlier tonight, according to Stephane Bern.

Sacha is the first child for Andrea Casiraghi and his fiancée, Tatiana Santo Domingo, who will marry later this year.

A better night for Queen Mary

March 22, 1953

Physicians for the Dowager Queen Mother Mary said tonight "she had a more restful day," reports the Associated Press.    Queen Mary's condition has "shown some improved."  The 85-year-old grandmother of Queen Elizabeth has been ill for nearly a month with gastric trouble, and has been confined to her bed at her home, Marlborough House.

Duchess of Genoa has narrow escape

March 22, 1913


The Duchess of Genoa had a "narrow escape from being burned to death today," reports New York Times.  The Duchess was rubbing her arms and legs with an anointment to treat her rheumatism when she got too "close to a spirit lamp and the preparation ignited."   Her maid was able to smother the flames.

The Duchess was born Princess Isabella of Bavaria.  She married Prince Tomasso of Savoy, Duke of Genoa, in 1883.

Prince Andreas celebrates in style

About 250 guests - family, friends, current and former employees and representatives from the cultural, economic and political worlds, came to Schloss Callenberg, near Coburg, yesterday to wish Prince Andreas of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha a very happy 70th birthday.

After greeting his guests in a receiving line, Prince Andreas took the microphone in his hand.

"I an really glad to know that so many have come.  This shows me that I have not done a lot wrong in life, and I have gained a few friends."   Much to his elder son, Hereditary Prince Hubertus' amusement, Prince Andreas, known for being technologically savvy, used a tablet to read his speech.

Prince Hubertus admitted that he more old-fashion, and prefers paper.  He thanked his "old man" for "making me take over the head of the family foundation" in 2012, as agreed, allowing me to go my own way."

Prince Andreas had built up the family business, securing a comfortable financial future for the family.

Coburg's mayor Norbert Kastner also praised Prince Andreas for his work "beyond the city limits." He spoke of the Prince's contributions to Coburg, his gentle values, and he concluded with sharing the congratulations of all Cioburg's citizens. 

The Coburg Hunting Association honored the Prince, a "keen hunter," with a three-gun salute and a serenade from a hunting horn.

A more formal event in honor of Prince Andreas' 70th birthday will be a private family gala on June 15 at Schloss Callenberg.  Guests from all over Europe (and probably a few American cousins, too) will be attending.

http://www.np-coburg.de/lokal/coburg/coburg/Gratulationscour-fuer-Prinz-Andreas;art83423,2446494

Tatiana's baby has arrived

Tatiana Santo Domingo, fiancée of Andrea Casiraghi, has given birth to a son yesterday, March 21st.  Name and place of birth not known, but perhaps London.   Mother and baby are both doing well, according to the announcement released by the happy grandmother, the Princess of Hanover (Caroline of Monaco.)

"S.A.R. la Princesse de Hanovre et Madame Vera Santo Domingo ont la joie de vous annoncer la naissance de leur petit-fils, né le 21 mars 2013.

This is the first grandchild for Princess Caroline.  The baby will not have dynastic rights until the couple marry in a civil ceremony, according to Monegasque law.  After this takes place, baby Casiraghi will be third in line to the throne.

http://www.monacomatin.mc/derniere-minute/monaco-la-princesse-caroline-de-hanovre-est-grand-mere.1184490.html

Lady Elizabeth's bridesmaids

March 21, 1923

Buckingham Palace has released the names of Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon's bridesmaids.

They are:  Lady Mary Cambridge, daughter of the Marquess of Cambridge; Lady May Cambridge, daughter of the Earl of Athlone and Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone; Lady Katherine Hamilton, daughter of the Duke of Abercorn; Lady Mary Thynne, daughter of the Marquess of Bath; the Hon. Diamond Hardinge, daughter of Viscount Hardinge; the Hon. Cecilia Bowes-Lyon and the Hon. Elizabeth Elphinstone, nieces of the bride and Miss Betty Cater.

Lady Elizabeth, the youngest daughter of the Earl and Countess of Strathmore, will marry the Duke of York, second son of King George V and Queen Mary on April 23 at Westminster Abbey.

Nicholas and Alexander under arrest

March 21, 1917

The Provisional Government has ordered the arrest of Nicholas Romanov and Alexandra Feodorovna, the former Emperor and Empress of Russia, reports the New York Times.

 Duke Karl of Mecklenburg-Strelitz has also been arrested and brought "before the Duma,"  The Mecklenburg-Strelitz is a German royal house, but the Duke became a Russian citizen several days before the war began.

Constantine takes oath

March 21, 1913

King Constantine of the Hellenes has taken the oath of office in the Chamber of Deputies today, reports the New York Times.  The ceremony took place in the presence of the "highest officials of the State and all the members of Parliament."

As soon as the new King left the Palace for the ceremony, he was greeted with a 101 gun salute.  The weather in Athens was described as "brilliant," and allowed for "great crowds of people who cheered the King on his way. 

Military bands were placed all along the route, and when the king passed by, a band would begin playing the National Anthem.

The Metropolitan of Athens offered a prayer and then "read aloud the constitutional oath."  The king repeated the oath in a "firm voice."

He signed the oath, which was countersigned by all of the government officials.

King Constantine was dressed in a General's uniform. His wife, Queen Sophie, Crown Prince George and other members of the Greek royal family, were all attired in "deep mourning."

After returning the palace, King Constantine and Queen Sophie "received the congratulations" from members of the government and other officials. 

This evening, the King and other members of the royal family and household, accompanied by Prime Minister Venizelos, left for Salonika.

They will arrive in Salonika tomorrow.  King George's body will be returned to Athens aboard a Greek warship.

Princely wedding: Hohenlohe-Bartenstein

Copyright: CDU

HSH Hereditary Prince Maximilian Leopold Carl Aloys is to marry Cristina Vozzi Castriota Scanderbeg, who was born on April 8, 1980 at Rome.  A publication of their forthcoming marriage, which will take place within the next six months, was published by Rome's vital records office. 

The date of the marriage was not included in the information.

Prince Maximilian is the eldest of five children of Ferdinand, Prince of Hohenlohe-Bartenstein and his late wife, Princess Franziska of Oettingen-Oettingen und Oettingen-Spielberg.

It is expected that the wedding will take place in Italy.   The future Hereditary Princess studied law at Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli.  She is a member of the board of Les Etoiles, an international cultural organization.

In 2009,  Max was a candidate for the Schrozberg City Council.


http://www.cdu-schrozberg.de/gemeinderatswahl2009/bartenstein/maxzuhohenlohebartenstein.php

http://www.hohenlohe-naturstein.com/index.html

Prince Andreas of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha: 70th birthday

Schloss Callenberg

HH Prince Andreas Michael Friedrich Hans Armin Siegfried Hubertus of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha celebrates his 70th birthday today.  He was born March 21, 1943 at Schloss Casel in Lower Lusatia in Brandenburg, which was one of the estates of his maternal grandparent.

He was the only child of Prince Friedrich Josias of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1918-1998) and his first wife, Countess Viktoria Luise of Solms-Baruth (1921-2003.)   He was a grandson of the late Carl Eduard, the last reigning Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.  His parents divorced in 1946. His father remarried two more times, and his mother married an American soldier, Richard Whitten,  and in 1949,  Andreas moved with his mother and new stepfather to New Orleans.

He maintained contact with his father.  When he turned sixteen, he began to visit Germany on a regular basis to learn more about his family's history, heritage and businesses. 

It was not until 1965, after graduated from college, when Prince Andreas made the move to Germany permanent.  He moved to Germany to avoid being drafted to serve in Vietnam.

 From 1966 until 1968, he did his obligatory military service in Eutin, in Schleswig-Holstein. 

He spent several years in Hamburg where he trained as a timber merchant.  It was in Hamburg where he met and married Carin Dabelstein.  They were wed in 1971.  Although Carin was a commoner, the marriage was approved by Andreas' father, Prince Friedrich Josias. 

They have three children, Stephanie (1972), Hubertus (1975) and Alexander (1977), all of whom are involved in the family businesses.

Prince Andreas succeeded as head of the house in 1988.  He lives in a family property in Coburg,  and owns two castles: Schloss Callenberg outside Coburg and Schloss Greinburg in Austria.

After the collapse of East Germany in 1989, and the eventual unification of Germany,  Prince Andreas was able to regain ownership of forest and lands that had been lost after the second world war.

The family businesses employ 60 people.  Last year,  Andreas' eldest son, Prince Hubertus, took over the family businesses.  A former investment bank, Prince Hubertus and his American-wife Kelly, moved from New York and are now living in Coburg.

In an interview with Coburg's local newspaper, the Neue Press,  Prince Andreas said "it was a pleasure to design something and build it into something solid," referring to the rebirth of the family estates.

Prince Andreas is very family oriented.  From 1996 to 2002, he served as an alderman in the CSU, and continues to hold several honorary positions.   He is patron of the German Shooting Federation. and Chairman of the Olympic society, and is a member of the board that runs Schloss Friedenstein in Gotha. 

He loves hunting and fishing and admits to being a techie, and is fascinated by all the new cameras, smart phones and cars.

He also said: "the older you get, the more you are interested in your roots."  He is very proud of his own family history and the connections to other European royal families, including Great Britain, Belgium and Bulgaria.  He does lament that the ties with the British Royal family are largely non-existent, as they have shown little interest in closer contacts with Coburg.

Andreas is a great-great-grandson of Queen Victoria.  He is close to his first cousin, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden (whose mother was Princess Sibylla of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, older sister of Prince Friedrich Josias). He is one of Princess Madeleine of Sweden's godparents. He has German and British passports. [His father also obtained a British passport.  Until 1949, when the Sophia Naturalization Act was superseded by the new British Nationality Act, all the Protestant descendants of the Electress Sophia of Hanover were considered British nationals, and entitled to a British passport.  In 1957, the late Prince Ernst of Hanover won his case in British courts, proving he was a British national and entitled to a passport.  The Sophia Naturalization Act was largely forgotten when Prince Philip went through the process of naturalization, something he didn't have to do because of this law.]

He does not believe that his nobility accords him a special privilege.  Raised int he United States,  Prince Andreas believes that "we are citizens like anyone else."   He does not have a lot of close friends in the German nobility.

He admits to being very focuses, "perhaps more focused than others.  We need to pay attention, do our job and fulfill our responsibilities."

He does not think much about aristocratic scandals.

Prince Andreas is a strong believer in tradition, home, family and loyalty.

He celebrated his birthday today with a reception at Schloss Callenberg.  A new family portrait by Dresden painter Christoph Wetzel was unveiled.

http://www.np-coburg.de/lokal/coburg/coburg/Ein-Buerger-wie-jeder-andere;art83423,2440494

http://www.schloss-callenberg.com/englisch/

http://www.sachsen-coburg-gotha.de/en/?The_Ducal_House

http://www.schloss-greinburg.at/english/index.html

http://www.stiftungfriedenstein.de/index.php?id=9&L=1

The Duke of Kent has had a stroke

The Duke of Kent has suffered a "mild stroke," and is in a hospital.  All of his engagements for the next three weeks have been cancelled or postponed.

http://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/385914/Queen-s-cousin-suffers-stroke

Peter Phillips talks about a lost opportunity

Peter Phillips talks about a lost opportunity to stage a horse show in Kensington Palace gardens.

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/queens-grandson-my-sorrow-at-lost-chance-on-olympics-showjumping-legacy-8543671.html

Hope Cooke becomes the Crown Princess of Sikkim

March 30, 1963

American Hope Cooke, a 22-year-old descendant of the Mayflower Pilgrims, married Crown Prince Palden Thondup Namygal, the 39-year-old heir to the throne of Sikkim.

The wedding was performed on a royal monastery in Gangtok and was "performed by 14 lamas."

The Prince, a widower, is regarded by the Sikkimese people as a "reincarnation of a Buddhist lama," reports the New York Times.

Several hundred guests "sought vantage points" to view the "brilliant ceremony" in the small chapel.  They also admired the bride's "gown of frosty white Benares silk complete with a gold wrought belt equipped with a tiny dagger."

One "solidly American touch" stood out "in the midst of all the ornate eastern rites."  A doormat, placed before the chapel entrance, said in English: "Good luck."

Miss Cooke had a "faraway look" when she took her seat on the throne.  In her "up swept brunette hair, was a silver and gold clip that the Prince had given her when she visited Sikkim for the first time in 1961.

They met in Darjeeling, India, in 1959, where the Crown Prince's sons attend school.  The new princess graduated in February from Sarah Lawrence in Bronxville, New York.

During the ceremony, Crown Prince Palden "smiled as he leaned over from his throne" to help his wife "unwind a long white silk scarf around her neck" to complete the wedding ceremony.

The bride is an Episcopalian. She is now Her Highness Crown Princess Hope of Sikkim, "consort of the deities"

The groom's 70-year-old Mahraja Sir Tashi Mamgayl sat "cross-legged on the highest throne."

The bride's family was represented by Mrs. Selden Chapin, her co-guardian and wife of the former Ambassador to Iran and other family members.   Princess Hope's father John J. Cooke deserted the family shortly after her birth. Her mother, Hope, was an amateur pilot who was killed in a plane crash in 1942.  She parents were divorced a year earlier.

The princess and her half-sister, Harriet, moved into an apartment across from their maternal grandparents, Helen and Winchester Noyes.  The two girls were raised by a "succession of nannies."  After the deaths of their grandparents,  Hope became the ward of her aunt, Mary Noyes and her husband, Selden Chapin.

Princess Hope attended Chapin School in New York and the Madeira School in Virginia before graduating from the Community high school in Iran.  She majored in Asian Studies at Sarah Lawrence.

She made her debut at the Debutante's Ball in Washington, D.C., in December 1962.

Queen Mary: a good night

March 20, 1953

Dowager Queen Mary has had a "fairly good night," according to a statement released today by Buckingham Palace.

Queen Mary, 85, is the grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II.  She is the widow of King George V, who died in January 1936.   She has been confined to her bed at Marlborough House with "a gastric disorder" for nearly a month, reports the New York Times.

A new Hollywood star

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arch 20, 1927

Is Hollywood about to get a new star?  The New York Times is reporting that Prince Paul Chavchavadze is about to become Hollywood's "most illustrious permanent resident," as the Prince is "considering an offer to star in American film.

Prince Paul is married to Princess Nina of Russia, daughter of the late Grand Duke George of Russia and his wife, Princess Marie of Greece.  His sister-in-law, Princess Xenia, is the wife of William Leeds, whose late mother, Nancy, was married to Prince Christopher of Greece.

Embed from Getty Images

Constantine reaches Athens

March 20, 1913

King Constantine of the Hellenes arrived in Athens today, reports the New York Times.  He will be proclaimed as king tomorrow, and will take the oath in the Chamber of Deputies.   After, the new king will travel to Salonika with Prime Minister Venizelos, where his father was assassinated two days ago.

The body of the late King George will be placed on a warship on March 26, and will arrive in Athens the following day.

The King, Dowager Queen Olga and other members of the Greek royal family will return to Athens with the king's body.

The funeral is expected to take place on March 30.

Nicholas fears for Alix

March 20, 1909

The Berlin newspaper, Kreuz Zeitung, states "on the authority of a distinguished personage, who was recently in audience" by Emperor Nicholas II,  that the Emperor has "expressed considerable apprehension" about the health of his wife, Empress Alexandra, according to the New York Times.

The dispatch further states that the Empress has not been able "to receive visitors," and her husband, the Emperor, is adamant that she follow her doctors' advice.

The Empress is said to be suffering from a nervous condition that resulted after the imperial yacht was in accident in Finnish waters.   Since then, Empress Alexandra has been "unable to gain her mental composure."

The Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg and the Bison

An interesting story about the Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, and his son, Hereditary Prince Gustav ... and the bison back into the wild.

The Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, who is better known as Prince Richard of Sayn-Witttgenstein-Berleburg, is married to Princess Benedikte of Denmark. 


http://www.npr.org/2013/03/11/174037372/german-prince-plans-to-put-bison-back-in-the-wild

Martha arrives in Norway

Embed from Getty Images

March 19, 1929

Oslo buildings have been festooned with "thousands of carnations and tulips" fluttering in the wind in honor of Princess Martha of Sweden, who arrived in Oslo earlier today.  Huge crowds lined Carl Johan Street, and there were enthusiastic cheers for the princess and Crown Prince Olav.

The New York Times reports that "police lines were broken," and the couple were "nearly mobbed" as they were driven to the Palace.

Oslo has never experienced such a day as today.  Princess Martha arrived shortly before noon at Oslo's train station.  She traveled from Stockholm on the King of Sweden's blue railroad car. 

The future Crown Princess was dressed in a "mantle of green, a velvet cape trimmed with white fox fur and a little green hat with a diamond clasp."

The "tall, soldierly figure" of King Haakon, dressed in a gray-blue uniform walked toward Princess Martha,  welcomed her to Oslo, and then "took her by the hand" to Queen Maud, "who kissed her affectionately."

Finally,  Crown Prince Olav greeted his fiancée with a "gallant kiss o her hand."  The royal party entered their cars for the drive back the palace.

Crown Prince Olav and Princess Martha received a "triumphal welcome," a "roar of cheers" arose from the "thousands in the streets, windows, and perched on house tops."

The crowds had been waiting in the bitter cold for several hours.

The wedding will take place on Thursday.  The newlyweds will travel Thursday night to the French Riviera for their honeymoon.

More rumors about Grand Duchess Anastasia

March 19, 1903

In her latest dispatch, the Marquise de Fontenoy notes that the "still wonderfully attractive and fascinating" Dowager Grand Duchess Anastasia of Mecklenburg-Schwerin continues to be the "heroine of many romances,"  as well as of "several episodes which may be described by less euphonious name."

There have been so many rumors about the widowed Grand Duchess -- and mother of the present Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin -- that it is difficult to know which stories are true. When her husband was alive, Anastasia did her best to "embitter" her husband against Kaiser Wilhelm II and turn Schwerin into the "headquarters of Muscovite agitation and policy in Germany."

Anastasia is a Russian Grand Duchess, daughter of Grand Duke Michael, and Princess Cecilie of Baden.

It comes as no surprise that "all sorts of calumnies were started concerning her" in Berlin.  Her husband, Grand Duke Franz Friedrich III, "broke his neck by a fall over a low parapet of a bridge" overlooking his villa in Cannes.

But some Berlin newspapers - and reported throughout Europe -- stated that the Grand Duke took his own life due to his wife's "misbehavior." But he suffered from vertigo, and was unlikely to have taken his own life.    Duke Johann, who acted as regent for the young Duke Friedrich Franz IV, has "no great affection" for his sister-in-law.  He is said to be a close friend of the Kaiser, and has not gone out of is way to "make things pleasant" for Anastasia.  Nor has he sought to "put an end to the stories" being published in Berlin and elsewhere.

The most recently rumor also has had its origins in Berlin.  Grand Duchess Anastasia is said to have succumbed to the fascination of the 'cour friseur' -- the court hairdresser in Schwerin.

Young Simeon becomes a Bulgarian citizen

Six-year-old Simeon Hassan Munoz is now a Bulgarian citizen. The decree was issued by Bulgarian Vice President Margarita Popova.

Young Simeon is the only child of Princess Kalina of Bulgaria, 41, and her Spanish husband Kitin Munoz. 

Princess Kalina, the only daughter of King Simeon and Queen Margarita, also became a Bulgarian national.  She said she wanted to become a Bulgarian because she loves the country and her father, and she would like to be a member of Bulgaria's national equestrian team.

The princess is the youngest of King Simeon's five children.  She and her four older brothers were all born in Madrid.

She married Munoz in a traditional ceremony in Bulgaria in October 2002.  She gave birth to Simeon Hassan in Bulgaria on March 14, 2007.

http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=148792

Will young Rainier lose his rights?

Embed from Getty Images

 

 March 18, 1927

The succession rights of 10-year-old Prince Rainier of Monaco appear to be "seriously threatened by claims now being advanced with renewed vigor" by Count Aynard de Chabrillan, a cousin of Prince Louis of Monaco, the Reigning Sovereign Prince.  

The New York Times is reporting that France's Foreign Minister Joseph Paul-Boncour, who is also Count de Chabrillan's legal counsel, has declared that his client's claims "appear well-founded in law.

Count de Chabrillan "energetically revived his claims" after Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis's daughter, divorced her husband, Prince Pierre de Polignac.  Following this recent divorce, the Princess announced plans of a second marriage and "going to live as a private citizen in Italy."

Prince Louis has since recommended the appointment of a Regency Council" to rule in case he dies before Prince Rainier, Charlotte's son reaches his majority.

Prince Rainier's father, Prince Pierre, has declined Prince Louis' offer to be a part of the Regency because of his "unpopularity with the
Monégasques."

Both Prince Louis and the Count de Chabrillan are descendants of Prince Honore III of Monaco.  Until 1924, there was another claimant, Duke Wilhelm of Urach, but according to the 1918 Franco-Monégasque, the Duke of Urach was excluded because the new treaty stipulated that heirs to the principality had to be French or Monégasque nationals.

After Princess Charlotte's right of succession was confirmed in 1919, Duke Wilhelm and his family "renounced their rights in favor of the Count de Chabrillan."  Both the Duke and the Count believed that Prince Louis had "violated the status of the house" when he adopted his natural daughter and proclaimed her as heir.

Mr. Paul-Boncour believes he found "certain irregularities" in the legislation where Charlotte was "recognized as his legitimate heiress."

This follows that her son's rights may also be in jeopardy.

Count Aynard Guigues Moreton Chabrillan, 10th Marquess of Chabrillan, was born on January 16, 1869, at Cannes.  He married  Clementine Felicite de Lévis-Mirepoix on October 18, 1893.  They have three children, Countess Anne (1894), Count Robert (1896-1925), and Countess Isabelle (1897). 

He is the second son of Fortuné de Moreton, Marquess of Chabrillan (1829-1900) and Princess Anne Francoise of Croy (1831-1887.)  

The line to Honore III is maternal through Count Aynard's paternal grandmother, Joséphine de la Tour du Pin-La Charce, daughter of Princess Honorine of Monaco.

Queen Olga now on her way to Salonika

Marlene A. Eilers Koenig collection

March 18, 1913

Prince Nicholas of Greece and the Greek Administrator of Salonika have sent telegrams confirming the news of the tragic death of King George of the Hellenes, reports the New York Times.

The alleged assassin, Alex Schinas was arrested for the death of King George.  He claimed he killed the king because he "had refused to give him money which he asked for."

Schinas is said to belong to a Socialist organization at Volo.  

Queen Olga, the widow of King George, arrived in Athens this evening. She will leave at midnight on a Russian steamer for Salonika.

BULLETIN: King of Greece murdered!

March 18, 1913

King George of the Hellenes was shot at 5:15 p.m., today while walking down the main street in Salonika, reports the New York Times via a Marconi transatlantic wireless telegraph.

The King died 30 minutes later.

Since his "triumphal entry" into Salonika, the king had been "accustomed to take an afternoon walk," to the White Tower or to the cavalry's barracks.

His confidence in the Greek people "was so great" that he went out accompanied by a single equerry.  He refused to heed repeated requests to be protected by "the presence of civil guards."

Several days ago, four police officers were given orders to follow the king, "but their presence was considered so objectionable" by King George that the number of the assigned officers was reduced to two, "who followed at a distance.

The King was in a "happy, contented mood," as he walked with Col Frankoulis from the White Tower.   He said to his companion: "Tomorrow when I pay my formal visit to the dreadnought Goeben, it is the fact that a German battleship is to honor a Greek king here in Salonika that will fill me with happiness and contentment."

These were King George's final words.  His assailant came from behind and shot the king, from "the distance of two paces."  The bullet entered the King's back "below the shoulder blade and made its exit from the stomach."

King George suffered a great hemorrhage.  The jeweled cross that he always wore was covered with his blood.

Col. Frankoulis was able to detain the alleged assassin, Aleko Schinas, described as a "Greek of feeble intellect." He claimed that he was "driven to desperation by sickness and want."   There was no real motive for the crime.

The assassination took place 50 years to the day after the young Prince Wilhelm of Denmark was elected as King of the Hellenes by the National Assembly on March 18, 1863.

Prince Wilhelm of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg was the second son of the future King Christian IX of Denmark and Princess Louise of Hesse-Cassel.  He was serving as a midshipman in the British Navy when he was elected to the Greek throne. His succession was approved by the great powers, and also had the support of his father, who succeeded to the throne some months later.    He arrived in Greece on November 2 of that year.

The new King took the name George.  He remained a member of the Lutheran church but chose to marry a Russian Grand Duchess, Olga Konstantinova, daughter of Grand Duke Constantine, and a niece of Alexander II.   Olga was only sixteen-years-old when she married King George.

King George was the brother of the late King Frederik VIII of Denmark,  Queen Alexandra, consort of the late King Edward VII, and the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna of Russia, widow of the late Emperor Alexander III.

The King's eldest son, Constantine, has succeeded to the throne.  He is married to the former Princess Sophie of Prussia, a younger sister of Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Queen Alexandra, who lives at Marlborough House in London, received an  "unofficial report" of her brother's  She had been "unable to credit it," and she hoped that the report would prove to be untrue.  But after the Foreign Office received official confirmation of King George's death, "the painful duty of communicating the intelligence" to Queen Alexandra was undertaken by her daughter, Princess Victoria.

The Dowager Queen "broke down completely," and was in a state of collapse.

In the "short space of a few years," the Queen has lost her husband, King Edward VII, her eldest brother, King Frederik VIII, her son-in-law, the Duke of Fife, her nephew, Prince George of Cumberland, and Prince Francis of Teck,  her daughter-in-law, Queen Mary's brother.

Our Queen - available on You Tube

ITV's most excellent two-hour documentary can be seen on You Tube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exhbFPlPNLE&feature=youtu.be

Princess Margarita of Baden: death card

The death card for Princess Margarita of Baden

New additions

☺

published in Weimar to commemorate the engagement of Grand Duke Wilhelm Ernst of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach and Princess Karoline Reuss.  They married in April 1903.  She died in 1905.  Although the official reports say Grand Duchess died from pneumonia, it is largely assumed that she committed suicide.

Princess Alix de Ligne and her brother, Prince Charles of Luxembourg,  en route to the wedding of their elder brother, then Hereditary Grand Duke Jean, to Princess Josephine-Charlotte of Belgium, 1953

It is a boy for the Hohenbergs

March 15, 1937


Princess Ernst of Hohenberg gave birth to a seven pound son today in Vienna.  The 26-year-old mother and her son are both "doing well" according to her doctors, according to the Associated Press.

The Princess is the former Marie Therese Woods, daughter of an English captain, who married Prince Ernst of Hohenberg last May 25 in Vienna, which was "one of the most brilliant social events in Vienna in recent years."

Prince Ernst is the younger son Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his morganatic wife, Countess Sophie Chotek.  Their assassinations in June 1914 in Sarajevo led to the outbreak of the World War.

King Ferdinand plays matchmaker

March 15, 1927



King Ferdinand of Romania will "use his forthcoming visit to Southern Italy to recuperate from his illness" to discuss a "possible engagement" between his youngest daughter, Princess Ileana and Crown Prince Umberto of Italy, reports the Associated Press.

The King will stop in Rome for a meeting with the Crown Prince's parents.

Rumors of a possible marriage between 18-year-old Princess Ileana and the 22-year old Umberto have been circulating for some time.

Eitel Friedrich sues for divorce

March 15, 1919

Prince Eitel Friedrich, second son of the former Kaiser Wilhelm II, has filed for divorce on the grounds of his wife's "alleged adultery before the war," reports the Chicago Daily Tribune.


The newspaper's report is based on an account in a German newspaper, Kleines Journal. 

Prince Eitel Friedrich, 35, married Duchess Sophie Charlotte of Oldenburg on February 27, 1906.

[Note: in many instances, I have written other stories on the subjects of a Royal Musings post.  You can use the search box at the top left to find other reports. 

http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-eitel-friedrichs-are-divorced.html

http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2012/03/prince-and-princess-eitel-friedrich-ask.html

http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2012/03/princess-eitel-friedrich-flouts-her.html

http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2009/03/prince-eitel-friedrich-of-prussia-seeks.html

Revolution in Russia: Nicholas II abdicates

Embed from Getty Images

March 15, 1917

Bulletin:  news agencies on both sides of the Atlantic are reporting that Emperor Nicholas II has abdicated, and his younger brother, Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich has been named Regent.

According to the New York Times, the Russian Ministry, "charged with corruption and incompetence, has been swept out of office.

Duma President Michael V Rodzianko led the opposition to oppose the "imperial order, issued last week, for the dissolution of the House."   The Duma continued to meet, and Rodzianko informed the Emperor that the "will of the people must prevail."

Even the Imperial Council had agreed with the Duma.  Realizing the "gravity of the situation," the Council advised the Emperor to "take steps to give the people a policy and government in accordance with their desires."

Nicholas hurried back to the capital, only to find that the "revolution had been successful."  A new Government "was in control."

It has been alleged that Empress Alexandra was "influential in the councils opposed to the wishes of the people," is said to be in hiding or has fled.

Tsarkoe-Selo, the Imperial Palace, is said to be under a state of siege.

Nicholas II has also renounced the rights for his young son, Tsarevitch Alexis,  whose health has been "the subject of much discussion" since the fall of 1912 when he became ill or injured during a visit to the Imperial Family's hunting lodge at Spala.  Alexis was born on August 12, 1904, at Peterhof.  He is the youngest of Nicholas's five children.  The first four are daughters.

The "talents, inclinations, and capacities" of Grand Duke Michael are said to be obscure or "have had no opportunity to be known.  This is largely due to his "personal affairs" which resulted in his forced exile in England.  His marriage to Natalia Wulfert is morganatic.  She is now known as Countess Brasov.

The new Regent has been credited "with being an antagonist of the German influence at the Court." He is also "strongly sympathetic with England,"  and a "careful student of American history and addicted to American manners," reports the New York Times.

Installation of the Bishop of Rome on March 19

The new Bishop of Rome, also known as Pope Francis, will be installed on March 19.

The Duke of Gloucester will represent Queen Elizabeth II at the ceremony. He will be accompanied by his wife, the Duchess of Gloucester.

The King and Queen of the Belgians will be attending as well.   The Prince of Orange and the Argentine-born Princess Maxima of the Netherlands will represent Queen Beatrix.

The Prince and Princess of Asturias will represent King Juan Carlos, who is recovering from surgery.

The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and Prince Félix of Luxembourg will attend the ceremony.  Prince Félix attends Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum university in Rome.

The Prince and Princess of Monaco are also now on the list of royal attendees.

Vice President Joseph Biden, a Roman Catholic, will head the United States delegation to the Installation.

Someone wondered if Lord and Lady Nicholas Windsor will be at the ceremony.  They are not members of the Royal Family, and do not carry out official engagements.  They live in Rome, and have strong ties to the Vatican, so it would not be a surprise if they attend the service as private citizens with connections.  In October 2011, Lord Nicholas was appointed as Chairman of the Rome-based Dignitatis Humanae Institute. He served in this position until February of this year.

Pope to rebuke Boris and Giovanna

March 12, 1933

The Associated Press is reporting that Pope Pius "will voice open and sharp disapproval" of King Boris and Queen Giovanna of Bulgaria tomorrow when he will deliver "an allocution to the Cardinals in the Holy Year consistory."

The Pope will, according to officials, "denounce the Orthodox baptism" of Princess Marie Louise, who was born in January.

Prelates believe that Pius "will recall the verbal and written promises" of Boris and Giovanna to him that "all their children were to be baptized Roman Catholics, including the heir to the throne."  He will also remind the king and queen that "it was on this promise" that he gave his permission for Giovanna, a Roman Catholic, to marry King Boris, an Orthodox Christian, in a Roman Catholic ceremony.

This will be the second time that the Pope has "publicly rebuked" the couple.  He used his Christmas address in 1930 to "express his displeasure" at the Orthodox wedding in Sofia that followed the Roman Catholic service in Assisi.  The Pope will point out that this wedding was also contrary to the couple's "written promise."

Queen Marie in London

March 12, 1919

Queen Marie of Romania and her daughters arrived in London today, having traveled by train from Paris, reports the New York Times.   They were met at the station by King George V, Queen Mary and the Prince of Wales.

The Queen and her daughters will stay at Buckingham Palace for the next three weeks.

Queen Marie and King George are first cousins.

Pastor von Preussen

Philip Kiril von Preussen is a Lutheran pastor who, after several years of subbing at different churches, is now the Pastor of a Lutheran church in Birkendwerder (Oberhavel) in Brandenburg.

His new calling has not been without controversy.  According the Märkliche Oderzeitung, Pastor Philip's new position has been challenged by four appeals, but these were rejected for "legal reasons," according to local church officials.

Philip, 44,  is the only son of Prince Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia and his late former wife, Waltraut Freytag.  He does not use Prinz von Preussen as his surname, but prefers Philip Kiril von Preussen. 

Friedrich Wilhelm, now on his third marriage, is the eldest son of the late Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia, head of the former ruling house, but renounced his rights (and the rights of his descendants) when he married Waltraut Freytag in 1967.  They divorced in 1971.  Philip was raised by his mother, with limited contact with his father

If this marriage had been approved by Louis Ferdinand,  Friedrich Wilhelm would now be the head of the family, and not his nephew, Prince Georg Friedrich, the only son of the late Prince Louis Ferdinand jr and his wife, Countess Donata of Castell-Rüdenhausen.  (The second son, Prince Michael, also renounced his rights at the time of his first marriage in 1966.)

Philip, a great-grandson of Kaiser Wilhelm II, is a conservative Lutheran pastor, which is not the norm in Germany.  Think Missouri-Synod and not the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America of which I am a member.

He writes for the conservative weekly magazine "Junge Freiheit," which has been described by political scientists as the "voice of the New Right with a bridge to extremism."   He has also spoken out for restoring the monarchy.

The Pastor has also been criticized for his "consistent stance against abortion."

He says he feels "unfairly prejudiced," and cites the 5th Commandment: "thou shalt not kill."  But he does not want to appear hostile to women, and is not against women pastors.  He is concerned about ecumenism.  He would fit right in with the Missouri Synod, with the exception of women pastors.  (The Missouri Synod does not allow for the ordination of women.)

The Birkenwerder congregation is divided by the appointment of the new Pastor. (Guess the congregation did not call him, as Lutheran congregations do in the USA.)

About 30 members of the church have transferred their membership to other congregations, or have quit the church altogether.  One woman told a reporter:  "I cannot image my son being confirmed by the Pastor Prinz von Preussen." 

Members of church's choir have also left the church.   The congregation has been in disarray for some time.  The church's previous pastor, Dirk Kroll. was bit exuberant for some members of the congregation. 

Local church officials -- and Pastor von Preussen -- believe that in time people will come back.  "I now can use my experience in a community."

He studied education and theology and was ordained some years ago.  He is married and is the father of six children.

Pastor Philip was installed on March 10th.

http://www.moz.de/artikel-ansicht/dg/0/1/1115915/

http://www.kirche-birkenwerder.de/

King Peter has the flu

March 11, 1937


Twelve year old King Peter II of Yugoslavia is confined to bed with a "bad case of influenza," according to a wireless dispatch to the New York Times,''

His mother, Queen Marie, who had been in England to bring her second son, Prince Tomislav, 9 years old, is now en route to Belgrade to be with King Peter.

Princess Olga, the wife of Prince Paul, president of the Regency, is also said to be recovering from the flu.

Princely death: Prince Alexander of Thurn und Taxis

March 11, 1937


Prince Alexander of Thurn und Taxis, Duke of Castel Duino, died earlier tonight at his home, Castel Duino, reports the Associated Press. 

He was 56 years old.  His second wife, the former Helen Holbrook-Walker, "was at his bedside."

Prince Alexander headed the younger branch of "one of the most ancient and powerful house of the 'higher nobility' in Europe.  Until the early party of 19th century, the princely house of Thurn und Taxis, "exercised on their huge estates all the prerogatives of kings."

For nearly 500 years, the house "held the postal monopoly of the Holy Roman Empire."

A businessman, Prince Alexander "had long been active in commercial enterprises" in Europe and the United States.  Before the World War, he served on the Austrian Emperor's privy council.  After the war,  "the part of the empire" where he lived was "ceded to Italy." 

He owned property and estates in Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia.  In 1925, his estate was valued at $17,500,000.

The Prince's widow, Helen, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin H. Walker of Detroit.  After her divorce from James Hazen Hyde in May 1932,  Helen moved to Italy, where she married Prince Alexander.

He was a naturalized Italian citizen, where he and his sons were styled as Prince della Torre e Tasso.  His eldest son succeeds as Duke of Castel Duino.

He is also survived by his three children, Raimundo, Ludwig, Margarete, Princess Gaetano of Bourbon-Parma, and  from his first marriage to Princess Marie de Ligne.

A Duchess in Bankruptcy

March 13, 1927

Duchess Dorothea of Schleswig-Holstein has been declared bankrupt, according to the Associated Press.  The impoverished duchess is the widow of Duke Ernst Gunther of Schleswig-Holstein, brother of the late German Empress Auguste Viktoria.

She is the only daughter of the late Prince Philipp of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and Princess Louise of Belgium, eldest daughter of King Leopold II.

The marriage between Princess Dorothea and Duke Ernst Gunther took place in Coburg on August 2, 1898.  The marriage was considered controversial as the Roman Catholic princess did not receive permission from the Church to marry Duke Ernst, a Lutheran.

The couple did not have any children.  Ernst Gunther died in 1921.

Princely death: the Prince of Hohenlohe-Langenburg

March 11, 1913

Prince Hermann Ernst Franz Bernhard, 6th Prince of Hohenlohe-Langenburg died on March 9 at Langenburg, according to the New York Times.  He was 81 years old. 

The Prince was the second son of Ernst I, Prince of Hohenlohe-Langenburg   and Princess Feodora of Leiningen, Queen Victoria's older half sister.   He was born at Langenburg on August 31, 1832.

Prince Ernst died on April 12, 1860, and was succeeded by his eldest son, Prince Carl, who, in turn, renounced his rights on April 21, in favor of Prince Hermann,

He married Princess Luise of Baden at Karlsruhe on September 24, 1862. 

He has been succeeded by his son Prince Ernst, a Major in the Prussian Army, who is married to Princess Alexandra of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria.

Prince Hermann is survived by his three children, Prince Ernst, Princess Elise and Princess Feodore, who are married to Heinrich XXVII, Prince Reuss, and Emich, 5th Prince of Leiningen, respectively, and eleven grandchildren" Hereditary Prince Gottfried of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, Princesses Marie Melita, Alexanra and Irma of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, Princesses Viktoria and Luise Reuss, Hereditary Prince Heinrich XLV Reuss, Princess Viktoria of Leiningen, Hereditary Prince Karl of Leiningen, and Princes Hermann and Hesso of Leinigen.  

He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including the children of the late Prince Viktor, Count Gleichen. 


http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2012/04/gleichens-unknown-royal-cousins-now-on.html


Princess Luise died in 1904. 

Princess Lilian: funeral

The funeral for the late Princess Lilian of Sweden will be held in the Royal Chapel at the Royal Palace on March 16 at 1 p.m.   Following the service, the Princess will be buried at the Royal Cemetery in Haga.

Princess Lilian: a tribute from Swansea

A nice BBC report from Swansea on the death of Swansea-born Princess Lilian of Sweden, who died yesterday at the age of 97.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-21739041

An interview with Crown Prince Alexander

10 March 2013

Vecernje Novosti

Author: Marko Lopusina

HRH CROWN PRINCE ALEXANDER ABOUT THE BURIAL OF HIS ANCESTORS IN MAY

I WILL FULFILL THE LEGACY OF MY GREAT-GRANDFATHER

THE REMAINS OF HM QUEEN ALEXANDRA AND HM QUEEN MARIA WILL BE AT THE ROYAL CHAPEL IN DEDINJE UNTIL THE FUNERAL

The Royal Family of Karadjordjevic has recently officially announced on its website that the state funeral of King Peter II, Queen Alexandra and Queen Maria, who had lived and died in exile, will be conducted on Sunday, 26 May at the Church of Saint George in Oplenac. As we were told at the Royal Palace, Crown Prince Alexander II is currently putting a great effort into organising the funeral of his father, mother and grandmother, and later on his uncle Andrew, at. the Royal mausoleum.

"Her Majesty Queen Alexandra was buried at the cemetery of the Tatoi Palace Royal Cemetery near Athens, and Her Majesty Queen Maria is buried at the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, which adjoins Windsor Castle. The remains of my mother and grandmother will arrive in Serbia in April. They will be laid at The Royal Chapel in Dedinje compound, where the remains of my father, His Majesty King Peter II already are laid. This funeral will fulfill the legacy of my great-grandfather King Peter I who wanted all the Karadjordjevics to rest in one place," Crown Prince Alexander said in an exclusive interview with  "Vecernje Novosti."

The head of the Royal Family was born on 17 July 1945 in London, at the Claridges hotel where his parents lived in exile. The British government declared suite 212  Yugoslav territory. His godparents were King George VI and his daughter, then Princess Elizabeth, now Queen of Great Britain. It was thanks to Queen Elizabeth that the Karadjordjevic family managed to survive the exile. The first to retreat to England was Queen Maria, who, after the tragedy in Marseilles, where on 9 October 1934 King Alexander was assassinated, lived in retirement in a modest  apartment in London.

"It was a painful and difficult time for her – The Regency era, the rise of fascism, the political intrigue in Yugoslavia, war and very traumatic exile to London. I visited my grandmother many times in London. She was always very gentle with me. I was 16 when she died. My father and my mother, my uncles, Prince Paul and Princess Olga were all at her funeral. I remember vividly going to the private Burial Ground at Frogmore, where my grandmother was buried next to her great-grandmother, Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert," recalls Crown Prince Alexander.

Crown Prince was  educated at  Le Rosey in Switzerland, then the Military Academy Culver in Indiana, United States, Gordonstoun School in Scotland. After he attended  Royal Military Academy of Great Britain, the Crown Prince served as an officer in the  British army.  His uncle Tomislav was putting him through school since his parents were separated. Crown Prince recalls in dear memories the life with his parents

" When I was a child, my parents lived in London at first, then France, Switzerland, Italy, United States. In exile my father was persecuted by longing for his country, his family and people. He longed to return to his roots. He loved his country, where he spent a happy youth. With joy he was showing me the home in Dedinje with excitement and showed me a picture of Oplenac. The father was hurt by false stories of him that were spread throughout our homeland. King Peter II never abdicated and never took no royal treasures. Neither artwork from the court. I'd like to know where are the missing works of art that used to be the Royal Palace," now Crown Prince asks.

For the first time Crown Prince Alexander speaks for public about his life during the separation of his parents in 60’s:

"My parents never divorced. They had difficult times, but always came back together. There was a lot of intrigue and games around my parents. I would visit my parents often in different places where they lived and we were a happy family."

After the  death of his father, King Peter II, in Denver in 1970, Crown Prince Alexander II Karadjordjevic became the new Serbian king.

"As heir to the throne-I decided not to use the title of king," says the Crown Prince,  "I believed that it would be pointless in exile. At the same time I was very clear in that time not to waive my rights and titles, or dynastic right to the crown. And then, as now, I sincerely believe that the only way for Serbia is to become a Parliamentary constitutional monarchy. My role as King would be fixing up the image of Serbia in the world, mainly through lobbying or through acquaintance with foreign leaders. Every Serbian government needs to know they can count on me."

In the  90’s, the Crown Prince's mother,  Queen Alexandra died in England.  She was a Greek princess by birth. 

"I was very sad and emotional. I am glad to say that my mother, Queen Alexandra will soon be transferred to Serbia. Her remains will be presented next to my father in the Royal Chapel – says the Crown Prince who has been living in the Royal Palace since 2001.

"When we moved in 2001 to the Royal Palace, I had to sell our property in London in order to obtain necessary refurbishments and maintenance. By mid-2004 when the Royal Compound was returned to the State budget, Karadjordjevic family financed it up keeping,"  says Alexander.

"The transfer of the royal family remains back to Serbia for many represents gathering in unity of church, state and the dynasty.

"I am strictly fulfilling the legacy of my great grandfather. Oplenac is truly a beautiful and special place.  There are some that think that this is a big step forward to national and historic reconciliation. All great events harbor great work. The return to homeland of my father, mother, grandmother and possibly uncle Andrej is one of those historic endeavors. Joint commitment of government, the church and the Royal House is completely natural.

"I wish to extend my gratitude for support understanding and help to President Tomislav Nikolic and all members of The State Reburial  and transfer Committee, said  Crown Prince Alexander.

 SKIING CHAMPION

"I love sports, especially skiing and diving. During my military career I was a ski champion. Lately I play tennis and dive with special pleasure in exotic seas," reveals Crown Prince Alexander.

NO COMPENSATION

"The funeral with state honors is in itself a significant event.  We do not need anyone to apologize for the fact that we celebrate and honor history. Again, the event cannot be an excuse for not doing some other serious and important things."

EXCITING FIRST TIME IN SERBIA

 "My first arrival to Serbia with my family in 1991 was packed with great emotions. Several tens of thousands citizens welcomed us and I was much moved. It was a dream come true and corner stone of my life."