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Monday, April 29, 2013

Queen Beatrix's final speech

Broadcast earlier tonight on Dutch television.  This is the official English translation
On the eve of my abdication, I would like to take this opportunity to address you all. Unity and freedom have traditionally been the driving forces shaping our country's constitutional order. In years of struggle and revolt against foreign domination, the words of the Wilhelmus were a source of hope and encouragement:
"I dedicate undying faith to this land of mine"
Since that time, the unconditional loyalty of the founding father of our country has also been demonstrated by all those who have fought for our freedom. To this day, this loyalty forms the bedrock of our country's history, which is closely connected with the House of Orange.

From 1890 onwards, our national unity was inextricably linked with four female heads of state. After Queen Regent Emma, after my grandmother Wilhelmina - so valiant in wartime - and after my mother Juliana, with her strong sense of duty, the task and privilege of being your Queen fell to me. The unifying power shown by previous generations was my inspiration. In our constitutional monarchy, with the Constitution as our foundation, the monarch stands for unity in the service of a constantly changing society.

At the investiture, in the presence of the States General, the monarch swears to uphold the Constitution and protect the rights and freedoms of all the inhabitants of the Kingdom. The converse of ministerial responsibility for the acts of the monarch is the duty of the monarch - within the government - to coordinate his actions with the ministers. Democratically enacted laws and decrees are ratified by the monarch's signature. In day-to-day life, the monarch can contribute to respect for democracy, to solidarity within society and to integration and personal development for all sections of the population. This calls for full and unconditional dedication to what - sooner or later, to a greater or lesser degree - presents itself as the common interest of our society. Neither power, nor personal will, nor a claim to inherited authority, but solely the determination to serve the community can give substance to today's monarchy.

In fulfilling this task, the monarchy aims to foster a community whose members feel solidarity with one another. Throughout the last thirty-three years I have had the privilege of meeting great numbers of my compatriots who put themselves at the service of other people, demonstrate their commitment and are willing to do their utmost for their country. I have seen what creative effort and perseverance can accomplish, in the most diverse circumstances. Over the years, my appreciation of people's impressive achievements in science, art and culture has grown immensely. Scope for self-expression and exploration of new avenues are of vital importance for us all. The way people of different beliefs or convictions seek to draw closer to one other has touched me deeply, also because it is a sign of openness and tolerance.

In all this, the great trust you placed in me was indispensable. I have shared both joy and national pride with you. And I have shared in your sorrow and anxiety. The population of the Netherlands in Europe and in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom have strengthened me with their spontaneous warmth and expressions of solidarity. Beyond our borders too, international contacts proved their worth in furthering mutual understanding. The vicissitudes of the world touch our daily lives. Countless ties bind us to people in other continents. This compels us to remain open to other ways of life and other cultures.

A divided Europe long bore the scars of a past marked by war and violence. Today, peaceful cooperation and an awareness of common interests prevail. Decisions made by the European Union determine our daily life where this is necessary or useful. Our own self-interest obliges us to contribute to the common interest and to the wider perspective of a shared responsibility in the world.

In all this, I had the great good fortune to be able to count on the support of Prince Claus. His level-headed insights and nuanced approach were of great value to me. Through his work in the fields of urban planning, the environment, development cooperation and culture, he focused attention on crucial social issues. He taught our sons, when they were still very young, to be alert to developments in society and to suffering and need in the world. In this way, he brought our House closer to modern times. History may indeed conclude that my choice of husband was the best decision I ever made.

Since I announced my intention to relinquish the throne, I have been overwhelmed by expressions of warmth and kindness, accompanied by a profound understanding of my wish to hand over my task to the Prince of Orange. He is well prepared for every aspect of his new role, through his intensive activities at national and international level and his keen interest in the developments taking place in our world today. During the ceremonial investiture in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam, King Willem-Alexander will accept the imperative that is essential to the office: to act without regard to personal preference, and to stand above the interest of party or group. In fulfilling his task, he will ask for the support and trust of the Dutch people. We all feel blessed by the fact that his endearing wife Máxima, with her warm heart and clear understanding of human relations, will play a special role.

In laying down my duties as Queen, I am above all filled with a sense of deep gratitude. Without your heart-warming and encouraging expressions of regard, the burdens of office - and they have certainly made themselves felt - would have been very heavy indeed. I would like to let you know, in saying farewell, that your affection has given me the strength I needed. In the future too, your continuing closeness will remain a great support.

When tomorrow my eldest son assumes this rewarding and responsible task, it is my dearest wish that the new Royal couple will also feel supported by your loving trust. I am convinced that Willem-Alexander will devote himself, with loyalty and dedication, to discharging his duties as a good King should.

Home again








all photos: @ Royal Family of Serbia
Beloved Queen returns to Serbia

 Belgrade, 29 April 2013 – His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander on behalf of the Royal Family of Serbia has the honor to inform the public that a historic day has come when his beloved grandmother Her Majesty Queen Maria Remains were brought back today to her homeland of Serbia with the gracious permission of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Dean of Windsor, Anglican Church, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia.


A memorial service for late HM Queen Mother Maria, who died on 22 June 1961 while in exile and was buried at The Royal Burial grounds in Frogmore near Windsor Castle, was officiated yesterday in London at The Serbian Orthodox Church St. Sava in London in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander, Crown Princess Katherine, Prince Peter, Prince Philip, Princess Katarina (daughter of Prince Tomislav); Prince Dimitri and Princess Lavinia (children of Prince Andrej), Mr. Nicholas Balfour (representing and son of HRH Princess Elisabeth), H. E. Dr. Dejan Popovic Ambassador or Serbia in United Kingdom and many devoted citizens members of Serbian and Yugoslav diaspora who paid their final respects to the late Queen Mother.

 HM Queen Maria’s casket was met today at the Nikola Tesla airport (Belgrade) by Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander, Crown Princess Katherine, Princess Elizabeth, Prince George and Prince Michael, H.E. Mr. Ivica Dacic, Prime Minister of Serbia, Professor Oliver Antic Special Advisor and Mr. Radoslav Pavlovic Cultural Advisor to President of Serbia H.E. Mr. Tomislav Nikolic, government officials and Serbian Orthodox Church representative His Grace Vicar Bishop of Hvosno Atanasije with blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia.

Queen Marie returns to Belgrade

HRH Crown Prince Alexander, HRH Crown Princess Katherine,HRH Prince Peter, HRH Prince Philip, Mr.Luca Prichard-Levy, Mr. Nicholas Balfour(representing and son of HRH Princess Elisabeth), Sir Desmond de Silva,HRH Prince Dimitri and HRH Princess Lavinia with husband Mr. Austin Prichard- Levy  (HRH Crown Prince Alexander)

A memorial service for the late HM Queen Mother Maria was officiated this morning by Very Reverend Father Radomir Acimovic in London at The Serbian Orthodox Church St. Sava in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander, Crown Princess Katherine, Prince Peter, Prince Philip, Princess Katarina (daughter of Prince Tomislav), Prince Dimitri and Princess Lavinia (children of Prince Andrej), Mr. Nicholas Balfour (representing and son of HRH Princess Elizabeth) H. E. Dr. Dejan Popovic, Ambassador of Serbia in United Kingdom and many devoted citizens who paid their final respects to the beloved Queen. 

Her Majesty Queen Mother Maria died on 22 June 1961 in exile and was buried at The Royal Burial grounds in Frogmore near Windsor Castle. With the gracious permission of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Dean of Windsor, Anglican Church, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Her Majesty’s remains will be transferred to the Royal Chapel of St. Andrew the First Called at the Royal Palace in Belgrade tomorrow Monday 29 April.


Following the Memorial Service Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine hosted a private lunch for the Royal Family at Claridge’s Hotel.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander emphasized: “Dear relatives, friends and admirers of Queen Maria and the Karadjordjevic Dynasty. We are gathered here today to say farewell to our grandmother, Queen Maria, on her way home, where she will soon join family members in Royal Mausoleum at Oplenac. Queen Maria died fifty-two years ago and was buried here in Great Britain, surrounded by her ancestors and relatives.
However, she was far away from Serbia, our country and her people whom she loved with all her heart and whose great benefactor she was. The return to Serbia was a great wish of Queen and today she is finally going back there, to be buried next to her husband King Alexander I and her sons. By paying respect to Queen Maria, today we also pay respect to all who took part in creating Serbian history.

 I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Dean of St. George Church in Windsor, the Church of England and the Serbian ambassador to the United Kingdom Dr. Dejan Popovic. My thanks go to all members of the Government of the Republic of Serbia for their great support, as well as to the State Commission for the transfer of Karadjordjevic family members' remains. I thank everybody who were persistent in helping this journey come true. May God speed your return home, dear grandmother! Eternal Glory to her!”

 
On Monday, 29 April HM Queen Maria’s casket will be met at the Nikola Tesla Airport (Belgrade) by Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander, Crown Princess Katherine, Princess Elizabeth, H.E. Mr. Ivica Dacic Serbian Prime Minister, Professor Oliver Antic Special legal Advisor and Mr. Radoslav Pavlovic Cultural Advisor to President of Serbia H. E. Mr. Tomislav Nikolic, government officials and Serbian Orthodox Church representative His Grace Vicar Bishop of Hvosno Atanasije with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia.

 The memorial service for HM Queen Maria at the Royal Chapel will be officiated by His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia at 6 p.m. Following the service a reception will take place in the Royal Palace for State officials, members of the Crown Council and Religious leaders.


Her Majesty Queen Maria will be placed next to her son His Majesty King Peter II at The Royal Palace Chapel of St. Andrew the First Called in Belgrade until 26 May when the official State Funeral ceremony for Their Majesties King Peter II, Queen Alexandra and Queen Mother Maria will take place in The Family Mausoleum in Oplenac.

 
 

Abdication & Installation: Outline of Abdication and Investiture Programme, 19 March 2013

Outline of Abdication and Investiture Programme, 19 March 2013


TIMES:  Subtract 6 hours for the US East coast

Programme outline (subject to change):

29 April 2013


20.00-22.30
Dinner, at the invitation of Her Majesty the Queen, with members of the Royal Family and other royal and foreign missions at the Rijksmuseum.

30 April 2013


10.00-10.30
Abdication of Her Majesty the Queen in the Moseszaal of the Royal Palace Amsterdam. Those present will include the Presidents of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Council of Ministers for the Kingdom and members of the Royal Family, the governors and prime-ministers of Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten.

The Queen will give a short address. The Director of the Queen's Office will then read aloud the instrument of abdication to which the Queen will then give her assent by means of her signature. Finally the instrument of abdication will be signed by the witnesses.

10.30-10.50
His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, Her Majesty Queen Máxima and Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands appear on the balcony of the Royal Palace Amsterdam. Princess Beatrix and the King will both give a short address, after which the Wilhelmus will be played. Her Royal Highness the Princess of Orange and Their Royal Highnesses Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane will then join their parents on the balcony.

13.30
Opening of the joint session of the States General, following the entry of the members of the States General, the States of Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten, the Council of Ministers for the Kingdom and the Council of State.

13.50
Princess Beatrix and other members of the Royal Family proceed to the Nieuwe Kerk.

14.00
The King and the main cortege proceed to the Nieuwe Kerk.

14.00-15.30
Swearing in and investiture of the King at the joint session of the two Houses of the States General in the Nieuwe Kerk. The King will deliver an address and be sworn in. The President of the joint session, Fred de Graaf, will deliver an address and make a solemn declaration, after which members of the States General and the States of Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten swear an oath or make an affirmation.

15.30
The King and his retinue proceed to the Royal Palace Amsterdam.

16.30-18.00
Reception for royal and foreign missions, dignitaries and members of the States General and the States of Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten, Council of Ministers for the Kindom, the Council of State, governors and prime-ministers of Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten and the Corps Diplomatique in the Royal Palace Amsterdam.

19.30
The Song for the King will be performed in the presence of the King and Queen, prior to the water pageant. This will take place at the EYE Film Museum via a video link with Ahoy Rotterdam.

19.45-21.30
The King and Queen will take part in a water pageant with their daughters on the River IJ. They will sail from EYE Film Institute past the Oever Park and the 'Kop van Java'. At several places along the route they will be treated to a festive programme, including a 'mini Sail'.

21.30
Celebration, hosted by the Prime Minister on behalf of the Council of Ministers for the Kingdom.

Official guest list

Royal Family, Royal Delegations and Special Delegations at the abdication and investiture, 28 April 2013


The following members of the Royal Family, Royal Delegations and Special Delegations will be present at the ceremonies surrounding the abdication and investiture on 30 April.

Royal Family


  • The Queen / Princess Beatrix
  • The Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima / the King and Queen
  • Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane
  • Princess Mabel
  • Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien
  • Princess Irene
  • Princess Margriet and Professor Pieter van Vollenhoven
  • Princess Christina
  • Prince Carlos and Princess Annemarie
  • Princess Margarita and Mr Tjalling ten Cate
  • Prince Jaime
  • Princess Carolina and Mr Albert Brenninkmeijer
  • Prince Maurits and Princess Marilène
  • Prince Bernhard and Princess Annette
  • Prince Pieter Christiaan and Princess Anita
  • Prince Floris and Princess Aimée
  • Mr Bernardo Guillermo
  • Mr Nicolás Guillermo
  • Ms Juliana Guillermo

Royal Delegations


  • Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde of Belgium
  • Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al Khalifa of Bahrain
  • Crown Prince Billah and Princess Sarah of Brunei
  • Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark
  • Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako of Japan
  • Prince El Hassan bin Talal and Princess Sarvath El Hassan of Jordan
  • Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein
  • Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg
  • Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco
  • Prince Albert II of Monaco
  • Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princees Mette-Marit of Norway
  • Haitham bin Tareq al Said (Oman)
  • Sheikha Moza bint Nasser al-Misned (Qatar)
  • The Prince and Princess of Asturias (Spain)
  • Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn (Thailand)
  • Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (Thailand)
  • The Prince of  Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall (United Kingdom)
  • Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed al Nahyan (United Arab Emirates)
  • Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden

Special Delegations


  • Mr Amado Boudou, Vice-President of Argentina, and Senator Beatriz Rojkes de Alperovich, Provisional President of the Senate
  • Mr David Johnston, Governor-General of Canada, and Mrs Sharon Johnston
  • Professor Rita Süssmuth, former President of the Bundestag, and Professor Hans Süssmuth (Germany)
  • Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan and Mrs Zeynep Babacan of Turkey
  • Mr Suh Sang-Kee, Chairman of the Intelligence Committee of the National Assembly (Republic of Korea)
  • Mr José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, and Mrs Margarida Barroso
  • Mr Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament
  • Mr Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, and Mrs Geertrui Van Rompuy
  • Count Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, and Countess Anne Rogge-Bovyn
  • Mr Kofi A. Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Mrs Nane Annan
  • Mrs Helen Clark, UNDP Administrator
Not a surprise about Bernardo Guillermo not being accompanied by his wife.  Although invitations were sent to the heirs to the thrones,  Prince Albert of Monaco will be attending.  He's is the sovereign of a princely state, which does not have diplomatic relations with most countries.  The Dutch embassy in Paris is also responsible for Monaco.   Albert will never make a state visit to the Netherlands, nor will the King and Queen of the Netherlands pay a state visit to Monaco.

Albert and Willem-Alexander were both members of the IOC, which may explain Albert's invitation.   Albert's sister, Princess Caroline, does not carry out engagements on behalf of her brother.  She is first in line, but she is not treated as the heir to the principality.

Investiture of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands

The celebrations will begin this evening when Queen Beatrix hosts her final dinner as Queen of the Netherlands.  The gala event will take place at Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum.

CNN will be having reports tomorrow  ... so if you have CNNI, check to see if they are providing live coverage of the abdication and investiture.  

Hello magazine will be providing live streaming of the gala dinner tonight and tomorrow's abdication and Installation.

http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2013042912305/dutch-inauguration-live-streaming/

Most likely, the streaming will come from the Dutch channel, so the commentary will be in Dutch.   The streaming should start about 3 pm est.

http://www.youtube.com/noskoningshuis

Friday, April 26, 2013

Why Princess Caroline is not the Hereditary Princess of Monaco

I've been in a discussion about Princess Caroline of Monaco's official title.  Several "royal watchers" argue she is the Hereditary Princess of Monaco.   I counter argue she is not HSH The Hereditary Princess of Monaco.

One watcher cited Wikipedia as her source.  I've written about royalty for decades now (even before the Internet), and I am a professional librarian -- so I won't accept Wikipedia as the source, especially as a primary source. 

Caroline is first in line, but this does not make her the official Hereditary Princess.  She is not the daughter of the Reigning Prince.  She is the sister, and her succession rights are provisional, based on changes made to the Monegasque constitution in 2002. 

Act 2 of the family law states:  'héritier du Prince régnant qui est le plus proche dans l'ordre successoral résultant desdites dispositions est Prince Héréditaire.   Hereditary Prince.  Not Princess.  The family law does not include references for a female heir to the throne.  Why?  Males take precedence.  What is also important: Caroline is NOT treated as the heir.  She has no official duties representing the Prince.

Prior to this change, the succession in Monaco was limited to the children of the reigning Sovereign Prince.   The Sovereign Prince also had the right, when he reached the age of 50, to adopt an heir.    Under the old law, when Rainier died, Caroline and Stephanie and their descendants ceased to be heirs, but Albert, when reached his 50th birthday, was permitted to adopt an heir.  It was largely assumed that Albert would have adopted his nephew Andrea Casiraghi as his heir.

But the constitution was changed, and siblings and their descendants of the Sovereign Prince remained in the line of succession until the succession of the Sovereign Prince's direct heir.    This applied to legitimate and legitimated children, which is why Princess Stephanie's youngest daughter, Camille, does not have succession rights.  Stephanie never married Camille's father.   Andrea Casiraghi's only son, Sacha, won't become a dynast until Andrea marries Tatiana Santo Domingo.

Thus, if Albert has a child, who succeeds him, Caroline and Stephanie and their descendants lose their rights to succeed.  Thus, Caroline has provisional succession rights during her brother's lifetime.   Should Albert not have legitimate issue, the succession will pass to Caroline and then her eldest son.  At this time, however,  Andrea is not a member of the Princely family although he has dynastic rights.  If Caroline succeeds her brother,  Stephanie and her legitimate descendants will remain in line until the succession of Andrea's eldest son.

This can be avoided only if Charlene gives birth to an heir.

Monaco's succession is not gender equal, but male primogeniture.   Neither the Constitution nor the House Laws, which were also amended in 2002, refer to a female Sovereign or a female heir.  The laws refer to a male heir, apparent or presumptive.  Siblings are rarely officially styled as the heir because there is a the presumption that the Sovereign could have a direct heir.   Caroline is not a direct heir.  Her brother is married to a woman who is of child bearing age.

http://www.monaco-consulate.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/Constitution.pdf

http://cloud.gouv.mc/dataweb/JourMon.nsf/966e69337756d51ac12568c40037f872/377a52c45b08835ec1256bd4004e7837!OpenDocument

Princess Caroline, who is estranged from her third husband, HRH Prince Ernst August of Hanover, lives in Monaco.  She is not treated as the official heir.  Take a look at the official site for the Princely House:  http://www.palais.mc/monaco/palais-princier/english/homepage.1969.html

Caroline is styled as HRH The Princess of Hanover or SAR Le Princesse de Hanovre.  Her stationary and official missives describe her as the Princess of Hanover.  There is nothing on the official site for the Princely family that describes her as the Hereditary Princess.   Caroline's official biography does not refer to her as the heiress presumptive or the Hereditary Princess. 

Prince Albert remains the Marquis de Baux because he has no male heir.  A distaff heir cannot be the Marquis de Baux.   If Caroline dies before Albert,  Andrea could be the presumptive Hereditary Prince because he is a male. 

I absolutely think that if Caroline were officially the Hereditary Princess of Monaco, she would be styled as such.  The title would certainly trump Princess of Hanover as Hanover no longer exist as a sovereign state.  Caroline would certainly revel in her position as her brother's heir, but if Charlene gives birth,  Caroline loses that position as her own succession rights -- and the rights of her children -- are provisional.

If Charlene has a child, that child will become the heir, and when that heir succeeds,  Caroline and Stephanie and their descendants cease to be heirs.    If Albert has a daughter and then three sons,  the three sons move ahead of the daughter, unless the Constitution and House laws are changed to allow for the succession of the eldest child.  Until then, the Sovereign and the heir are presumed to be male, which is primary reason why Caroline is not the Hereditary Princess of Monaco.  


The majority of Europe's monarchies now have gender equal succession.  Liechtenstein remains semi-Salic.  Spain and Monaco are both male primogeniture. 

The House Laws, the Constitution, the official site or Wikipedia? 

Kendra Spears and her surfer boyfriend

Just one week ago, American model Kendra Spears, now the fiancée of Prince Rahim Aga Khan, was profiled by fashion TV as the model of the week.

"“I like to consider myself as sophisticated,” says Spears. “I think it’s about being open minded and not so much about what you know but taking in information all the time and always responding positively [to situations].”

But modeling aside, Spears is an avid traveler  last Summer alone she jet-set between Sardinia, Hawaii, Seattle, New York, Biarritz, and England with her surfer boyfriend who has even got Spears trying her hand at riding the waves too! Is there anything this chick can’t do?!"


Surfer boyfriend?  Hmmm!  One week ago.  Kendra fibbing a bit, with the knowledge that she was about to announce her engagement to the verrrry rich Prince Rahim Aga Khan, heir to the Aga Khan ...


http://www.fashiontv.com/news/cool-carefree-kendra-spears-fashiontvs-model-of-the-week_1463.html

http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2013/04/american-model-to-marry-heir-to-aga-khan.html

http://nymag.com/thecut/2011/11/model-kendra-spears-owes-her-old-agency-money.html

http://www.vogue.com/vogue-daily/article/model-wall-kendra-spears/#1


http://www.papermag.com/2009/03/a_quick_paris_fashion_week_chi.php

(an interview from 2009 when she had a boyfriend named Aaron.)

Lastly, a very charming photo of the future (perhaps) Begum Aga Khan.
http://www.stylesaint.com/tear/4f7e3531ee8ffb1a6e000104

American model to marry heir to Aga Khan


credit: Gary Otte (Aga Khan's office)
The Aga Khan has announced the engagement of his eldest son, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, to Miss Kendra Spears, an American model. 

Miss Spears was born in Seattle, Washington, on August 5, 1988.  She is a graduate of South Kitsap High School in Washington State.  She studied Sociology at Portland State University.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan was born October 12, 1971.  He is the second eldest child of the Aga Khan and his first wife, Sarah Crocker-Poole, who was a fashion model in the 1960s.

Rahim's younger brother, Prince Hussain, married an American woman, Kristin White.  They met at Columbia University in New York City.   Kristin converted to Islam and took the name Khalyia.  The marriage lasted only five years, and the couple was reported to have separated in September 2011.    The eldest of Aga Kahn's three children by his first wife, Princess Zahra's married to Briton Mark Boyden, ended in 2005.

Prince Rahim and Miss Spears have been a couple for at least a year.
 
http://www.eternalmewar.in/media/newsletter/templates/2012/nl130/Vol130_12.html



"Aiglemont, France, 26 April 2013 — His Highness the Aga Khan today announced the engagement of his eldest son, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, to Ms. Kendra Spears of Seattle, Washington, the United States.

The Aga Khan, who is the Spiritual Leader or Imam of the global community of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, said he was delighted to announce the engagement.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan holds a BA from Brown University and an executive management degree from the Navarra Business School in Barcelona, Spain. He is involved in the poverty reduction efforts, notably micro-credit activities, of the Aga Khan Development Network – one of the largest private systems of agencies fostering social, cultural and economic development in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Ms. Spears holds a BA in sociology from the University of Washington in her native Seattle. She has a strong interest in arts and architecture. Ms. Spears has had a highly successful career as a model, working with many of the most prestigious fashion houses."

The couple will be married in a Muslim ceremony. The date of the marriage has not been set yet.

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-roundup.html

Thursday, April 25, 2013

New additions to my collection

Princess Adelheid Luise of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, 4th daughter of Duke Friedrich Ferdinand, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein and Princess Karoline Mathilde of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenberg.  October 19-1889-June 11 1964)   Married August 1, 1914 to Friedrich Prinz zu Solms-Baruth.  Grandmother of Prince Andreas of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

A rather chic Princess Friedrich Sigsmund of Prussia (nee Princess Marie Luise of Schaumburg-Lippe 1897-1938).


Princess Friedrich Leopold of Prussia (nee Princess Luise Sophie of Schleswig-Holstein, younger sister of Empress Auguste Viktoria)

Areally nice wedding gift from the Czar

April 25, 1899

Russian Emperor Nicholas II will "bestow" a dowry of £100,000 ($500,000) in Duchess Jutta of Mecklenburg-Strelitz as a wedding gift, reports the New York Times.  She is betrothed to Danilo, Crown Prince of Montenegro.

Princess Maria Rosa to marry son of factory worker

April 26, 1923

The banns were published earlier today in Bartenstein announcing the marriage of Princess Maria Rosa Adelheid of Hohenlohe-Bartenstein and Josef Hugo Waldenmeier, the son of a local factory worker, according to a United Press dispatch.

Princess Maria Rosa, 19, is the eldest daughter of the late Johannes Prince of Hohenlohe-Bartenstein and Archduchess Anna of Austria.  Her father died in 1921, and was succeeded by her brother, Prince Karl.

The marriage is expected to take place within the next two weeks.

http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2012/12/princess-to-give-up-rank-for-teacher.html

Will Miss Leishman be a duchess: Germans say no



Embed from Getty Images
April 25, 1913

German aristocrats are debating the question of whether Miss Nancy Leishman, daughter of the American Ambassador to Germany, "will ever be recognized as full Duchess."  Will she even be able to call herself Duchess of Croy.

According to the New York Times,  the consensus of expert opinions seems to be that she will not."

There will be legal proceedings to prevent the Duke of Croy from "conferring the rank of Duchess" on Miss Leishman after their marriage.

There is already a precedent in the Croy family, a "freak of fate," in a case begun on the Duke's behalf when was a minor.  The action was taken by his guardian with the "object of disbarring the offspring" of his cousin, Prince Philipp of Croy, who married an English woman, Elizabeth Mary Parnell.  Miss Parnell was prohibited from being styled as Princess of Croy or "enjoying the prerogatives of the house of Croy."

The Duke of Croy now finds himself in the same situation.  He is about to "contract a matrimonial alliance of the same kind" that he, as head of the house, had persuaded the courts to not recognize.

There are "certain members" of the Croy family with "long memories" who welcome an "opportunity" to not support the duke.

One expert said:  "Two views may be taken of the Duke of Croy's position.  One is that the ducal Croy title is a French title, and is not subject to any restrictions regarding equality of birth in marriage.  Miss Leishman would thus be the Duchess of Croy, even if her children should be deprived of any rights to the family estates in Westphalia.

"The other view is that the Duke of Croy, who became a German sovereign in 1801,  was thereby elevated to a rank above that of a French duke, which he previously was.  His offspring, therefore, is to be regarded as mediatized with the incidental obliteration of the old rank and title of French Dukes.

"In this case Miss Leishman, as a morganatic bride, in Germany, could never, at least, even take the name of her husband.  She would suffer the same fate as Fraulein Marie Grathwohl, who had to content herself with the name Baroness Bronn after marrying Prince Karl zu Hohenlohe-Langenburg, a kinsman of the Kaiser.

"Everything depends on the latitude which the house laws of the Croy family permit the young Duke.  I fear that neither he nor his prospective father-in-law has gone as thoroughly into the question as might have been done."

The Duke of Croy is a member of the German high nobility, who is not "subject to any ordinary jurisdiction," but his "own exclusive house laws."

The Croy family is of equal rank to the reigning houses.  This was established in 1912, when the Duke's sister, Princess Isabella, married Prince Franz of Bavaria, third son of the Prince Regent.     His aunt, the sister of his father, also Princess Isabella, has been married to for 35 years to Archduke Friedrich of Austria, brother of the Dowager Queen Maria Cristina of Spain.

But it is "fairly certain" that Miss Leishman, an American girl, will not be able to join the high German nobility, and no son would be permitted to succeed as Duke.

Succession to the Crown Act is the law

Queen Elizabeth II gave her assent earlier today to the Succession to Crown Act. 

Just a few small changes: 

Roman Catholics remain excluded from the succession, but the loss of rights due to marrying a Roman Catholic has been removed,  This means the Earl of St. Andrews, Prince Michael of Kent, King Michael of Romania and Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia, among others are again possible dynasts.

The Royal Marriages Act is no more.  Only the first six in line to the throne will be required to seek permission to marry.  If they do not, they (and their descendants) will lose their rights.  Automatic.

As of today: the top six are the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, Prince Harry of Wales, the Duke of York, Princess Beatrice of York and Princess Eugenie of York.

Princess Eugenie will fall to seventh place when the Duchess of Cambridge gives birth in July.

... and the biggest change:   succession to the throne is now gender equal: the eldest child will be the heir apparent.  No pesky little brother to push big sister out of the way.    Male primogeniture was based largely on tradition in England, and, more recently, the United Kingdom.  The Act of Settlement (1701) made no reference to male primogeniture.    The Act remains valid with some tweaking (most notably, the removal of the loss of succession rights to possible dynasts who marry Roman Catholics.)

The United Kingdom becomes the seventh European monarchy to adopt gender equality for succession to the throne.    The other countries are Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Denmark and Luxembourg.  

Although there was discussion in Spain to start the process to change the law,  no legislation is pending in the Spanish Parliament.  The Prince and Princess of Asturias are the parents of two daughters: Infanta Leonor and Infanta Sofia. 

Louise Nicolson, a great-granddaughter of Princess Patricia of Connaught, is the last person to receive permission to marry according to Royal Marriages Act.  Louise will marry Charles Morshead in May.

http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-last-approval-under-royal-marriages.html

Princess Madeleine's wedding: more details

The Royal Palace in Stockholm has released more details for Princess Madeleine's wedding on June 8.


A private dinner for the invited guests will be held at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm on June 7.  The hosts for this event will be the Princess' parents, the King and Queen.

The wedding will take place at the Royal Chapel in the Palace on June 8 at 4 p.m.  After the wedding, the newlyweds will travel by horse and carriage from the Palace to Riddarholmen.  They will travel by boat to Drottningholm.

A dinner for the invited guests will be held at Drottingholm Palace, also hosted by the King and Queen.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

50 years ago today: Princess Alexandra marries the Hon. Angus Ogilvy






all : Marlene A. Eilers Koenig collection
HRH Princess Alexandra of Kent and the Hon. Angus Ogilvy were married today - April 24, 1963 at Westminster Abbey.


Queen Marie's remains to be returned to Serbia

 
Marlene A. Eilers Koenig collection

HM Queen Maria’s mortal remains to be repatriated to Serbia on Monday April 29th

 

HRH Crown Prince Alexander together with his family would like to inform the public that the process of exhumation and repatriation of his grandmother Queen Maria is in the last stage thanks to the gracious permission of Her Majesty Queen Eliz
abeth II, and cooperation of the Dean of Windsor and Church of England, as well as the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia.

HM Queen Maria’s remains will be transferred from the Royal Burial Ground in Frogmore, Windsor Castle, to the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in London on Saturday, 27th April 2013 where they will stay until Monday, 29 April, when the official transfer to Belgrade, Serbia will take place.

On Sunday, 28 April at 10:30 am, in the presence of the TRH Crown Prince Alexander, Crown Princess Katherine, Prince Peter, Prince Philip, as well as Princess Katarina (daughter of Prince Tomislav) and Prince Vladimir, Prince Dimitri and Princess Lavinia (children of Prince Andrej) a Holy Liturgy will be officiated at the Serbian Orthodox Church of St. Sava in London (89 Lancaster Gate, London W11 1QQ) followed by a Memorial service for Queen Maria (around 12:00 noon).

On Monday, 29 April HM Queen Maria’s coffin will be met at the Nikola Tesla airport (Belgrade) by the Royal Family, Professor Oliver Antic Special Legal Advisor and Mr. Radoslav Pavlovic Cultural Advisor to the President of Serbia H.E. Mr. Tomislav Nikolic, government officials and Serbian Orthodox Church representative His Grace Vicar Bishop of Hvosno Atanasije with the blessing of His Holiness Serbian  Patriarch Irinej. HM Queen Maria’s coffin will then be transferred to the Royal Chapel of St. Andrew the First Called. A memorial service for HM Queen Maria at the Royal Chapel will be officiated by His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia at 6.00 p.m. Following the church service a reception will take place for State officials, members of the Crown Council and Religious leaders.

Queen Maria was the daughter of HM King Ferdinand of Romania and HM Queen Marie of Romania (a daughter of HRH Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, a son of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom). The Queen was born in Gotha, Thuringia, in Germany 6 January 1900 and died in London 22 June 1961. Her Majesty married HM King Alexander I of Yugoslavia in Belgrade 8 June 1922 and they had three sons Crown Prince Peter, and Prince Tomislav and Prince Andrej.
 

Is Bernardo Guillermo's marriage -- Open?

A website, Jezebel, has an article -- don't want to use the word "reporting" -- about the breakup of a musician, Thurston Moore (never heard of him) and his wife of 30 years, Kim Gordon.

Gordon was interviewed by Elle, a fashion magazine, where she discussed the breakup of her marriage:  "it ended in a kind of normal way—midlife crisis, starstruck woman," referring to a mysterious other woman who had allegedly wormed her way into the couple's inner circle. Naturally, music geeks took to the Internet to opine about her identity, and, through a source, we've confirmed who it is."

The alleged "home wrecker" is said to be 34-year-old New York based art book editor, Eva Prinz (nee Valdez) whose first husband was Andrew Prinz who played in a band called Mahogany.  They divorced.  In 2009,  Eva married Bernardo Guillermo, son of Princess Christina of the Netherlands and her former husband, Jorge Guillermo. 

Eva and Bernardo have a daughter, who was born five months before the marriage.  One assumes Bernardo will be in the Netherlands on Tuesday for the Inauguration of his cousin, Willem-Alexander as King.  Will he be accompanied by his wife, who has described their marriage  as "open?"


http://jezebel.com/is-this-the-woman-who-broke-up-kim-gordon-and-thurston-478479027


Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Frederik and Ingrid in Chicago

April 23, 1939

Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Ingrid arrived in Chicago this afternoon for a three day visit.  They traveled by train from Minneapolis, reports the New York Times.

The young couple received a "tumultuous welcome" from several thousand people, including representatives from Chicago's Scandinavian community.  There were large cheers when they alighted from the train at Union Station.

They are now attending a "large reception" in their honor at the Danish Trinity Lutheran church.

Queen Marie ruins granddaughter's marriage plans

Embed from Getty Images 


 April 23, 1903

The Marquise de Fontenoy is reporting that it was former Queen Marie of Hannover who "was responsible for the affront placed by her son, the Duke of Cumberland, upon Kaiser Wilhelm II, when he left Copenhagen just before Wilhelm's arrival.

It seems that arrangements had been made to complete the arrangements for a marriage between Crown Prince Wilhelm, the Kaiser's eldest son, and Princess Alexandra of Cumberland, and to restore the Duke of Cumberland to the duchy of Brunswick.

Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph, King Edward VII, whose sister-in-law is married to the Duke of Cumberland,  the Dowager Empress of Russia and the Kings of Denmark and Greece, have all been trying to effect a reconciliation between the Hannover and Prussian families.   This reconciliation would "strengthen Germany unity by cutting the ground under the feet of the Guelph party.

But the elderly Queen Marie, who lives at Gmunden in Austria, reminded her son of his pledge to his father, the late King Georg V, and "entreating" him to wait until after her death before consenting to a reconciliation with the Kaiser.

The Duke of Cumberland is devoted to his mother, "a wonderfully strong character, and he "yielded to her entreaty," leaving Copenhagen at a moment's notice, thus ending the efforts of his own family who worked behind the scenes to bring about the meeting ... and the marriage of his daughter to the Crown Prince.

It is unlikely that the marriage will now take place.

Update: Dutch investiture

Dutch news sources are reporting that the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will be attending the investiture of King Willem-Alexander on April 29.   The Prince of Wales also attended Queen Beatrix's investiture in 1980.

The invitations were sent not to the Sovereign, but to the heirs to the throne.  The Prince and his lovely spouse will be joining the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Denmark, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Norway,  the Crown Princess and Prince Daniel of Sweden, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Belgium, the Prince and Princess of Asturias, the Hereditary Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Japan.

Royal death: HH Princess Otto of Hesse



Elisabeth was the second wife of Prince Otto of Hesse, youngest son of the late Philipp, Landgrave of Hesse , and Princess Mafalda of Italy.  They married on December 28, 1988.  Prince Otto died at Hannover on January 3, 1998.  

Monday, April 22, 2013

A ball for Alexandra and Angus



Embed from Getty Images
April 22, 1963

Queen Elizabeth II "lighted up Windsor Castle" tonight for a pre-wedding ball in honor of her first cousin, Princess Alexandra of Kent, who will marry Scots nobleman, the Hon. Angus Ogilvy tomorrow, reports the Chicago Tribune press service.

The festivities began with a dinner for 70 guests including the British royal family,  the Ogilvy family and "nearly three dozen foreign royal cousins."

After the dinner, the guests moved to the Waterloo room at the castle to join more than 2000 more guests, including "several dozen more royal foreigners."

Princess Alexandra and her fiancé "led off the dancing to a Strauss waltz."  Alexandra, the only daughter of the late Duke of Kent and Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, wore a diamond tiara "with her long chalk-white silk down.

Queen Elizabeth was dressed in "white lace with luminous all-over bead embroidery, an emerald and diamond tiara, matching necklace and bracelet, and the blue riband of the garter order."

Prince Philip and the other princes wore "Windsor coasts, blue with red collars and cuffs."  Philip and the other garter knights also wore "knee breeches with jeweled garters."

Queen Elizabeth picked up the $50,000 tab for the cost of the party, which featured smoked salmon and caviar.  Among the last to arrive were King Olav of Norway and the Countess of Paris, "with whom Alexandra spend part of her schooling in France."

Queen Frederika of Greece had to sneak out the side door of  Claridge's hotel to avoid demonstrators calling for the release of a Greek political prisoner."

Earlier today, Princess Alexandra and Mr. Ogilvy were at Westminster Abbey for a final wedding rehearsal.

A defiant Grand Duchess

April 22, 1939

Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg swore today to devote her devote her life "to the welfare of our dear country and to safeguard its independence." reports the Associated Press.

The tiny Grand Duchy is celebrating its 100th anniversary of its independence.

Geraldine turns down movie offer

April 22, 1939

Former Queen Geraldine of Albania has "rejected an offer from an American film company," according to the Associated Press.  

A lawyer for the Apponyi family made the announcement earlier today, stating that the former Queen, born Countess Geraldine Apponyi, had "no intention to seek a stage or film career."

King Zog, Queen Geraldine and their two-day-old son were forced to flee Albania after Italy invaded their country.   They are now living in Greece, but the queen's family lawyer told reports that the royal family was considering the United States or England as "possible choices" for their new home.

They "remain undecided" on when they will leave Greece.   The Hungarian lawyer also noted that Zog had "received a substantial sum" from an Anglo-Dutch company "for permission to exploit certain oil fields owned by his family."   This money was deposited in a London bank.

Zog will not, however, "make a lecture tour" in the United States, although he had been offered a "tour contract."

Geraldine, whose mother, Gladys Stewart, is American, has never been to the United States.   Her mother now lives in France.

Prince Felix has set the date!

Prince Felix of Luxembourg and Claire Lademacher have finally set the date ...

The civil wedding will take place on September 17, 2013 at Königstein im Taunus in Germany.  The bride's family live in Königstein.  

Four days later on September 21, the couple will be married in a Roman Catholic service at the Basilica of Sainte Marie-Madeleine de Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume in Provence, France.

http://www.wort.lu/en/view/prince-felix-claire-set-wedding-date-5175460fe4b0b3baac01e1c3.


The bride's very wealthy father, Helmut Lademacher, owns several properties in the area, including http://www.chateau-les-crostes.eu/index.php/en/

the newest QVD

Alexandra Tillard gave birth to her second son,  Oliver Stefan Tillard, on April 21st.  Oliver joins older brother, Aaron.

Alexandra is the daughter of Ileana Habsburg-Lothringen and David Snyder.

The middle name is in honor of Alexandra's maternal grandfather, Archduke Stefan of Austria, eldest son of Princess Ileana of Romania and Archduke Anton of Austria.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Prince Wilhelm of Prussia to marry commoner




April 19, 1933

German monarchists were surprised today by the announcement that Prince Wilhelm, eldest son of former Crown Prince Wilhelm of Germany, is engaged to a German commoner, reports the New York Times.

The bride-to-be is Dorothea von Salviati, whose father served as a court marshal to the late Princess Viktoria of Schaumburg-Lippe, a sister of former Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Prince Wilhelm is second in line to the former German throne, and many have considered the prince to be a "logical candidate" for restoration.  Under the old Prussian law, he would remain eligible for the succession, but his children would have no rights.  But also under the "monarchical law", the marriage would have to be approved by the head of the family.

Former Crown Prince Wilhelm apparently knew very little "if anything" about the engagement.  He and his wife are in Italy. Representatives of the former ruling house, who learned about the engagement from the newspapers, are now "frantically" trying to contact the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.

The bride's family does not belong to the old German nobility.   Her ancestors came "to Prussia from Italy" less than 200 years ago." 

Prince Wilhelm first met Miss von Salviati six years ago in Bonn, where she lived.  The Prince was attending university in Bonn.  The Prince and Miss von Salviati's brother were members of the "celebrated" fraternity Borussia.

He studied law and economics and currently manages one of his father's estates in Upper Silesia. 

It is expected that his family, especially the former Kaiser, will oppose the marriage.

Ambassador Leishman admits his daughter is engaged

April 19, 1913

Ambassador and Mrs. Leishman have told friends that their youngest daughter, Nancy, is engaged to the Duke of Croy.  The Ambassador and his wife have authorized the New York Times correspondent to "state that the betrothal has existed for several months," and the couple will be married between "now and midsummer."

The date and place of the wedding have not been set, as Ambassador Leishman is waiting for the appointment and arrival of his successor.  He currently serves as the American ambassador to Germany.

The wedding is most likely to take place in Paris as the Leishmans have a house at 12 Square du Bois de Boulogne.  Earlier this week, Mrs. Leishman and Miss Leishman left Berlin for Paris so the bride-to-be could give "attention to that all-important matter, the trousseau."

German society is not "officially aware" of this "affair of the heart, pure and simple." Carl, the 13th Duke of Croy, is "ardently in love with the vivacious American" for more than a year, and he "wooed her industriously" until he won her heart last winter.

The Duke of Croy is one of the "handsomest and striking officers" in the German Army.  He is 6 feet 1 inch tall, with an "athletic figure with a full head of thick, brown hair and piercing black eyes."

He is five years older than Miss Leishman, who is 18 years old.

In marrying the Duke,  Miss Leishman will become a member of one "of the most aristocratic families in Europe."  The Duke is the head of the Croy princely family. Belgium.   He owns property in Belgium, Bavaria, and France.

His sister, Princess Isabella, was recently married to the grandson of the Prince Regent of Bavaria.

The Duke is expected to leave the military after his marriage and "devote himself" to the management of his estates. 

The Croys are not a mediated family, and the Duke is not required to leave the army nor receive the consent of the Kaiser.   Miss Leishman will, however, be expected to join the Roman Catholic Church, as the Croys are Catholic.

Prince Alexander to succeed Duke of Connaught



April 19, 1913

Although the Duchess of Connaught is recovering well from her recent operation,  it appears there is "no likelihood" that the Duke and Duchess of Connaught will return to Canada, where the Duke serves as Governor-General, reports the Chicago Daily Tribune.

It is "understood" that the new Governor-General will be Prince Alexander of Teck, a "rising member" of Queen Mary's "influential ducal family."  The Prince is a younger brother of Queen Mary, the consort of George V.   Prince Alexander's wife, Princess Alice, is a first cousin of King George, and daughter of the late Duke of Albany.

Prince Alexander and Princess Alice were married in 1904.  They have two pretty" children.   He is said to be a "man of great ability," and has been given "several important missions," largely through Queen Mary's "influence," according to the dispatch.

The Teck family appears to be doing well "under the sunshine of court favor and government emoluments."  Prince Alexander recently represented the King at the funeral of King George of the Hellenes.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Royal Wedding: King and Queen of Italy confirm

April 18, 1913

The New York Times reported today that the King and Queen of Italy have "definitely decided to attend" the wedding of Princess Viktoria Luise of Prussia to Prince Ernst August of Cumberland.

The Timer's report is based on a dispatch from Rome to a Berlin newspaper, the Tageblatt.

Princess Viktoria Luise is the daughter of the German Emperor and Empress.  She will marry Prince Ernst August in Berlin on May 24.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Grace and Rainier arrive in the USA

April 17, 1963

The Prince and Princess of Monaco and their two children "arrived on separate planes" earlier today "each accompanied by one of their children" to begin a six week visit to the United States, reports the New York Times and other news sources.

They traveled by separate planes "lest a possible air disaster" wipe out the Monaco princely family.

They are now in Philadelphia at the home of Princess Grace's mother, Mrs. John. B. Kelly.

Prince Rainier was accompanied by eight-year-old Princess Caroline. They arrived this morning and were driven to Philadelphia by limousine.

Princess Grace and Prince Albert, 5, flew into Idlewild Airport this evening. 

This is not a state visit, but Philadelphia plans "a regal reception" for Rainier and the former Grace Kelly.  They are also expected to visit New York and Washington. D.C.

King Ferdinand doing better

April 17, 1927

King Ferdinand of Romania's health appears to "give no concern" to his family, reports the Associated Press.  His second daughter, Queen Marie of Yugoslavia has left Bucharest and is now on her way back to Belgrade.

The king's consort, Queen Marie, went to the opera last night.   Ferdinand is "gaining strength daily" and there appears to be no "serious effect" from the radium treatments he has received.

Eulalia fails in attempt to get marriage annulled.

April 17, 1903


Infanta Eulalia of Spain has failed in an attempt to have the Vatican annul her marriage to Prince Antonio of Bourbon-Orleans, Duke of Galliera, reports the Marquise de Fontenoy.

Her request was denied "largely owing to the strong opposition" of the court in Madrid.  The infant is an aunt of King Alfonso XIII

Four other royal ladies have similar applications before the "pontifical authorities" at the Vatican.

The former Crown Princess of Saxony is also expected to file an application requesting the annulment of her marriage.


It is understood that this application would be received favorably due to the testimony of the mother superior and two nuns at a convent where then Archduchess Luise of Austria sought refuge before her marriage to Crown Prince Friedrich August.  The three religious women have "furnished testimony on oath," stating that the young archduchess was forced "into the marriage against her will by her parents."

No application will be made until after Princess Luise gives birth.  She expects to give birth within the next few weeks.

Princess Philipp of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha is also seeking to have her marriage annulled.  The former Princess Louise of Belgium was also able to prove "by the means of four reliable witnesses" that she was forced against her will to marry Prince Philipp by her father, King Leopold II of the Belgians.

Prince Philipp was eager to take advantage of the evidence to rid himself of Louise but due to "differences with his father-in-law," regarding money, King Leopold is opposed to an annulment.  Prince Philipp is determined to maintain good relations with the Belgian king, who has refused to support the prince's demands.

Princess Louise had begged her mother, Queen Marie Henriette, to not allow the marriage to take place.  King Leopold was adamant that Louise marry the German prince.  

The Queen told her daughter: "My child, my father, Archduke Joseph, allowed me to follow the dictates of my heart, and to marry, of my own free will, Leopold, Duke of Brabant.  You see how our marriage has turned out.  You cannot find more misery, and you may have much more happiness in wedding the man whom your father is compelling you to accept as a husband."



The American-born Princess Alice of Monaco, the former Alice Heine of New Orleans, is also seeking an annulment of her marriage from Prince Albert.  She wants the annulment so she can marry "the composer upon whom she has showered so many favors."  But it is doubtful that she will receive the annulment because she was a "perfectly free agent" when she married the Prince of Monaco.


If you liked this article, perhaps you can buy me a coffee

Monday, April 15, 2013

Princess Christina to attend Radcliffe

August 15, 1963

Radcliffe College in Cambridge announced today that Princess Christina, granddaughter of King Gustaf Adolf of Sweden, has been admitted to the school.  The Princess, 19, will enter Radcliffe in the fall as a junior, reports the Associated Press.

Nicholas refuses to back down




April 15, 1937

Prince Nicholas of Romania, who was stripped of "all royal rights" by his brother, King Carol II, because he refused to give up his commoner wife, is proving "less tractable than" the former King Edward VIII.

According to a wireless dispatch to the New York Times, Prince Nicholas is refusing to leave the country, despite orders from the government and his brother.

The pro-Nazi Iron Guard, which is now known as the All for Our Country League, has come out in support of the Prince and has "launched a campaign of defiance" against King Carol.

Nicholas remains under house arrest at his country estate.  He remains obstinate in his determination to remain in Romania, despite the "extreme pressure put upon him" to leave the country.


The Iron Guard "sees in Nicholas's disgrace a Heaven-sent opportunity" to regain "the prestige it lost" when the king tried to resist "German and Italian influences" after the funeral of two members of the Iron Guard, who were killed "while assisting the Spanish rebellion."

The Iron Guard's leaders see Carol as a "competitor in a race to establish a dictatorship in Romania."

The head of the Iron Guard, General Cantacuzenu delivered a speech to his lieutenants earlier today.

"I give you this battle cry "Long Live Her Majesty Queen Helen; long live Prince Nicholas!  Carry this battle cry over the walls of the city, throughout our country and into the world beyond."

The General did not include the "usual cry "God Save King Carol," as he demanded cheers for Carol's former wife and his younger brother.