New photos to my collection

Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone and Earl of Athlone attend a rehearsal at Westminster Abbey for the 1937 Coronation
 

1932: the marriage in Coburg of Princess Sybilla of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and Hereditary Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden (parents of King Carl XVI Gustaf)
 

1956: the marriage of Princess Christina of Hesse and Prince Andrej of Yugoslavia

Happily to add these photographs to my collection.

The Torlonias are here

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January 29, 1935


Don Alessandro Torlonia, Prince of Civitella-Cesi, and his bride, Infanta Beatriz of Spain arrived today in New York City.  They from onboard the Cunard White Star liner Aquitania to "spend their honeymoon in this country," reports the New York Times.

Infanta Beatriz is the elder daughter of the exiled King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain.  She has "royal blood" on both sides of her family.  She shares the "dark hair and complexion" from her father, and the "Guelph nose resembling that of Queen Victoria," who was her great-grandmother.

While the newlyweds are in New York City they will reside at 400 East 57th Street.  They plan on visiting Don Alessandro's mother, Princess Torlonia, who arrives tomorrow on the Italian liner, Rex.  She will entertain them at her home, 375 Fifth Avenue.

The couple was married in Rome on January 14.  During their voyage, they had "all of their meals in their suite and did not mingle with the other passengers."

Don Alessandro has been suffering from a "slight attack of tonsillitis and his bride suffered a little from seasickness."

Infanta Beatriz was "very nervous" at the meeting with the press after the Aquitania arrived and went through Quarantine.  She said she and her husband had been "so hounded" by photographers before they sailed for the United States.

This is the Infanta's first visit to the United States.  She "enjoyed the view of the Statue of Liberty" and the tall buildings.

She is "tall and slim and has a kindly charm of manner in speaking."  She is about 5 inches shorter than her husband who is "6 feet inches tall, with dark curly hair, broad shoulders and pleasant, democratic bearing."

The couple plan to say in New York City for about two weeks before heading to Florida.

"We must be back in Europe in March for the wedding of my brother-in-law, Don Jaime, and will probably sail on the Olympic from New York on March 6," said Don Alessandro.

"I wanted my wife to see America, because, you see, I have a lot of American in me. If I can get away from New York in time we will probably visit Niagara Falls, where all honeymooners go; Washington and Palm Beach. It all depends upon what plans my mother has made."

Infanta Beatriz was dressed in a "brown ensemble and a mink coat that reached her ankles." Her shoes and hose "matched her costume.  Her black beret had a fringe of white wool.  She "wore a pearl necklace and rings of diamonds and rubies, which were covered by her gloves."

Before debarking from the ship, they posed for photographers and were met at Pier 54 by a "large delegation of Spanish loyalists" who presented Infanta Beatriz with a "bouquet of yellow roses, bound with red ribbon," symbolizing Spain's colors.  The welcoming party included the Countess of Colloredo-Mannsfeld, the Marquis de Belmonte, Donna Mena Belmonte, and the Princess of Bourbon.

Infanta Beatriz's mother, Victoria Eugenia, is the daughter of  Princess Beatrice, the youngest child of Queen Victoria, and the late Prince Henry of Battenberg.  She now lives in London. If you liked this article

It's a girl for Princess Nathalie

Princess Nathalie of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg gave birth to a daughter, Louisa,  yesterday at the Helios Klinik in Bad Berleburg, Germany.  She is married to fellow equestrian Alexander Johannesmans.

This is the second child for the couple.  Their son, Konstantin, is four years old.

Baby Louisa was born on January 28th at 10:10 p.m.   She weighed 7.5lbs and is 20.9 inches tall. 

Princess Nathalie is the youngest child of Princess Benedikte of Denmark and Prince Richard of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg.   She and her new daughter have already returned to their home at Schloss Berleburg.

Mother and daughter are doing well.

http://kongehuset.dk/Menu/nyheder/hh-prinsesse-nathalie-har-fodt

http://www.billedbladet.dk/kongelige/danmark/prinsesse-nathalies-datter-skal-hedde-Louisa

http://www.ridehesten.com/dk/Heste-nyheder/SeNyhed/?ID=37108

Archduke Albrecht wants his father's art collection

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January 28, 1935

Archduke Albrecht, the former Hungarian pretender, is now in Vienna, reports the New York Times.  He is planning to negotiate with the Austrian government for the "restitution" of his father, Field Marshal Archduke Friedrich's property, confiscated after Austria's collapse and defeat in the world war. 

The negotiations are making "slow progress, as the Austrian Minister of Finance is refusing to pay "any indemnity for picture galleries and other objects of art which form the greater part of such property."

Archduke Albrecht is trying to reach an agreement concerning the "Albertina collection, one of the world's most famous groups of etchings and drawings.  This collection was his father's personal property.

Albrecht would like to transfer the collection of his home in Hungary, but the Austrian government has refused to allow this transfer.  The government has also "declined any indemnity."

The archduke is now seeking a "lump sum," and if he is not successful, he is threatning to take his case to the World Court at the Hague.

Franz Josef meets with heir

January 28, 1915

Rumors of an abdication by the Austrian emperor have been revived after the heir to the throne, Archduke Karl, had a "long interview" with Franz Josef after his return from his trip to German Military headquarters.

The New York Times reports that a dispatch to the Temps, a Parisian newspaper, from Basle, Switzerland, is connected to the rumor that the Austrian emperor will abdicate in favor of Archduke Karl, as a result of the Archduke's visit to Germany.

Pope pushing royal marriage

January 28, 1905

Pope Pius is said to be the "prime mover in the negotiations for a matrimonial alliance" between the young King Alfonso XIII of Spain and Duchess Marie Antoinette of Mecklenburg, according to a dispatch from the New York Tribune.

Duchess Marie Antoinette's parents, Duke and Duchess Paul of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.  have lived very quietly in Venice for some years, settling there after their marriage, where they lived "quietly" with the Duchess Paul's widowed sister, the Countess Moncenigo.   Duchess Marie Antoinette was born in Venice.

Duchess Paul was born Princess Marie of Windisch-Graetz.  The couple has three children, who have been raised in the Roman Catholic faith.  Duke Paul converted to Roman Catholicism several years after the marriage.

Before he was elected Pope,  Pius served as the "patriarch and archbishop of Venice," and knew the family well.  He had "naturally felt drawn" toward Duke Paul and his family, as Paul had not only sacrificed his military career, which had shown "promise of great brilliancy," but also his succession rights to the Grand Ducal throne of Mecklenburg-Schwerin "for the sake of Catholic Church."

As Cardinal Sarto,  Pius acted as the family's spiritual adviser and was a "constant guest" at their home.  He knew Grand Duke Paul's children from infancy.  Duchess Marie Antoinette is said to be a "particular favorite," and he is "exceedingly anxious" to see her become Queen of Spain.

The reigning houses of Russia, Austria, and Prussia are all said to be "in favor of the match," so it is expected to be a "fait accompli."

The only drawback is that Duchess Marie Antoinette's family is not well off, and she will not bring "to her husband a dowry."

Ileana to marry German count

Count Alexander von Hochberg @NPG

January 27, 1930

The engagement of Princess Ileana of Roumania and Count Alexander von Hochberg, was confirmed today in Romanian court circles.

Count Alexander is one of three sons Prince Hans Heinrich of Pless and his former wife, the former Mary Cornwallis-West, who is better known as Princess Daisy of Pless.

An official announcement will be made next weekend when the "formal betrothal" takes place in the presence of members of the Pless princely family.

Princess Ileana is 21-years-old, and her London-born fiancé is 25.  Two days ago, Queen Marie discussed the state obligations of the marriage with Premier Maniu.  The Dowager queen said she found "her daughter's suitor an extremely sympathetic person."  She was especially pleased because of his English blood, and his mother's family is very wealthy.

She told the premier that from her standpoint "the engagement was satisfactory," and she hoped the young couple would settle in Romania.  Premier Maniu assured Queen Marie that "the government was entirely in agreement" in supporting the marriage.

There have been numerous suitors for Princess Ileana's hand, most notably King Boris III of Bulgaria.  But that match "fell through" due the "dislike of the Bulgarians for Romania. Another "unsuccessful suitor" was Ileana's first cousin, Hereditary Prince Gottfried of Hohenlohe-Langenburg. 

Count Alexander's mother, Maria Theresa Cornwallis-West, married the Prince of Pless in London on December 9, 1891.   The marriage ended in divorce in 1922.

http://royalbooknews.blogspot.com/2015/01/books-by-and-about-princely-family-of.html

New Rumors: Franz Josef to abdicate

January 27, 1915

According to reports received in Geneva from Innsbruck,  Austria Emperor Franz Josef is "arranging to abdicate."  The New York Times states that Franz Josef is "unable to agree with the views" of German Emperor Wilhelm II "regarding peace."

Franz Josef has adopted "this course" on the advice of his heir, Archduke Karl, and Baron von Burian, the Austro-Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Emperor "desires to leave his successor with a free hand" to further advance the discussion of peace/

Eulalia's jewels siezed

January 26, 1935

More problems for former King Alfonso of Spain's aunt, Infanta Eulalia. She has been able to "acquire a wandering trunk load of priceless jewels in Spain," reports the New York Times.

Infanta Eulalia has been living in retirement for years, "almost in poverty as compared with the style" that her nephew and his family maintain.  But she owns one of the "rarest collections of jewels in Europe," and it was saved by Spanish premier Azara, who placed the jewels in the Bank of Spain.

Infanta Eulalia said to a reporter:  "Since then I have not learned much about them.  I got the services of an agent, but when he inquired at the Bank of Spain he was told that no one knew where to find the jewels. They are the gift of my mother and are worth several million francs."

Boris' first love, Ileana, to marry another man

View image | gettyimages.com

January 26, 1930

King Boris III returned to his capital, Sofia, today, "apparently as far away from winning a wife and queen as ever," reports the Chicago Daily Tribune

View image | gettyimages.com

Accompanied by his brother, Prince Kyril, and his sister, Princess Eudoxia,  the "democratic young king" drove his own car from Bucharest, Romania, where he stopped briefly, after attending the wedding of Crown Prince Umberto of Italy and Princess Marie Jose of Belgium.

There is a sense of tragedy in the king's quest for a "royal bride.  He has been dogged by "ill-luck," ever since assuming the throne following his father's abdication.

Court circles are reporting that King Boris was rebuffed "both in Rome and Bucharest," removing the possibility of marriage to "two of Europe's most eligible princesses.

In Rome,  King Boris is said to have received "final word from the Vatican," that "under no circumstances" that the Church would sanction his marriage to the "pretty Princess Giovanna."   He had heard this before, but he lived in hope that the Vatican would have changed its mind.


Princess Giovanna is the daughter of King Vittorio Emanuele and Queen Elena.

View image | gettyimages.com

King Boris has now "accepted his fate," and has crossed Princess Giovanna off his list.

En route to Bulgaria, he stopped off in Bucharest, the home of his "first love," Princess Ileana.  The 20-year-old princess, the youngest daughter of Queen Marie and the late King Ferdinand,  was a likely candidate.   But as the king arrived in Bucharest, he learned that the Bucharest newspapers announced that Princess Ileana "would not marry a king of any sort, but was engaged to Count Alexander von Hochberg, a member of the Princely House of Pless. 

View image | gettyimages.com

Queen Marie has postponed her trip to Egypt to "fix up the details" of the wedding.   Count von Hochberg arrived in Bucharest several weeks ago and formally asked Queen Marie's consent to marry Princess Ileana. 

Ileana and Count Alexander met in Paris "some time ago," and it was a "case of love at first sight."

Another bride to cross off the list.  King Boris did not stay long in Bucharest after learning the news. 

The new likely candidate that King Boris might pursue is Queen Marie's 19-year-old niece, Grand Duchess Kira of Russia, the younger daughter of Grand Duke Kirill, and Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna.

King Boris would not need to worry about religion, as Kira is Russian Orthodox.




If you liked this article

Crown Prince Wilhelm ill

January 26, 1905

Crown Prince Wilhelm of Prussia is "confined to his room" with influenza,  reports the New York Times from Berlin.  It is "denied," however that the heir to the German throne has "contracted pneumonia" from his brother, Prince Eitel Friedrich.

Prince Eitel Friedrich's physician issued a bulletin at 10:00 a.m., this morning:

"His Royal Highness had a fairly good night. He slept for some time and did not cough much.  The lower lobe of the left lung is now entirely affected; the distress in breathing is not extreme; the pulse is rapid, though strong.

"Temperature 102 3/4; appetite is somewhat better; complains of pains in the side; is perfectly conscious."

Empress Auguste Viktoria traveled to Potsdam early this morning and spent the afternoon with her convalescing son.   His condition "gives the family much concern," but there is nothing to indicate that his illness is "not taking the normal course."

Johan Martin Ferner (1927-2015)

Johan Martin Ferner has died

Johan Martin Ferner passed away quietly at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, today, 24 January 2015 at 05.25 AM.

24.01.2015

Message of condolence from His Majesty The King:
“It is with deep sadness that we have received the news that Johan Martin Ferner has passed away. Our thoughts go to Princess Astrid and her family, who have lost a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather.”

Johan Martin Ferner

Johan Martin Ferner was born on 22 July 1927. He pursued an education in business in Norway, England and France, and studied at the London Polytechnic Institute, Bradford Technical College and the University of Lyon. Together with his brother he ran and developed the department store Ferner Jacobsen, which was a family business.
Mr Ferner was an accomplished sailor, and was part of the crew that won the silver medal in the 6 metre class at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki.
Her Highness Princess Astrid and Johan Martin Ferner were married in Asker Church on 12 January 1961. The couple had five children together.


Photos from the wedding http://www.royalcourt.no/fotoalbum.html?tid=84215&sek=28410

Four generations: Bourbon-Orleans

Marlene A Eilers Koenig Collection

 

FOUR GENERATIONS: Infanta Beatriz (Beatrice of Edinburgh, Princess Carla holding Gerarda, and Infanta Eulalia of Spain in Madrid, 1942.

Marital crisis for Beatrice and Henry

Embed from Getty Images

January 23, 1890

Prince Henry of Battenberg has been "absent from court for two months," according to the London Truth.  It appears that the husband of Princess Beatrice has "decided upon a permanent rectification of boundaries between himself and his wife's family."

The Grand Duke of Hesse and By Rhine and the Princess of Battenberg have been "endeavoring to arrange the difficulties which have arisen," but not with much success.

The paper expects that "we will find Prince Henry passing the autumn months in Continental travel, while his wife is enjoying the seclusion of Balmoral."

Prince Henry apparently "threw down the gauntlet" when he went to Graz,  to stay with his brother, Prince Alexander, who  was "unceremoniously jilted by Princess Victoria of Prussia."  Prince Alexander has been "regarded at the English court, as a wretch compared with whom Judas Iscariot was a worthy man."

Emperor incompetent says US ambassador

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January 24, 1905

Former US Ambassador to Russia, Andrew D. White made the following statement today, about the tragic situation in St. Petersburg.

"If the Czar is a weak man, as the present Emperor is, he can do very little.  A weak man cannot know anything about the empire to speak of,  because he is surrounded by Grand Dukes, women, &, etc., who tell him what they want him to believe and keep all the truth away from him which they do not wish him to hear.

"The main difficulty in the whole case is that the Emperor is supposed to do all the thinking for 140,000,000 people, scattered over the largest territory possessed by any Government in the world, with all sorts of different races, religions, and ideas, and this no man can do, and least of all in a time like this.

"The simple fact is that the evils of the old system have now become absolutely intolerable.  And when you to that fact the sending off of immense numbers of the best men in the country to an utterly useless and wicked war, and the pressure of taxation which grinds the people to the dust, you have a situation which none but the very strongest rulers in human history can cope with.

"The Czar has no strength of character, no proper education, and is hopelessly unfit to grapple with the situation.

"No doubt the worst of the features of the situation has been kept from him."

Mr. White, speaking from Ithaca, New York, said he did not think that Nicholas II's advisers would "follow the policy of Emperor Nicholas I, " who sent the "ringleaders of the insurrection of eighty years ago" to be executed or sent to Siberia.  Ambassador White believes that change in Russia cannot be "long-delayed."

The demonstration that took place yesterday in St. Petersburg has left many dead and injured.  The events are being called a "full-fledged revolution," a "day of terror," and "bloody Sunday."

One Russian refugee, now in Paris, stated that "the czar's policy of tutoring his subjects as if they were little children is an insult to the nation.

"This first outbreak, with its bloodshed, is the only precursor of the tidal wave of blood that will sweep the czar from his throne.  The nihilists are using the war to achieve ends, which might otherwise have been delayed 100 years.  They are fomenting in Russia American republican ideas."

Princess Maria Pia to marry

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January 22, 1955

Italian aristocrats and monarchists are "all in a flurry" over the forthcoming wedding of Princess Maria Pia of Savoy, eldest daughter of former King Umberto II, to Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia, reports the Chicago Tribune.

The wedding will take place in a "little parish church" at Cascais, Portugal, where King Umberto has lived in "splendid exile" for several years now.

The "blue bloods of Italy" have charted two "luxury ships" from Naples and Genoa, to attend the wedding "en masse."

There will be plenty of parties to celebrate the wedding, and "local dressmakers and couturiers have been swamped" with orders for new gowns.

Young King Baudouin, a cousin of the bride, and her brother, Prince Vittorio Emanuele, will be the witnesses for Maria Pia.  King Paul of the Hellenes and King Peter II of Yugoslavia, will serve as witnesses for Prince Alexander.

But as King Paul and King Baudouin have not made official visits to Portugal, they will not attend the wedding in person but will be represented by other members of their royal families.

Princess Maria Pia's wedding gown and her trousseau have been made in Rome by one of Italy's "top couturiers."   Her bridal veil, a "precious family heirloom, a rare piece of lace," that once belonged to her great-grandmother, Queen Margherita.

She will wear a diamond tiara over the veil  The tiara, which belonged to a member of the Savoy family, is a gift from her parents, King Umberto and Queen Marie José.

The Princess will not have any bridesmaids, due to "court etiquette."  After the ceremony, she will "receive homage" from young girls, in "picturesque regional costumes" from Italy.

The Duke of Kent, a first cousin of the groom, will be one of the guests at the wedding.

Prince Joachim is recovering

January 22, 1915

A dispatch received in Amsterdam from Berlin reports that Prince Joachim, the youngest son of Kaiser Wilhelm II, has "sufficiently recovered" from an attack of dysentery and influenza, according to the New York Times.

Prince Joachim will be traveling to Baden-Baden for a rest.

Crown Princess Margarita's speech

The Speech of Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess The Romanian Athenaeum, 18 January 2015

His Majesty King Michael and his mother, Queen Helen, left Romania on the night of the 3rd of January 1948. Forty-­‐two years elapsed from then until the blessed day of the 18th of January 1990, when I first stepped onto Romanian soil, accompanied by my sister, Princess Sophie. It was a journey home, a journey of personal and historical completion.

Today, we celebrate together a quarter of a century in which we have remained at the side of our fellow countrymen, and at the side of Romania’s most vulnerable in particular, continuing the covenant of our ancestors.


In 1990, deepest Romania did not recognise the Crown, like a child that has never met its parents. The last quarter of a century has given the Crown the rôle of educator and model in the most important areas of Romanian life, just as King Carol I taught us.

Today, the Princess Margareta of Romania Foundation, which is celebrating its twenty-­‐fifth anniversary, enjoys trust and prestige.

Under the guidance of King Michael, the Royal Family has built a social, cultural and educational edifice, as well as a respected royal institution, in a time that has need of models, love, inspiration, and personal example.

All these years have replanted Romania’s roots; they have rewoven its unravelled identity and traditions. Today, the majority of Romanians feel affection and respect for the Crown.

A quarter of a century ago, as the royal motorcade travelled along the Bucharest-­‐Pitești highway, we were stopped at gunpoint.  Twenty years later, the King addressed a solemn session of Romania’s Parliament.

This evening, at the Romanian Athenaeum, the hundreds of prominent persons here in attendance represent the whole nation, symbolically and institutionally. This is the most beautiful gift to celebrate the last quarter of a Romanian century.

So help us God!

The celebrations in Romania

Thanks to HRH Crown Princess Margarita for sending me the photos from the dinner at Gala Concert at the Athenaeum and the Dinner at the National Savings Bank.

Conductor Horia Andrescu

HRH Princess Sophie, her first visit to Romania in 17 years, is on the left of Victor Ponta.   HRH Prince Lorenz of Belgium sits next to HRH Princess Marie, in red

Calin Popescu Tariceanu, President of the Romanian Senate, HRH Prince Radu & Emil Constanescu, former President of Romania,

Prime Minister Victor Ponta and HRH Crown Princess Margarita,

 photo credits: Daniel Angelescu, (c) Household of His Majesty King Michael of Romania

 

Crown Princess Margarita's 25th anniversary in Romania

Celebration of the 25^th Anniversary of Crown Princess Margareta’s

arrival in Romania

 

The Household of His Majesty King Michael I of Romania organized, on Saturday, 17^th January 2015 and Sunday, 18^th January 2015, a series of events dedicated to the celebration of the 25^th Anniversary of Crown Princess Margareta’s arrival in her country, Romania, on the 18^th of January 1990.

 The celebration events took place in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Crown Princess, His Royal Highness Prince Radu, Her Royal Highness Princess Sophie, Her Royal Highness Princess Marie, His Royal Highness Prince Nicholas and His Royal Highness Prince Lorenz of Belgium.

 On Saturday, 17^th January, a special meeting with The Princess Margareta of Romania Foundation’s people and projects took place at the 'Gheorghe Focsa' hall of the "Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum, bringing together Foundation beneficiaries and volunteers.

On Sunday morning, 18^th January, at 11 a.m., TRH Crown Princess Margareta, Princess Sophie and Princess Marie, along with foreign personalities from the USA, UK, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Russia, Netherlands, Sweden and Spain visited the Studio 4 of The Romanian Television, from where the historical events were broadcast in December 1989.

 On Sunday evening, at 6 p.m., The Royal Family attended the gala concert at the Romanian Athenaeum, performed by the Camerata Regala orchestra, violinist Remus Azoitei and the Choir of the 'George Enescu' Philharmonic under the baton of maestro Horia Andreescu.

The evening concluded with an official dinner hosted by the National Savings Bank Palace, at 8 p.m., in the presence of TRH Crown Princess Margareta and Prince Radu, along with Princess Sophie, Princess Marie, Prince Nicholas and Prince Lorenz of Belgium and of H.E. Victor Ponta, Prime-Minister of Romania, H.E. Calin Popescu-Tariceanu, President of The Romanian Senate, H.E. Emil Constantinescu, former President of Romania (1996-2000), Mr Dorin Chirtoaca, Mayor of the City of Kishinev (Republic of Moldova) and 200 guests, foreign personalities, but also representatives of all areas of Romanian society, who have supported the Royal Family in the past 25 years.

After a break of 42 years, on 18^th January 1990, the first member of The Romanian Royal Family, Princess Margareta, was setting foot on Romanian soil, accompanied by her sister, Princess Sofia. His Majesty King Michael I had entrusted to his eldest daughter the mission to represent Him in the country, for the first time since the Royal Family's departure into exile, in the dawn of 4^th January 1948.  

Life Magazine covers - Princess Caroline's christening

From Life Magazine: March 25, 1957

 

Princess Caroline Louise Marguerite of Monaco, first child of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace was baptized in March 1957.  Her godparents were 10-year-old Margaret Davis, niece of Princess Grace and Prince George Festetics de Tolna, 17.  George, now head of the family, is a grandson of Lady Mary Victoria Douglas-Hamilton and her second husband, Prince Tassilo Festetics de Tolna.  He is married to Josefine Harmer, and they have two sons, Tassilo and Georg.

Lady Victoria Mary's first husband was Albert I of Monaco: the parents of Louis II (grandfather of Rainier III).

[Lady Mary Victoria's eldest daughter, Maria Mathilde, married Prince Karl Emil zu Furstenberg.  Their granddaughter, Ira, was Prince Rainier's companion after Princess Grace's death.  Prince Tassilo's sister, Georgine, was the great-grandmother of Prince Hans Adam of Liechtenstein.]



Royal Gatherings - London April 2015

Spaces are limited, and filling up quickly.  Don't miss out.

Just Chatting with the King

Marlene A. Eilers Koenig Collection

The Duke and Duchess of Galliera and their eldest son, Prince Alvaro, in New York City in November 1928, chatting on the phone for 30 minutes with King Alfonso XIII in Madrid.

Infanta Beatriz (Duchess of Galliera) wearing a tiara

Marlene A Eilers Koenig Collection

Infanta Beatriz, Duchess of Galliera (nee Princess of Edinburgh), granddaughter of Queen Victoria, rather grand in a diamond tiara.

A Royal Picnic

The middle photo shows Grand Duchess Marie Pavlovna with her granddaughters, Marie and Kira

Little Giorgi now a dynast

If you use the search box and type in Georgia, you will find a selection of articles on the dynastic issues regarding the Georgian monarchy, and the "battle" between the two branches, briefly united in marriage.

According to a source close to Prince Nuzgar Bagration-Gruzinsky's Chancellery,  Prince Giorgi is now considered a royal dynast and will inherit the de jure authority of his grandfather. Under Georgian dynastic rules, Giorgi did not have a royal claim given his father’s actions. However, it’s my understanding that HRH Crown Prince Nugzar received a request from Ilia II, the Patriarch of Georgia, to grant Giorgi full dynastic rights a year or so ago. He consented to the request, and little Giorgi is now a Gruzinski dynast."

Prince Nuzgar's older daughter, Anna, who is divorced from Prince David Bagration, lives in Georgia with her two daughters from her first marriage, and Prince Giorgi.  Prince David has visitation rights.

Prince Giorgi was born September 27, 2011.

Princess Beatrice to marry

Embed from Getty Images

January 15, 1885

Princess Beatrice is be married later this year, and "everyone wishes" the Princess and her "accepted suitor all the joys that spring from a happy marriage," reports and Pall mall Gazette (and reprinted by the New York Times.)

There is a "pathetic element in the spectacle of the last fledgling leaving the almost deserted nest," and it is understood that Queen Victoria, "feels it so much that she stipulates as a condition of the marriage that her new son-in-law must reside in close proximity to her Majesty."

The Daily Telegraph notes that this arrangements illustrates "how far royal personages differ from other mortals."  Outside this "charmed circle" a stipulation that a son-in-;aw must live with his mother-in-law is "hardly deemed a matter for enthusiastic congratulation" by his friends. 
The royal groom is Prince Henry of Battenberg.  Princess Beatrice will be come the sister-in-law to the Prince of Bulgaria, and, even more curious, sister-in-law of her niece, Princess Victoria, daughter of the late Princess Alice.

It is interested to note that Queen Victoria's granddaughter fell for the eldest Battenberg prince, while Princess Beatrice is to marry a younger brother.

Princess Beatrice is also a much older royal bride, as she is now in her 28th year. Her eldest sister, the Princess Royal, was in her eighteenth year, when she married the Crown Prince of Prussia.

War has made Prince insane

January 15, 1915

Prince Franz Josef of Hohenzollern has become "demented as a result of his experiences on board the Emden" during her fight with the Australian cruiser Sydney, reports the New York Times. 

This claim has been asserted by the Rev. T. Pitt, secretary of the Seamen's Institute, whose brother is a Lieutenant on the Sydney.

In his letter to his brother, Lieut. Pitt writes that while the young Prince Franz Josef was "engaged in firing a torpedo a shell from the Sydney entered the torpedo room." A;; the men but the prince were killed.  When he was rescued,  Prince Franz Josef was found to be in a "dazed condition."

His mind soon "gave way completely," and he was placed under restraint.  He was taken to Port Said with other German prisoners of war.

Prince Franz Josef was born August 30, 1891.  He is the second son of Wilhelm, Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen and Princess Maria Teresa of Borbon-Two Sicilies.  He has an older twin brother, Friedrich.

His paternal uncle is King Ferdinand of Romania.

Congressman LaGuardia: Who is paying Grand Duke Boris' bills?

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January 14, 1925

Representative Fiorello LaGuardia of New York wants to know, "if anyone is paying the steamship fare" of Grand Duke Boris of Russia, who is now en route to the United States, reports the New York Times.

The New York Congressman has written to the Secretary of Labor Davis asking "for an investigation to determine" whether the Grand Duke was an 'assisted alien' and liable to become a "public charge."

View image | gettyimages.com

Here is the text of the Congressman's letter to Secretary Davis.

"According to news items in the daily papers, one Grand Duke Boris embarked on the Olympic on Jan. 10, 1925 and is due to arrive at the Port of New York in a few days.  I respectfully request that this person be carefully inspected upon his arrival to ascertain whether or not he is coming her in violation of our immigration laws.

"But a few weeks ago members of the same family came to this country have since left. Subsequent to their leaving, it was learned that they were assisted aliens within the meaning of the law, that their passage was paid by others and that had they remained here the would have been likely to become public charges.

"In the case of the Grand Duke Boris it occurred to me that an investigation should be made whether he too is an assisted alien, and what assurance the Government will have  he will not become a public charge.

"Moreover, judging from the actions of his relatives who were here recently and the conduct on the part of many impressionistic and plastic-minded citizens, I believe the department would be justified in ascertaining  whether these repudiated, unemployed  and shiftless dukes and archdukes are not coming here with the intention of overthrowing our republican form of government I the hope of establishing a monarchy. According to newspaper reports, people clamored and paid admission for the purpose of curtseying and kissing the hands of these pretenders in a manner so un-American that it would have been shocking were it not so ridiculously stupid.

"According the press reports, one of these jobless archdukes has even a 'military representative' in New York, one Captain Galokhvastof, while the Russian royalists are reported to have headquarters at the 'Republican National Society,' 5 Columbus Circle , New York City.

"I do believe that the same rigid application of the immigration law that is generally applied to arriving aliens should also be applied to these roaming royalists who come here to collect funds to destroy organized governments and prey upon the credulity of social climbing dupes."

[Fiorello H. LaGuardia (1882-1947) served in the House of Representatives from 1917- 1919, and again from 1923-1933).  He was the 99th Mayor of New York (1934-1945.)    His father was an Italian, a lapsed Catholic, and his mother, an Italian Jew.  Fiorello was raised an Episcopalian.  A progressive Republican (for that time), he was a supported of Franklin D Roosevelt's New Deal.]

LaGuardia certainly did not know the difference between archdukes and grand dukes.  Wonder what he would have thought about Downton Abbey?

Money flowing into Swiss banks

January 14, 1915

Swiss banks are "receiving large sums of money and scrip" from members of the Austrian Imperial family, the Austria aristocracy and Viennese financiers, all of whom are making deposits, reports the New York Times from Geneva.

There are also "large orders" to purchase American securities.

In recent days, one Austrian archduke sold an estate in Tyrol at "virtually half its value for cash."

Another QVD? Let's wait for a DNA test

King Juan Carlos of Spain, who abdicated last June, may be required to take a DNA test to see if he is the father of a Belgian woman, Ingrid Sariau.

Sariau alleges that her mother had an intimate relationship with Juan Carlos until 1966, when she was born.

Will await further developments.


http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/spain-king-juan-carlos-probed-paternity-claim-28217600

Will Ludwig have to take DNA test

Jessica Iskandar says she does not want her marriage to Hereditary Count Ludwig von Waldburg zu Wolfegg und Waldsee to end.   Ludwig says the marriage did not happen.

Jessica's  lawyer told reporters on Tuesday, January 13, that they will order a DNA test he if insists he is not El Barack Alexander's father.

Hereditary Count Ludwig is now back in Germany.

http://wartakota.tribunnews.com/2015/01/13/jessica-iskandar-kekeh-pertahankan-pernikahannya-dengan-ludwig

Christening of the infant princess - as recorded in the Times.

From The Times, June 25, 1819

June 24, 1819 was the day "appointed for the private christening of the infant Princess," daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Kent.  Preparations were made for the ceremony to take place at Kensington Palace.  The royal gold font was brought from the Tower of London, and was placed in the "grand saloon with crimson velvet coverings from the Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace."

Members of the Royal family and others "invited to the ceremony, assembled at the palace" shortly after 3 p.m.   The Prince Regent, attended by Sir Benjamin Bloomfield,  "was received by the Duke of Kent, who escorted him to the grand saloon.

The baptismal ceremony was performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, assisted by the Bishop of London.

The infant Princess "was named Alexandrina Victoria."  Her sponsors were the Prince Regent, the Emperor Alexander of Russia, represented by the Duke of York; the Dowager Queen of Württemberg, who was represented by the Princess Augusta; the Dowager Duchess of Coburg, who was represented by the Duchess of Gloucester.

At the "close of the baptism," the Bishop of London "recorded the proceedings in the Register Book of the Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace.

The witnesses to the proceedings were the Prince Regent, the Duke of York, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, the Princess Augusta, the Duchess of York, the Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Sophia Mathilda of Gloucester, Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg, Princess Feodora of Leiningen, and others.

After the ceremony the "company partook of some refreshments" in palace's north vestibule. 

In the evening, the Duke and Duchess of Kent "had a numerous and splendid party to celebrate the joyful event."  The guests included the Princess Augusta, the Duchess of York, the Duke of Sussex, Prince Leopold, among others (including a Captain Conroy."

No record of Victoria's baptism

January 13, 1905

The New York Tribune is reporting that "there is one royal christening, and a very important one at that," which remains a "profound mystery" to the present day.

It appears that no record exists for the baptism of the late Queen  Victoria. State papers and archives have been searched for this document, "without success," and there are no references "to the celebration of any religious ceremony" in the "court intelligence of the newspapers" that covered the "infancy and youth" of the late queen.

This omission appears to be the only instance since the Norman conquest, that such a record cannot be found. 

The matter of Victoria's birth is "beyond question" although there is no "official proof."  It is also "by no means certain" that the late Queen was ever baptized, although it is known that her father, the Duke of Kent, invited the Emperor of Russia to be her sponsor and announced his "intention" to name her Alexandrina, which greatly annoyed George IV, who wanted the infant princess to be called Georgiana.

Neither the Duke nor Duchess of Kent were said to be "extremely religious," and both were at the time "on extremely bad terms with other members" of the royal family.  They were in such financial distress, and would never have made it to England in time for "their daughter to be born on British soil," if it were not for their "devoted friend." Alderman  Matthew Wood, grand uncle of the widowed Mrs. Charles Stewart Parnell.  Wood advanced the Duke "enough money to leave Germany and to travel in haste to England."

There may not have been enough money for the baptism, which can be costly for a royal child.   Secondly, "none of their English relatives" would have attended the ceremony.

Perhaps this lack of a baptism, would explain why Queen Victoria remained
until the end of her day so very broad-minded in religious matters."  She was convinced, just as her "friend and spiritual adviser, Dean Stanley," that there are "many doors and gates to heaven," rather than the Anglican view that there is only entrance," the "portal of the Church of England."

[Let's just say,  news research was unknown in 1905.]