Victim of a Communist coup: King Michael prepares to leave Romania

The New York Times is reporting that King Michael's abdication was not voluntary and he was the victim of a "cold-blooded Communist-dictated coup d'etat against the monarchy."

Michael, who was beloved by his people, is now a private citizen and is prepared to leave Romania "without a single known public demonstration against abdication."

After more than three years of "Communist domination," the Romanians are unable to "manifest in any public way their loyalty to the young monarch, whose personal record was spotless."

Many Romanians have wept for the king's abdication in the privacy of their homes.

The efforts of the Communist government to "inspire rejoicing" over the elimination of the popular monarchy has fallen flat.    There have been a few "obviously organized groups dancing in the streets," and the hastily prepared signs "Long live the Romanian People's Republic."

Premier Groza met with the former king this morning at a Bucharest palace and told reporters that Michael would spend New Year's Eve with his mother, Queen Helen, and his friends at Peles in Sinaia. 

Groza over affirmed that Michael was "free to remain in Romania" or to leave whenever he wanted and return again if that was his desire.  He also acknowledged that Michael "wished to leave the country" to marry Princess Anne of Bourbon-Parma.

The premier has also promised passports and exit visas for Michael, Queen Helen, and their personal staff, numbering between forty and sixty persons., and would leave Romania by special train by Sunday at the latest.

The New York Times can confirm that the King's engagement was not the reason for the abdication.  Although the king and his staff "are sworn to secrecy about yesterday's developments," the New York Times' correspondent has received "from a reliable source" a chronology of yesterday's events.

On Monday (December 29), the king and his mother were at Sinaia. He had been at Peles since before Christmas and planned to return to Bucharest until New Year's Day when he would attend the annual traditional reception for the diplomatic corps.   Late Monday evening, Premier Groza telephoned the king to ask him to return to Bucharest "for the discussion of an urgent state problem."

Michael agreed to return, although neither he nor his staff "were puzzled" about what the problem would be,

He arrived at the Elisabeta Palace, on the outskirts of Bucharest, on Tuesday morning.  Michael observed that the "area was heavily guarded by soldiers."  Groza arrived about 10:30 and handed the king the act of abdication.  Groza gave no reason for the "drastic step."   The King "could clearly sign or risk the consequences.  Groza did not allow for any deliberation, apart "concerning the desire" of the King to get his family and staff out of the country.

The act of abdication was signed at 1 p.m., and at 3:30 p.m., members of the Romanian Parliament, which had been in recess, were called into a special session at 6.pm.  Parliament accepted the abdication and the People's Republic was proclaimed.

Groza would not discuss yesterday's events with reporters.  He told them that what happened was a "normal development" and there was "nothing sudden about it."

HRH Princess Helene (Hella) of Bavaria (1921-2017)

the wedding of Countess Hella and Prince Konstantin  @Marlene A Eilers Koenig Collection

HRH Princess Helene (Hella) of Bavaria, widow of  HRH Prince Konstantin of Bavaria (1920-1969) and HRH Prince Eugen of Bavaria (1925-1977)  died on Christmas Day at her home at  Bad Hindelang (Landkreis Oberallgäu.)  She was 96 years old.

The princess was born Countess Helene Maria Anna Franziska of Khevenhüller-Metsch on April 4, 1921, the youngest child of  Franz Eduard Adam Odemar Leopold Hubertus Maria, 8th Prince of Khevenhüller-Metsch and HSH Princess Anna of Fürstenberg, who was the daughter of Maximilian Egon, Prince of Fürstenberg and Countess Irma of Schönborn-Buchheim.

Hella's first marriage to HRH Prince Konstantin Leopold Ludwig Adalbert Georg Thadäus Josef Petrus Johannes Antonius Franz von Assisi Assumption et omnes sancti of Bavaria took place at Hochosterwitz on August 15, 1953.  Hella was Konstantin's second wife.  His first marriage -- to HSH Princess Maria Adelgunde of Hohenzollern --was annulled in 1950.

Princess Ysabel and Princess Hella  @Marlene A. Eilers Koenig Collection

Princess Hella and Prince Konstantin had one child, HRH Princess Ysabel Helene Anna Augusta Maria de la Paz Ludovica-Fernanda et omnes sancti, who was born at Munich on July 20, 1954.

Prince Konstantin was the eldest son of HRH Prince Adalbert of Bavaria and Countess  Auguste von Seefried auf Buttenheim, daughter of Count Otto von Seefried auf Buttenheim and HRH Princess Elisabeth Maria of Bavaria.  He was a noted German journalist and politician.    He was killed in a plane crash in 1969

Fifteen months after Prince Konstantin's death,  Princess Hella married HRH Prince Eugen of Bavaria, the only child of HRH Prince Konrad of Bavaria and HRH Princess Bona of Savoy, daughter of HRH Prince Tomaso of Savoy, Duke of Genoa and HRH Princess Isabella of Bavaria.

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Princess Hella is survived by her only child,  Princess Ysabel, who is married to Count Alfred Hoyos, two grandchildren, Countess Stephanie (married to Baron Franz von Brackel) and Count Johannes von Hoyos and four grandchildren, Baron Constantin and Baronesses Antonia and Johanna von Brackel and Count Balthasar von Hoyos.

She is also survived by two stepsons, HRH Prince Leopold and HRH Prince Adalbert of Bavaria, the issue of Prince Konstantin's first marriage.



https://www.welt.de/regionales/bayern/article171948601/Hella-Prinzessin-von-Bayern-gestorben.html

A wonderful photo: Meghan Makes her Christmas Debut with aplomb and a smile -

@Karen Anvil

First and foremost, my sincere thanks to Karen Murdoch who allowed me to use her awesome photo of the TRH the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Miss Meghan Markle and HRH Prince Harry of Wales, which she took earlier this morning at Sandringham.

The photo was taken as the two couples walked toward St. Mary Magdalene Church at Sandringham for Christmas Day Services.  

There is no doubt that this is the best picture of the day,

Karen, who lives near Sandringham, and her 17-year-old daughter, Rachel,  were in the crowd to watch the arrivals of the members of the Royal Family.   To say Karen had a great spot is an understatement.  She had perfect placement.

This was Karen and Rachel's second time to Sandringham for Christmas Day.  She told me thought Meghan was "amazing!"   She added:  "The crowd was larger than normal and everyone cheered as they all walked past!  It was a lovely, lovely experience." 

Karen,  your photo is amazing!   Congratulations for the best photo of the day!!

Karen Murdoch and her daughter Rachel at St. Mary Magdalene Church this morning.   

Thank you for your Christmas present to royal watchers, royal fans ... and this royal historian.    

If you want to use Karen's photo, please contact her at @Anvilus on Twitter.  She is the copyright holder of the image.  


http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-42483201


https://pagesix.com/2017/12/26/british-mom-beats-out-uks-best-paps-with-perfect-royals-photo/

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/picture-of-royals-and-meghan-markle-goes-viral-1-5333716

Christmas message from SM Margareta

@Cristian Coposesc

The Christmas Message of Her Majesty Margareta, the Custodian of the Crown



Romanians,

For many decades, through the darkest days of the war and the communist dictatorship that ensued, every year on this day King Michael read his message to the nation. From early childhood, I remember the care my father took in writing his speeches and the pains he used to go through until he settled on just the right wording. During those cold days of exile, the Christmas Message was his only way of communicating directly with the Romanians he had sworn to protect and defend; it was literally his holy communion with all Romanians.

This is our first Christmas without King Michael, but this year, as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, we also pay homage to the life and achievements of the fourth monarch of the modern Romanian State. History will inevitably pass its verdict on his reign. But I am sure that you will agree with me, that the extraordinary atmosphere of the King’s funeral, the way in which the entire nation joined together in grief for his passing, has already provided its own verdict on the reign of King Michael the Steadfast and Just.

My family and I shall never forget the simple gestures of devotion made by the millions of Romanians who grieved the King’s passing; we shall never forget the people who lined the roads and the railways during his final journey, some of them holding a single flower, others the national flag or the family Bible, the schoolchildren and their teachers who stood along the route of the funeral procession, the pupils from St Sava, my father’s school, who came to the Throne Room to be with the King for one moment.

Nor shall I ever forget the unifying response of His Holiness Patriarch Daniel and the whole of our Orthodox Church, or that of the President, Parliament, the Government, and the whole of our political class, along with that of high dignitaries from the other side of the River Prut, at my father’s ascent to Heaven. I know that nothing would have given the King greater satisfaction than the coming together of our nation. And I assure you that all the heads of state that came to Bucharest to be close to the King on his final journey realised straight away that they found themselves in the midst of a nation united in grief, united in pride in its achievements and determined as to its future. 

For while we should never forget Michael the Steadfast and Just, henceforward it is our duty to look to the future. The Royal Family will continue, with the same constancy, to support and consolidate our country’s interests. In the months to come, in consonance with the state authorities, I shall make public a series of steps whereby to continue my father’s work.

I would like to conclude this Christmas Message with the words spoken by my grandfather, King Carol II, on the day when Crown Prince Michael became an officer of the Romanian Army, almost exactly eighty years ago: “It is not from whence you set out that is important,” said King Carol II to the young sub-lieutenant Michael, “but where you arrive, through your own merits and zeal.”

I wish you a radiant Christmas and New Year!


Săvâr in Castle, Christmas 2017


http://www.romaniaregala.ro/jurnal/dubasii-alaturi-de-locuitorii-comunei-alaturi-de-familia-regala-in-ajun-de-craciun/

The Snowdons attend Alexander Dundas' 18th birthday party

The Earl and Countess of Snowdon and their two children,  Viscount Linley, 18.  and 15-year-old Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones, were among the guests at the coming of age party for Alexander Dundas, who turned 18 on December 16.
The party was held in London.

Alexander is the son of Lord and Lady Richard Dundas.  Lord Richard is the youngest son of the 3rd Marquess of Zetland

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A daughter for Archduchess Gabriella of Austria and Prince Henri of Bourbon-Parma

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HI & RH Archduchess Gabriella of Austria, younger daughter of  Archduke Carl Christian of Austria and Princess Marie Astrid of Luxembourg, shared family news this morning.  She is a new mother.

Gabriella is the niece of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg.

She's engaged to be married to HRH Prince Henri of Bourbon-Parma.  He popped the question on October 22  before Gabriella gave birth to their daughter,   Victoria Antonia Marie-Astrid-Lydia, on October 30 in Geneva.

Archduchess Gabriella is 23 years old and her future husband is 27.   They are second cousins as they share common great-grandparents:  Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg and Prince Felix of Bourbon-Parma.

Gabriella descends from Charlotte's eldest child, Grand Duke Jean, who married Princess Josephine Charlotte of Luxembourg.  Princess Marie Astrid is Jean's eldest child.

Henri is a descendant of  Grand Duchess Charlotte through her 4th child, Princess Marie Gabrielle who married a Danish nobleman,  Knud , 7th Count of Holstein-Ledreborg.   They were the parents of seven daughters, the second of whom, Countess Lydia, married as her first husband, Prince Eric of Bourbon Parma, the eldest son of Prince Michel of Bourbon-Parma and his first wife, Princess Yolande de Broglie-Revel.

Countess Lydia and Prince Eric were married in 1980 and divorced in 1999.  Henri, who was born at Roskilde, Denmark, on October 14, 1991, is the youngest of five children.

Another Bourbon-Parma connection is through Duke Roberto I (1848-1902) and his second wife,  Infanta Maria Antonia of Portugal (1862-1959)

Roberto I - Zita - Carl Ludwig - Carl Christian - Gabriella
Roberto I - Felix - Jean - Marie-Astrid  -Gabriella
Roberto I - Felix - Marie Gabrielle - Lydia - Henri
Roberto I - Rene - Michel -Erik -Henri

Gabriella and Henri also are descendants of King Christian IX of Denmark.

Christian IX- Frederik VIII - Ingeborg (married Carl of Sweden) - Astrid - Josephine Charlotte - Marie Astrid - Gabriella

Christian IX - Valdemar - Margrethe (married Rene of Bourbon-Parma) - Michel - Eric - Henri

There are also multiple lines of descent from Miguel I of Portugal

Miguel - Maria José - Elisabeth - Leopold III (Belgium) - Josephine Charlotte - Marie Astrid - Gabriella

Miguel -  Maria Ana - Charlotte  - Jean - Marie Astrid - Gabriella
Miguel - Maria Ana-   Charlotte - Marie Gabrielle -Lydia- Henri
Miguel - Maria Antonia - Zita - Carl Ludwig - Carl Christian - Gabriella

Miguel - Maria Antonia - Felix - Jean - Marie Astrid - Gabriella

Miguel - Maria Antonia - Rene - Michel - Erik - Henri

Prince Rene and Princess Margarethe were the parents of four children: Jacques, Anne (consort of King Michael of Romania, Michel, and Andre.   Prince Jacques was married to Countess Brigitte of Holstein-Ledreborg, younger sister of Count Knud, who married Princess Marie Gabrielle of Luxembourg.  Thus,  Henri's parents,  Prince Erik, and Countess Lydia are first cousins of  Prince Jacques' son, Prince Philipp of Bourbon-Parma.

At this time, the couple is living apart as Henri is currently studying for a master's degree in corporate law at the University of Copenhagen.  He received a Bachelor's degree in International Sales & Marketing from the Copenhagen Business Academy and has worked as Key Account Manager at the GodBank in Copenhagen and interned in Sales Marketing at the Schloss Kaltenberg Brewery, which is owned by Prince Luitpold of Bavaria, whose maternal grandmother was Princess Antonia of Luxembourg, a younger sister of Grand Duchess Charlotte.

 Gabriella and Victoria are living in Geneva with Archduke Carl Christian and Archduchess Marie Astrid.   At this time, Gabriella is focusing on motherhood but hopes to resume her education next year.

A date for the wedding has not been announced.

Having a child before the wedding (or being pregnant on the wedding day) is nothing new in the Luxembourg or Bourbon-Parma royal families.

Joan Dillon was three months pregnant when she married Prince Charles of Luxembourg, younger brother of Grand Duke Jean, in March 1967.

Prince Jean of Luxembourg's first child, Princess Marie-Gabrielle of Nassau was born nearly nine months before Jean, the middle son of Grand Duke Jean, married the mother, Helene Vestur.

Prince Louis of Luxembourg and his girlfriend, Tessy Antony, became the parents of a son,  Gabriel, in March 2006.  The couple married in September 2006 and are now in the process of finalizing their divorce.

Henri's grandfather, Prince Michel of Bourbon-Parma.  He has five children by his first wife, Princess Yolande de Broglie-Revel,  twins by his  second wife, Princess Maria Pia of Italy (who was still married to Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia when she began her relationship with Michel).  Michel also has a daughter,  Amelie de Bourbon-de Parma (1977) by Laure le Bourgeois.

Henri's paternal aunt, Princess Ines (1952-1981) gave birth to a daughter, Marie Melodie, in 1977.   Prince Michel adopted his granddaughter in 1982.

Two of Henri's sisters, Marie Gabrielle and Alexia, had children out of wedlock.  In 2003, Marie Gabriella gave birth to a son, Mark. She has not married the father.  A year later, Alexia's first daughter, Rebecca, was born.  Three years later, she married Rebecca's father, Fabian Davis.

One of Henri's first cousins, Tatiana Munro, elder daughter of Countess Silvia of Holstein-Ledreborg, gave birth to a son, Marcus, in 2009.  Two years later, she married the baby's father, Martin Skaarup Munro-Thers.

https://www.wort.lu/de/panorama/erzherzogin-gabriellas-tochter-der-erste-grosse-auftritt-5a391dd0c1097cee25b7a8a0


http://www.lessentiel.lu/de/luxemburg/story/11835336

Margarita must vacate Elisabeta Palace within 60 days

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Crown Princess Margareta, heir to King Michael of Romania, who died on December 5, will have to move out of the Elisabeta Palace within 60 days, according to a report in the Libertatea newspaper.

https://www.libertatea.ro/stiri/principesa-margareta-60-de-zile-sa-elibereze-palatul-elisabeta-momente-grele-pentru-familia-regala-2081851

The agreement that allowed King Michael to live in the Elisabeta Palace during his lifetime will expire in February 2018.

According to the Romanian Law 406/10.7/2001, the "family members of the holder enjoy free use during the lifetime of the holder and will leave the dwelling within 60 days."

@Marlene Eilers Koenig

 Margarita and her husband, Prince Radu, will have to leave the Elisabeta Palace, once the property of Margarita's great-aunt, Princess Elisabeth of Romania, at the beginning of February unless Parliament votes for the bill that will give the head of the Royal House continued use of the residence.

There is an assumption that the legislation will be enacted into law and lease for the head of the house will be extended for the next 49 years.

Margareta has used the palace as an official residence, hosting dinners and other events, where guests included members of the Romanian government.

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an interview with Alina-Maria Binder

@Nicholas Medforth-Mills

This interview was published in September 2017 in Life.ro

http://www.life.ro/life-stories/interviuri/alina-maria-binder-admir-la-logodnicul-meu-capacitatea-de-asumare-spiritul-de-aventura-si-curajul-de-a-trece-peste-greutati-stie-sa-fie-amuzant-vesel-si-uneori-copilaros-17191513

The reporter is Nicoleta Nicolae

ALINA-MARIA BINDER HAS COME TO OUR ATTENTION RECENTLY WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT SHE IS THE FIANCÉ OF PRINCE NICHOLAS, THE WOMAN HE IS ABOUT TO GET MARRIED NEXT YEAR. CURIOSITY HAS PUSHED US TO DISCOVER ALINA, TOO, TO FIND OUT WHAT QUALITIES IT HAS CONVINCED KING MICHAEL'S GRANDSON TO TAKE SUCH AN IMPORTANT STEP.

Alina-Maria Binder: "I admire my fiance the ability to take on, the spirit of adventure and the courage to get over the hardships. He knows how to be funny, cheerful and sometimes childish "

Besides being young and beautiful, Alina-Maria Binder (29) has countless other qualities: cooks, paints, plays piano and pilots planes. All this convinced Prince Nicholas to marry her one month ago, on the holiday they had spent in England in Cornwall.

Nicholas Medforth-Mills, grandson of King Michael and former Prince of Romania 

Who is Alina-Maria Binder, the one you want the world to know?

I want the world to know me as friends know me: a cheerful, sociable person who loves to laugh. I like to think that I have retained the ability to become a child again and again.The close ones say about me that I am a good listener, but at the same time, I have a very critical eye and attention to detail. I like people who know how to live nicely, well balanced and great value when it comes to private life. And one more thing, I really like the Japanese garlands.

What kind of childhood did you have?

My childhood was very beautiful, somehow divided between Bucharest, the town where I went to school and the summer holidays from my grandparents, some spent in Constanta and others in Sibiu. A childhood without smartphones, no tablets and other gadgets, outdoors in nature, with a bunch of kids in the block or with grandparents' animals. We, the children, wanted to spend the whole day out and play the games then: Sotron, Leap, Hidden, Leaf and more. I also remember that I spent a lot of time with my mother in the kitchen, paying attention to the wonderful dishes she prepared, and perhaps because of this I have the skill and cooking talent.

What does the family mean to you?

Family for me is the most important aspect of life because I have an extraordinary example from my parents, whose love and care I have always felt. I am lucky to have two wonderful parents who have guided and helped us in everything we wanted to do, while giving us the freedom to choose. We took care that during childhood we can try different sports or educational activities: karate, dance, swimming, but also painting, piano, guitar and foreign languages, activities that caught us well.

Are you alone with your parents?

I have a younger brother two years old than I have a very good understanding of.

Where's the passion for airplanes? Generally, youngsters have other hobbies at your age ...

Ever since I was a little, I preferred toy cars and toys in front of dolls. This is certainly due to my father who was a pilot in civil aviation. Every time he got the chance, my dad took me to the cockpit and explained to me how the plane was working, and I always asked him what the countless buttons make there, always discovering a new one. It was fascinating!

What else do you like to do when you have time?

Free time is often occupied by sports, cycling, playing tennis, yoga, hiking in nature. In the evening, after a long day at the office, I like to relax with a good book or a recipe. 

I read somewhere that you attended the School of Music and Fine Arts in Bucharest.What talent do you have?

In parallel with the primary school, I attended the School of Music and Fine Arts no. 4, where I attended painting, drawing, modeling. I enjoyed these activities a great deal, they helped me to make the surrounding world different, more detailed, deeper.

Do you live in Romania or Germany?

I lived in Germany during my studies. Now I do not live in Romania, but every time I come back home.

About your job, what can you tell us?

I worked as PR at the Aircraft Pilots and Owners Association, organizing events and seminars in Romania and Germany. I continue my profession in this field, following parallel theoretical courses for the private pilot license. 

How important is the image for a woman?

The image is very important because it is a business card that reveals many aspects: self-esteem, respect for one's own and others, caring for one's own body. I'm not talking about exaggerating, but about the ability to perceive the new balance, the women, the requirements of the society in which we live.

If you were to choose a place to live, work and raise your children, who would it be?Why?

Romania, of course. It's my country and here I have many friends and family. It's a wonderful country, and the scenery and its riches are unique in the world. I love Romanian customs and traditions and I would like my children to grow up in this environment and to carry on these traditions, the dowry of our ancestors. I remember that in the summer holidays my mother went to the creative camps organized by the Village Museum, where I learned from craftsmen from all parts of Romania little about the art of pottery, sculpture, glass painting of icons and eggs. I wish that these mysteries are not lost and used as much as possible.

Do you believe in true love? But in the institution of marriage?

I believe in love and I always considered it the foundation of a lasting relationship. I feel that a relationship is beautiful and harmonious when love interweaves with maturity and respect for the other. A long-lasting love relationship, however, requires good self-knowledge and, implicitly, psychological maturation from both partners. I also believe in marriage, because I see it as a natural, natural result of a mature relationship of love.

When you were young, did you dream when you get married?

I have grown up with stories and cartoons like Snow White, Cinderella, stories that teach children, that no dream is too great or impossible. Recently, we found out about the Disney 'Dream big, Princess' campaign that encourages girls of all ages to have great dreams and find the ambition to turn them into reality. I think such a campaign is welcome because every girl needs to understand that she is the princess of her own story and nothing should stop her from dreaming.

How would a dream look like?

You will surely know next year.

What do you admire most about a man?

I can tell you what I admire to my fiancé: I admire the ability to assume and overcome any life-related situation, I admire the spirit of adventure, the courage to overcome the hardships, and I crazy that she knows to be funny, cheerful and sometimes childlike.

And who do you think is the ingredient that makes a relationship last?

There are several ingredients: common values and passions, mutual respect, friendship with the loved one. The fact that a relationship lasts is a natural consequence of some spiritual values like the above. 

Do you like to travel? What is your last vacation?

I like to travel. I'm lucky that my partner is just as in love with me as traveling. We love to discover new places, traditions, and customs of people living in different corners of the world. The last vacation was in Cornwall, England, where I was asked for marriage.

What is the best lesson of life so far?

To be balanced in everything I do.

Quiz:

Simple or Milk Coffee?

Coffee with milk.

Skirt, trousers or jeans?

All three are in my wardrobe.

Movie or book?

Good movie anytime and the book accompanies me everywhere.

Money or love?

Health :) to enjoy both of you.

Flowers or chocolates?

Chocolate candy anytime, although nothing overwhelms me like a bunch of flowers.

Last wedding at the Palace

The last wedding at the Royal House was on June 10, 2008, when their Majesties King Mihai and Queen Ana celebrated sixty years of marriage. The moment was marked by a series of events at Elisabeth Palace, at the Romanian Athenaeum and at Peles Castle. The King and Queen celebrated with his family, with members of other royal European families, close to home and abroad, including: Their Royal Highness Princess Margareta and Prince Radu, His Royal Highness Princess Elena, His Excellency Mr. Alexander Phillips Nixon, His Excellency Nicholas and his sister, Elisabeth-Karina.

Nicholas Medforth Mills has married in secret

Nicholas de Roumanie Medforth-Mill's lawyer has confirmed that Nicholas and Alina-Maria Binder have married in a civil ceremony.  The date and place of the wedding has not been made public.

The couple will marry in a Romanian Orthodox ceremony in the summer of 2018.

King Michael and his American grandchildren

Although Michael and Angelica Krueger are unable to attend their grandfather's funeral, they did sent a wreath, which can be seen on display outside the Royal Palace.  (I hope to be able to share a photo of it, as I have asked the photographer about it.)

Here is a selection of photos taken in Bucharest in 1998 by Raymond Reuter.

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Prince Philip talks about his cousin, King Michael

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In October 2016,  Prince Philip spoke to a Romanian filmmaker about his cousin, Michael. 

http://stirileprotv.ro/special/printul-filip-interviu-exclusiv-cu-john-florescu-a-cunoscut-o-pe-ana-la-nunta-mea-nu-stiam-ce-se-infiripa-intre-ei.html

King Michael - scenes from the first two days

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Thousands wait in line to pay respects to Michael

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 The line outside the Royal Palace on Calea Victoriei  began to grow even before the hearse carrying the the coffin of the late King Michael left Castle Peles for the two hour drive to Bucharest.

King Michael will lie in State in the Throne Room at the Royal Palace through Saturday morning.

By Thursday evening tens of thousands of people have come through the palace doors to their respects to their much loved and respected King, who was forced to abdicate on December 30, 1947.

The Royal House's press office announced that the palace will remain open throughout Thursday night and will remain open until 10:00 p.m., on Friday.

Embed from Getty Images 

The Romanian philosopher Mihail Sora was the first to enter the Hall of Thrones on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m.  He left a message in the book of condolences. "Deeply grieved, to the death of the King of my heart."

One woman said "I came tonight and I will do it in the next few days.  For King Michael, especially for Michael. For the example that remains to us, the Romanian people."

King Simeon of the Bulgarians,  accompanied by Crown Princess Margarita and her husband, Prince Radu, came to the palace to pay his respects to the late king.

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People have placed candles, flowers and messages outside the palace.

http://adevarul.ro/news/eveniment/la-capataiul-regelui-cateva-secunde-ajunga-lumea-1_5a32b5195ab6550cb832b953/index.html

The official guest list for Michael's funeral

Here is the official guest list for the funeral of King Michael.

TM The King and Queen of Sweden

HRH The Grand Duke of Luxembourg

TM King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain

HRH The Prince of Wales

HM King Simeon of the Bulgarians

HM Queen Anne Marie of the Hellenes

HRH Princess Muna of Jordan

TRH Princess Astrid & and Prince Lorenz of Belgium

TRH Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia

HRH The Duke of Braganza

HRH  The Duke of Vendome

HI & RH Prince Georg Friedrich of Prussia

HI & RH Archduke Karl of Austria

HI & RH Grand Duchess Maria of Russia

TRH Crown Prince Leka II and Crown Princess Elia of Albania

His Excellency Rashid bin Khalifa al Khalifa of Bahrain

HRH Princess Rym of Jordan

HRH & HI & RH the Margrave and Margravine of Baden

HRH Princess Irene of Greece

TI & RH Archduke Dominic and Archduchess Emmanuella of Austria

HI & RH Archduchess Maria Magdalena of Austria and Baron Hanns-Ulrich von Holzhausen

Baroness Alexandra von Holzhausen, Mrs. Ferch

HI & RH Archduke Georg of Austria

TI & TH Archduke Martin and Archduchess Katharina of Austria

HRH The Prince of Venice

HRH Prince Nikolaos of Greece

HRH Duke Eberhard of Württemberg

HRH Princess Chantal of France and Baron Francois-Xavier de Sambucy de Sorgue

HSH Princess Anne de Ligne and  Chevalier Charles de Fabribeckers

HSH Princess Tatiana Radzivill, Mrs. Fruchaud and Dr. Fruchaud

UPDATED: funeral program for King Michael

December 12, 2017
Secretariat of the Romanian Royal Household


Program of the funeral of King Michael I of Romania


The Press Office of the Romanian Royal Household has been authorised to transmit the following updates regarding the program of the funeral of King Michael I of Romania for Saturday, December 16, 2017 and the journey with the Royal Train:

On Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at 11.00 a.m., His Late Majesty King Michael’s coffin will arrive at Otopeni Airport, whence it will be conveyed by hearse to Pelesh Castle. The event will take place in the presence of the new Head of the Royal House of Romania, Margareta, Custodian of the Crown, and the members of the Romanian Royal Family, representatives of the Romanian Government and of the Orthodox Church and members of the Royal Household. The press will have access to the ceremony. Members of the public will not have access.

From 2.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, the King’s coffin will lie in state in the Hall of Honour at Pelesh Castle. During this interval, the Custodian of the Crown and the Royal Family will be in Sinaia. The timetable for officials visiting Pelesh Castle to convey their condolences is as follows:

- 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.: The Presidential Institutions of Romania and the Republic of Moldova, members of the Government of Romania and the Government of the Republic of Moldova, members of the Parliament of Romania and the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova.
- 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Representatives of institutions of the Romanian State (National Bank, city and town halls, schools and universities, central and local institutions).
- 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, the European Union, N.A.T.O., and international organisations.
- 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Representatives of the Romanian Academy and the State Academy of the Republic of Moldova, the Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church, and other religious institutions.

Access to Pelesh Castle will be on the basis of the lists communicated in advance to the Royal Protocol by the aforementioned institutions by e-mail at ofiter.protocol@palatulelisabeta.ro.

Members of the public will not have access to the Hall of Honour while the coffin lies in state at Pelesh Castle. The press will have limited access to the Hall of Honour.

Wednesday December 13, 2017, at 6.00 p.m., His Late Majesty’s coffin will be taken from Pelesh Castle and from 8.30 p.m. will lie in state in the Throne Hall of the Royal Palace (Calea Victoriei, nos. 49-53). The ceremony of the arrival of the coffin in the Throne Room will be private. The press and members of the public will not have access.

All those who wish to lay flowers and to say a prayer at the catafalque of His Late Majesty King Michael I will have access to the Throne Hall of the Royal Palace on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, between 9.00 p.m. and midnight, Thursday, December 14, 2017, between 8.00 a.m. and 10.00 p.m. and Friday, December 15, 2017, between 08.00 a.m. and 10.00 p.m. Entry will be free for everybody. The press will also have access.

Those coming to the Royal Palace to pay their last respects to His Late Majesty King Michael I are asked to abide by the following rules:

 They should be dressed appropriately, in dark colours.
 They should not be carrying shopping bags, other kinds of bags, or bulky luggage of any kind.

 They should not be accompanied by children below the age of seven or by wheeling pushchairs.

 They should not use cameras or mobile telephones or any other electronic devices. Out of respect for the solemnity of the occasion, it will be forbidden to film or take photographs.

 They should have their identity cards with them.

 Members of the public will not be allowed to lay flowers at the catafalque personally. Flowers shall be laid in the garden in front of the Royal Palace or on the pavement in front of the Palace railings. The staff of the Royal Household will be on hand to advise the public.

 Those coming to the catafalque are asked not to bring books, letters, postcards, stamps, documents or photographs with them. These may be sent by post to the Elisabeta Palace after the event.

 It is strictly forbidden to smoke or to use mobile telephones within the precincts of the Royal Palace.

 They should cooperate with the staff of the Ministry of Internal Affairs during the security checks that will be carried out in the garden and inside the Royal Palace.

 Running in the perimeter is strictly forbidden.

 They should respect the program of activities and the travel route set by the organizers and the instructions of the staff of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

A first-aid post will be in service during the period of access to the Royal Palace.

At 10.25 a.m., on Saturday, December 16, 2017, a short religious service will be held in the Throne Hall of the Royal Palace.

At 11.00 a.m., His Late Majesty’s coffin will be laid on a catafalque in Royal Palace Square, in front of the Palace. A military and religious ceremony will be held. The public will have free access to Royal Palace Square, within specially marked out areas. The press will also have free access.

At 11.10 a.m., the coffin will be placed on a gun carriage. The funeral cortege will include, a part from the Royal Family, servicemen and women from the Ministry of National Defense and representatives of the Romanian Orthodox Church. As a sign of respect, the gun carriage will be pulled by an operational vehicle of the Romanian Armed Forces.

Between 11.30 a.m. and 12.45 p.m., the funeral cortege will walk from the Royal Palace Square, along Calea Victoriei, then Unirii Square, to the Patriarchal Cathedral.

Between 12.50 p.m. and 2.00 p.m., a funeral mass will take place in the Patriarchal Cathedral of Romania. The press and members of the public will not have access.

At 2.00 p.m., the funeral cortege will travel to Băneasa Royal Railway Station taking the following route: Unirii Square – University Square – Romana Square – Charles de Gaulle Square – The Triumphant Arch – Kiseleff Av. – Bucureşti – Ploieşti Av.

At 2.40 p.m., His Majesty’s coffin will be transported in the Royal Train to Curtea de Argeș.

In the Royal Train will travel the Custodian of the Crown and the Royal Family of Romania. The press and public will have access in front of Băneasa Royal Railway Station.

The Royal Train will travel at low speed through the following cities: Chitila (2.51 p.m.) – Titu (3.41 p.m.) – Pitești (4.46 p.m.). All those who want to pay their respects to His Late Majesty King Michael I are welcomed in the railway station of their city. 

The Royal Train will arrive at Curtea de Argeş Railway Station, at 5.30 p.m. The funeral cortege will travel from the railway station to Curtea de Arges Cathedral. The press and public will have access in front of Curtea de Arges Railway Station.

At 5.50 p.m., His Late Majesty’s burial service will take place in Curtea de Argeș Cathedral. At 6.20 p.m. His Late Majesty’s coffin will be taken to the New New Episcopal and Royal Cathedral in a procession. The burial will end at 6.40 p.m. 

The ceremony will be attended only by the Custodian of the Crown, the Royal Family of Romania and members of foreign Royal Families. The public will not be allowed past the front gates of the Park of the Curtea de Argeș Monastery.

The press will not be allowed inside the New Cathedral, either before or during the burial ceremony. The New Cathedral will be closed to visitors during the seven days following the funeral.

The Royal Family announces heavy mourning for 40 days and mourning for the first three months after the day of His Late Majesty’s passing.

For further details, please contact the Royal Secretariat and the Press Office by e-mail at secretariat-regal@palatulelisabeta.ro and by phone at +40 21 319 09 72.

Books of condolence are open at Pelesh Castle, the Royal Palace (Calea Victoriei), and Elisabeta Palace. The public will be able to sign the books of condolence for forty days after the date of the decease.

Messages of condolence may also be left online, at the following address: http://www.familiaregala.ro/mesaje/ 

Confirmed guests for King Michael's funeral

As of Tuesday morning, the confirmed royal guests for King Michael's funeral are:

Embed from Getty Images

HRH The Prince of Wales

Embed from Getty Images 

 TM King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain
HRH The Grand Duke of Luxembourg
TM King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden
HM Queen Anne Marie of the Hellenes
HRH The Margrave and H& RH Margravine of Baden
TRH Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz of Belgium
HRH Princess Muna of Jordan

The funeral of King Michael - details

Funeral of King Michael I of Romania 

Wednesday, December 13, 2017 – Saturday, December 16, 2017

I have edited the press accreditation email that I received earlier today with details about the funeral. 

The Romanian National Television (TVR) is the official broadcaster of the funeral.

Henri Coanda International Airport – Bucharest, Official Lounge
Wednesday, December 13, 2017, 11 A.M.

At 11 A.M., His Late Majesty King Michael’s coffin will arrive at Henri Coanda International Airport (Official Lounge) where a short religious service will be held.

Pelesh Castle
Wednesday, December 13, 2017, 2 P.M. – 6 P.M.
From 2 P.M. to 6 P.M., the King’s coffin will lie in state in the Hall of Honour of Pelesh Castle.

The Romanian National Television will broadcast live from Pelesh Castle. Only the photographers will have access inside the Castle.

Royal Palace, Throne Hall
Wednesday, December 13, 2017 – 9 P.M. – 12 A.M.
Thursday, December 14, 2017 and Friday, December 15, 2017 – 7.00 A.M – 10 P.M.

At 8.30 P.M., His Late Majesty’s coffin will lie in state in the Throne Hall of the Royal Palace in Bucharest (Calea Victoriei, nos. 49-53). The ceremony will be private. The press and members of the public will not have access during the ceremony. Access will be granted afterward, from 9 P.M. to 12 A.M.
Also, all those who wish to lay flowers and say a prayer at the catafalque of King Michael I will have access to the Throne Hall of the Royal Palace on Thursday, December 14, 2017 and on Friday, December 15, 2017, from 8 A.M. to 10 P.M.

Royal Palace, Throne Hall and Royal Palace Square

Saturday, December 16, 2017, 10.25 A.M. – 11.30 A.M.

At 10.25 A.M., a short religious service will be held in the Throne Hall of the Royal Palace.

At 10.55 A.M., His Late Majesty’s coffin will be laid on a catafalque in Royal Palace Square. A military and religious ceremony will be held. 

At 11.20 A.M., the coffin will be placed on a gun carriage. At 11.30 A.M., the funeral cortege will walk from the Royal Palace Square, along Calea Victoriei, then Unirii Square, to the Patriarchal Cathedral.

The Romanian National Television will broadcast live the ceremony from the Throne Hall. 

The press will have free access only in the Royal Palace Square, within specially marked out areas. 

Patriarchal Cathedral

Saturday, December 16, 2017, 12.45 P.M. – 2 P.M.

From 12.45 P.M. to 2 P.M., a funeral mass will take place in the Patriarchal Cathedral of Romania.

From 2 P.M, the funeral cortege will travel to Baneasa Royal Railway Station taking the following route: Unirii Square – University Square – Romana Square – Charles de Gaulle Square – The Triumphant Arch – Kiseleff Av. – Bucuresti – Ploiesti Av.

The Romanian National Television will broadcast live the ceremony from the Cathedral. 

Baneasa Royal Railway Station 

Saturday, December 16, 2017 

2.40 P.M. – The Royal Train departure to Curtea de Arges

The press will have free access in front of Baneasa Royal Railway Station.

Curtea de Arges Railway Station 

Saturday, December 16, 2017 

5.30 P.M. – The Royal Train arrival to Curtea de Arges

The press will have free access in front of Curtea de Arges Railway Station.

Curtea de Arges Cathedral

Saturday, December 16, 2017, 5.45 P.M. – 6.40 P.M.

5.45 P.M. – The Funeral Cortege arrives in front of Curtea de Arges Cathedral. King’s Michael coffin will be laid on a catafalque in the Cathedral.

5.50 P.M. to 6.20 P.M. – Short religious service inside the Cathedral.

6.20 P.M. to 6.30 P.M. – Funeral procession from the Cathedral to the New Episcopal and Royal Cathedral. 

6.30 P.M. to 6.40 P.M. – Burial of His Late Majesty King Michael. The burial will be private. No media access. 

The Romanian National Television will broadcast live the ceremony from the Cathedral. 

Speech of Her Majesty the Custodian of the Crown at the Solemn Session of the Romanian Parliament, 11 December 2017

Speech of Her Majesty the Custodian of the Crown at the Solemn Session of the Romanian Parliament, 11 December 2017


Mr President of Romania,
Chairmen of the Senate and the Chamber,
Mr Prime Minister,
Your Beatitude, Your Eminence,
Ladies and gentlemen senators and deputies,
Your Excellencies,


The solemnity we participate in is organized to pay tribute to our King, so loved by the Romanian people and admired by the whole world. But the meaning of today’s distinguished assembly has deep roots in 150 years of modern history, full of tragic, as well as uplifting pages.

I lost, as it had the entire nation, a parent. In these difficult moments, we are united in our suffering.

The goodness and forgiveness of my father defeated all the evils of the last century. His wisdom assured the continuity of our country in moments of tragedy and unbearable suffering last century. Even when our King was far away from his country, Romanians saw him as a beacon. For almost a century, King Michael was part of the Romanian state fabric.

A new time starts for the Royal House. With the same values and principles as my father, I will continue to serve the fundamental interests of Romania. Like King Michael, I will devote my work to the Romanians from all over the world.

The Crown will continue to do everything possible, alongside the fundamental institutions of the State, for the country’s progress, in the European Union and NATO. The King has always believed it is our duty to be an integral part of such efforts.

Besides our activities for strengthening Romanian communities, and our charitable projects, my Family and I will continue, along the state institutions, to promote Romania’s true image and her interests globally.

The countries of the world need to know better what Romania achieved in 150 years, as a modern state, what we managed to build in the century that passed from the Great Union and what we accomplished after the fall of communism. Looking back, we can be proud of the progress of our nation.

In my parents’ heart there has always been a “tomorrow”. With the thought of that “tomorrow,” I am grateful to you for today.

So help us God!



Margareta,
Custodian of the Romanian Crown

https://youtu.be/sbs4NG1ud8g

Updated: King Michael's funeral program

December 9, 2017
Secretariat of the Romanian Royal Household


Program of the funeral of King Michael I of Romania


The Press Office of the Romanian Royal Household has been authorised to transmit the following updates regarding the program of the funeral of
King Michael I of Romania:


On Saturday, December 16, 2017, after the military and religious service in the Royal Palace Square, His Late Majesty King Michael’s coffin will be placed on a gun carriage and will travel to the Patriarchal Cathedral of Romania. As a sign of respect, the gun carriage will be pulled by an operational vehicle of the Romanian Armed Forces.

After the funeral mass that will take place in the Patriarchal Cathedral of Romania, His Late Majesty King Michael’s coffin will be placed inside the hearse and the funeral cortege will travel to Băneasa Royal Railway Station.

His Late Majesty King Michael’s coffin will be transported from Bucharest to Curtea de Argeş in the Royal Train.

Please find below the updated program of the funeral of King Michael I of Romania.

On Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at 11.00 a.m., His Late Majesty King Michael’s coffin will arrive at Otopeni Airport, whence it will be conveyed by hearse to Pelesh Castle. The event will take place in the presence of the new Head of the Royal House of Romania, Margareta, Custodian of the Crown, and the members of the Romanian Royal Family, representatives of the Romanian Government and of the Orthodox Church and members of the Royal Household. The press will have access to the ceremony. Members of the public will not have access.

From 2.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, the King’s coffin will lie in state in the Hall of Honour at Pelesh Castle. During this interval, the Custodian of the Crown and the Royal Family will be in Sinaia. The timetable for officials visiting Pelesh Castle to convey their condolences is as follows:

- 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.: The Presidential Institutions of Romania and the Republic of Moldova, members of the Government of Romania and the Government of the Republic of Moldova, members of the Parliament of Romania and the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova.
- 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Representatives of institutions of the Romanian State (National Bank, city and town halls, schools and universities, central and local institutions).
- 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, the European Union, N.A.T.O., and international organisations.
- 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Representatives of the Romanian Academy and the State Academy of the Republic of Moldova, the Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church, and other religious institutions.

Access to Pelesh Castle will be on the basis of the lists communicated in advance to the Royal Protocol by the aforementioned institutions by e-mail at ofiter.protocol@palatulelisabeta.ro.

Members of the public will not have access to the Hall of Honour while the coffin lies in state at Pelesh Castle. The press will have limited access to the Hall of Honour.

Wednesday December 13, 2017, at 6.00 p.m., His Late Majesty’s coffin will be taken from Pelesh Castle and from 8.30 p.m. will lie in state in the Throne Hall of the Royal Palace (Calea Victoriei, nos. 49-53). The ceremony of the arrival of the coffin in the Throne Room will be private. The press and members of the public will not have access.

All those who wish to lay flowers and to say a prayer at the catafalque of His Late Majesty King Michael I will have access to the Throne Hall of the Royal Palace on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, between 9.00 p.m. and midnight, Thursday, December 14, 2017, between 8.00 a.m. and 10.00 p.m. and Friday, December 15, 2017, between 08.00 a.m. and 10.00 p.m. Entry will be free for everybody. The press will also have access.

Those coming to the Royal Palace to pay their last respects to His Late Majesty King Michael I are asked to abide by the following rules:

Ø They should be dressed appropriately, in dark colours.
Ø They should not be carrying shopping bags, other kinds of bags, or bulky luggage of any kind.
Ø They should not be accompanied by children below the age of seven or by wheeling pushchairs.
Ø They should not use cameras or mobile telephones or any other electronic devices. Out of respect for the solemnity of the occasion, it will be forbidden to film or take photographs.
Ø They should have their identity cards with them.
Ø Members of the public will not be allowed to lay flowers at the catafalque personally. Flowers shall be laid in the garden in front of the Royal Palace or on the pavement in front of the Palace railings. The staff of the Royal Household will be on hand to advise the public.
Ø Those coming to the catafalque are asked not to bring books, letters, postcards, stamps, documents or photographs with them. These may be sent by post to the Elisabeta Palace after the event.
Ø It is strictly forbidden to smoke or to use mobile telephones within the precincts of the Royal Palace.

A first-aid post will be in service during the period of access to the Royal Palace.

At 10.30 a.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2017, a short religious service will be held in the Throne Hall of the Royal Palace.

At 10.55 a.m. His Late Majesty’s coffin will be laid on a catafalque in Royal Palace Square, in front of the Palace. A military and religious ceremony will be held. The public will have free access to Royal Palace Square, within specially marked out areas. The press will also have free access.

At 11.15 a.m., the coffin will be placed on a gun carriage. The funeral cortege will include, a part from the Royal Family, servicemen and women from the Ministry of National Defense and representatives of the Romanian Orthodox Church. As a sign of respect, the gun carriage will be pulled by an operational vehicle of the Romanian Armed Forces.

Between 11.25 a.m. and 12.15 p.m., the funeral cortege will walk from the Royal Palace Square, along Calea Victoriei, then Unirii Square, to the Patriarchal Cathedral.

Between 12.30 p.m. and 2.00 p.m., a funeral mass will take place in the Patriarchal Cathedral of Romania. The press and members of the public will not have access.

At 2.00 p.m., the funeral cortege will travel to Băneasa Royal Railway Station taking the following route: Unirii Square – University Square – Romana Square – Charles de Gaulle Square – The Triumphant Arch – Kiseleff Av. – Bucureşti – Ploieşti Av.

In the Royal Train will travel the Custodian of the Crown and the Royal Family of Romania. The press and public will have access in front of Băneasa Royal Railway Station.

The Royal Train will arrive at Curtea de Argeş Railway Station, at a time that will be made public soon. The funeral cortege will travel form the railway station to the New Episcopal and Royal Cathedral. The press and public will have access in front of Curtea de Arges Railway Station.

His Late Majesty’s burial service will take place in the New Episcopal and Royal Cathedral in Curtea de Arges  at a time that will be announced shortly. The ceremony will be attended only by the Custodian of the Crown, the Royal Family of Romania and members of foreign Royal Families. The public will not be allowed past the front gates of the Park of the Curtea de Arge  Monastery.

The press will not be allowed inside the New Cathedral, either before or during the burial ceremony. The New Cathedral will be closed to visitors during the seven days following the funeral.

The Royal Family announces heavy mourning for 40 days and mourning for the first three months after the day of His Late Majesty’s passing.

For further details, please contact the Royal Secretariat and the Press Office by e-mail at secretariat-regal@palatulelisabeta.ro and by phone at +40 21 319 09 72.

Books of condolence are open from today at Pelesh Castle, the Royal Palace (Calea Victoriei), and Elisabeta Palace. The public will be able to sign the books of condolence for forty days after the date of the decease.

Messages of condolence may also be left online, at the following address: http://www.familiaregala.ro/mesaje/

Nicholas Medforth-Mills will attend King Michael's funeral

@ Monarhia salvează România

Earlier this week, Nicholas Medforth-Mills, the estranged grandson of the late King Michael of Romania. will be attending the state funeral, his lawyer has confirmed.

Earlier this week,  Nicholas sent a letter to the Royal house requesting that he be able to attend the funeral as a family member.  His lawyer, Radu Enache, said that Nicholas had not received a response as of Thursday.  The lack of response led to Nicholas stating that he would attend the funeral as a private citizen.

Earlier today, Traian Sirca, an official of the Royal House, sent a response to Mr. Enache.     Mr. Medforth-Mills  will have an official place at the funeral. He will be accompanied by his fiancee, Alina-Maria Binder. 

Mr. Sirca will be the intermediary between the Royal House and Nicholas Medforth-Mills, who will remain in the country and will participate in the funeral events.


https://www.libertatea.ro/stiri/principele-nicolae-cerut-casei-regale-sa-fie-primit-la-funeraliile-regelui-mihai-2069250

Margarita arrives in Aubonne

Embed from Getty Images

 Crown Princess Margarita of Romania arrived on Wednesday at the late King Michael's private residence in Aubonne, Switzerland.  She has been joined by three of her sisters,. Princess Helen and her husband, Alexander Nixon,  Princess Sophie,  and Princess Marie, who was with her father when he died.

The four sisters are expected to attend several ceremonies that will be organized to commemorate the life of King Michael.

The late king's third daughter, Irina Walker, who lives in Oregon, will be traveling to Bucharest at the weekend.

Romanian news sources are reporting that the late King's grandson, Nicholas,  will not be banned from attending the funeral, but it is not known at this time if he will be allowed to join the family.

Orthodox prayers will be said nightly at the Aubonne residence until December 10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=45&v=td2F_cWFhBI


https://www.historia.ro/sectiune/actualitate/articol/principelui-nicolae-nu-i-se-va-interzice-participarea-la-funeraliile-regelui-mihai

King Michael and Prince Philip as children

Marlene A Eilers Koenig Collection

Looking through several of my photo albums (for another photo) and I found this image.

This photo was taken circa 1927 when Philip and his two eldest sisters, Margarita and Theodora, went to Romania to stay with Queen Helen and young King Michael.

During this visit, Philip and his sisters spent time at the "dilapidated Cotroceni palace" in Bucharest, before "repairing in the heat of high summer" either to Peles Castle in Sinaia, high in the Carpathian Mountains or to "the newly built Mamaia Palace at the mouth of the Danube on the Black Sea," according to Philip Eade's excellent biography Prince Philip.  

Michael was not even six years old when he succeeded his grandfather, King Ferdinand, in 1927.   This photo may have been taken at Mamaia in the summer of 1927.  Michael's "new status" as king made no real difference to the children's play, although, according to another of their playmates, their cousin, Princess Alexandra of Greece, the only child of the late King Alexander,  who was Queen Helen's brother, who noticed that "there were always more people about."

In 1927,  Prince Philip started at the Elms, a "progressive American kindergarten," in Paris, where his classmates included his cousins, Prince Jacques and Princess Anne of Bourbon-Parma.  Their mother was Princess Margarethe of Denmark.     In June 1948,  Princess Anne married King Michael of Romania.

In December 1936,  Philip spent a part of his Christmas holiday with Michael, who had become the Crown Prince, after his wayward father, Carol, took the throne in 1930, and Helen at her home, Villa Sparta in Florence.

http://royalbooknews.blogspot.com/2017/12/books-about-king-michael.html