April 13, 1939
Queen Geraldine of Albania has regained sufficient strength to be reunited with her infant son, Prince Skander. The queen is recuperating in a Greek hospital. Her husband, King Zog, who is now wearing civilian clothes, "spends most of his time in seclusion," at a local inn or at his wife's bedside, according to an AP report.
The prince was only two days old when he and his Hungarian-American mother were forced to leave Tirana following the Italian invasion of Albania.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Peter Pan makes his way into the royal nursery
The Associated Press reports today that Sir James Barrie, the author of Peter Pan, was at Buckingham Palace today for tea with King George V and Queen Mary. The children's author was one of 300 people from all walks of life who were the guests of Britain's sovereigns.
Barrie "whispered something to Queen Mary, and she smiled." It was also noticed that the Queen "nodded enthusiastically," and Sir James was "off in a jiffy."
Upstairs in the nursery, a little Princess, who is about to celebrate her first birthday, awoke from her afternoon nap, to find an "object wearing glasses and a white stiff color and a black frocked coat and just about the broadest smile ever seen by this important baby."
This was Sir James' first glimpse of the princess who is staying with her grandparents as her parents, the Duke and Duchess of York, are on tour in Australia. Sir James remain in the nursery, "all grins." until Elizabeth's nurse, "shooed him out, and back to the tea party, where he belonged."
Archdukes lose their land
April 13, 1919
The Austrian government today has "sequestered" all of the property belonging to the former archdukes, according to the New York Times. Archduke Friedrich, who served as Commander in Chief of the Army, has lost a landed estate worth more than 100,000,000 Austrian crowns.
The Austrian government today has "sequestered" all of the property belonging to the former archdukes, according to the New York Times. Archduke Friedrich, who served as Commander in Chief of the Army, has lost a landed estate worth more than 100,000,000 Austrian crowns.
Attempt on King Alfonso's life
April 13, 1913
King Alfonso XIII of Spain narrowly escaped an attempt on his life today, reports the New York Times. The king was returning from a swearing-in ceremony for recruits when an Anarchist fired three shots at him. The king was not hurt, but he had "a narrow escape." He was surrounded by "gorgeously uniformed escort," while his wife, Queen Victoria Eugenia, and her mother, Princess Henry of Battenberg, followed in an open carriage. "Perfect order" was achieved as the guards immediately surrounded the king to protect him as the assassin was arrested by the police. After "recovering from their momentary panic," the crowds on both sides of the street began to cheer for their sovereign as he made his way back to the Palace, where it is reported he told aides "Gentlemen, the affair is all over, and it has been nothing."
Later in the day, the King went out riding, and was again cheered by several thousand people as he rode off to the Casa de Campo."
King Alfonso XIII of Spain narrowly escaped an attempt on his life today, reports the New York Times. The king was returning from a swearing-in ceremony for recruits when an Anarchist fired three shots at him. The king was not hurt, but he had "a narrow escape." He was surrounded by "gorgeously uniformed escort," while his wife, Queen Victoria Eugenia, and her mother, Princess Henry of Battenberg, followed in an open carriage. "Perfect order" was achieved as the guards immediately surrounded the king to protect him as the assassin was arrested by the police. After "recovering from their momentary panic," the crowds on both sides of the street began to cheer for their sovereign as he made his way back to the Palace, where it is reported he told aides "Gentlemen, the affair is all over, and it has been nothing."
Later in the day, the King went out riding, and was again cheered by several thousand people as he rode off to the Casa de Campo."
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Will the British press publish Eugenie's topless photos
Scroll down to the second story:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/people/nic-goes-country/2009/04/10/1239223052638.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2
http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/people/nic-goes-country/2009/04/10/1239223052638.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2
Lord Frederick's Hampton Court Wedding
Lord Frederick Windsor will marry Sophie Winkleman on September 12, 2009. The wedding will take place at the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mandrake/5141162/Lord-Freddie-Windsor-refuses-to-say-Hello-to-big-wedding-gift.html
Although Princess Michael is Roman Catholic, she agreed that her children would be raised in the Church of England. Lord Frederick's baptism took place on July 11, 1979 at the Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace. Queen Elizabeth II attended the ceremony. The godparents included Princess Alexandra (who could not attend because of a long-standing engagement in Liverpool; the Earl of St. Andrews; Prince Karl of Schwarzenberg and Mrs. Jacqueline Geddes.
According to Peter Lane's biography, Princess Michael of Kent, one of the princess's priest friends was a guest at the baptism. The baptism was performed according to the rites of the Anglican church. Incidentally, The Times was not published during this time period due to labor issues.
http://www.chapelroyal.org/
I attended a Sunday service at the Chapel Royal on September 9, 2001. A lovely service.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mandrake/5141162/Lord-Freddie-Windsor-refuses-to-say-Hello-to-big-wedding-gift.html
Although Princess Michael is Roman Catholic, she agreed that her children would be raised in the Church of England. Lord Frederick's baptism took place on July 11, 1979 at the Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace. Queen Elizabeth II attended the ceremony. The godparents included Princess Alexandra (who could not attend because of a long-standing engagement in Liverpool; the Earl of St. Andrews; Prince Karl of Schwarzenberg and Mrs. Jacqueline Geddes.
According to Peter Lane's biography, Princess Michael of Kent, one of the princess's priest friends was a guest at the baptism. The baptism was performed according to the rites of the Anglican church. Incidentally, The Times was not published during this time period due to labor issues.
http://www.chapelroyal.org/
I attended a Sunday service at the Chapel Royal on September 9, 2001. A lovely service.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Zog joins Geraldine and infant son in Greece
April 8, 1939
King Zog of Albania is now in Florina, Greece, and has been united with his wife, Geraldine, and their infant son.
Albania's capital, Tirana, is now under the occupation of Italian soldiers.
The royal couple will stay in Greece until Queen Geraldine has regained her strength. The Chicago Daily Tribune and other newspapers have reported that the Albanian couple plans to live abroad. The king has a "nest egg" of about $160,000, which is said to be Albania's entire gold reserve. According to her doctor, the queen is said to be strong enough to travel but will not be able to walk for several weeks.
Zog urged his people to fight to "their last drop of blood" for Albania.
The Queen gave an interview to a London newspaper, where she said that she hoped the world would be "shocked" by Italy's aggression toward Albania. The story was dictated to her grandmother, "who repeated it by telephone to London." The queen said she left her husband "leading his troops into battle," but there was little he could do against "such armed might." She said she wanted to stay in Tirana and pleaded with Zog to allow her to stay. But he ordered her to leave, and a fleet of cars, including an ambulance, was in the palace courtyard. The queen and her two-day-old son rode in the ambulance.
King Zog of Albania is now in Florina, Greece, and has been united with his wife, Geraldine, and their infant son.
Albania's capital, Tirana, is now under the occupation of Italian soldiers.
The royal couple will stay in Greece until Queen Geraldine has regained her strength. The Chicago Daily Tribune and other newspapers have reported that the Albanian couple plans to live abroad. The king has a "nest egg" of about $160,000, which is said to be Albania's entire gold reserve. According to her doctor, the queen is said to be strong enough to travel but will not be able to walk for several weeks.
Zog urged his people to fight to "their last drop of blood" for Albania.
The Queen gave an interview to a London newspaper, where she said that she hoped the world would be "shocked" by Italy's aggression toward Albania. The story was dictated to her grandmother, "who repeated it by telephone to London." The queen said she left her husband "leading his troops into battle," but there was little he could do against "such armed might." She said she wanted to stay in Tirana and pleaded with Zog to allow her to stay. But he ordered her to leave, and a fleet of cars, including an ambulance, was in the palace courtyard. The queen and her two-day-old son rode in the ambulance.
A German princess for Boris
April 8, 1929
King Boris III of Bulgaria is currently in Berlin. His visit, according to a report by the New York Times, "has given rise to the rumor" that he is seeking a German bride.
It is now believed that the king will not be marrying Princess Giovanna of Savoy. The king does not want to marry a Catholic princess. Two possible candidates are Grand Duchess Kira of Russia, who is Orthodox, and a princess of Mecklenburg, who has not been named.
Jolanda and her count meet the court
Princess Jolanda of Italy and her fiance, Count Calvi di Bergolo, were the guests of honor at today's court reception, just one day before the couple's wedding.
The New York Times reports that "the doors of the Quirinal Palace were thrown open for the second and last reception" before the royal wedding took place. Today's reception is considered to be "the first important court function to take place since the beginning of the war."
The reception was held in the "wonderful setting of the grand salons of the Quirinal Palace," where "beautiful women wearing wonderful jewels, distinguished-looking men and picturesque court costumes, officers in colorful uniforms, Fascisti wearing black shirts under gray-green tunics and diplomats from all over the world in gala dress" could mingle with each other.
The bride-to-be, her future husband, her parents, and the king and queen of Italy were the center of all eyes. "Smiling and gracious, Princess Yolanda looked the picture of happiness." She was dressed completely in white, wearing a "simple dress of charmeuse with an embroidered tulle. A "delicate hand-made Venetian shawl" was worn over her shoulders, and the only color "was supplied by the flowers at her waist." The only jewelry she wore was her sapphire engagement ring, "set in platinum.
Count Calvi was dressed in his cavalry officer's uniform, on which he wore several medals that he had received for "conspicuous gallantry on the battlefield."
Queen Elena wore a "beautiful dress of pearl gray velvet, embroidered in silver, with a long train." She also wore her famous pearl necklace.
More than three thousand guests were present, including the wearers of the Collar of Annunziata, "who rank as cousins of the king," Premier Mussolini and his cabinet, members of the military, the Roman aristocracy, and all "who have been presented at Court since 1918."
The king and queen, Princess Jolanda, and Count Calvi departed shortly after midnight, but many guests remained "long after their absence," and the palace began to "empty out only in the wee hours of the morning."
English princess to be queen of Spain
April 8, 1905.
The Chicago Daily Tribune is reporting in today's editions that the engagement between King Alfonso XIII of Spain, and Princess Patricia of Connaught, is to be "accepted as fact," although no official announcement has been made. The Princess is the youngest of three children of the Duke and Duchess of Connaught.
The couple have agreed that their sons will be Roman Catholic, but any daughters will be raised in their mother's faith, which is Church of England. Princess Patricia is "tall and slight, with a fresh English complexion, and light brown hair." Both she and her sister, Princess Margaret, who is the fiancee of Princes Gustav Adolf of Sweden, are "good riders and fond of outdoor sports."
The Chicago Daily Tribune is reporting in today's editions that the engagement between King Alfonso XIII of Spain, and Princess Patricia of Connaught, is to be "accepted as fact," although no official announcement has been made. The Princess is the youngest of three children of the Duke and Duchess of Connaught.
The couple have agreed that their sons will be Roman Catholic, but any daughters will be raised in their mother's faith, which is Church of England. Princess Patricia is "tall and slight, with a fresh English complexion, and light brown hair." Both she and her sister, Princess Margaret, who is the fiancee of Princes Gustav Adolf of Sweden, are "good riders and fond of outdoor sports."
New York Times article on a changing Luxembourg
Here is a link to an interesting article in today's New York Times about Luxembourg
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/08/world/europe/08luxembourg.html?ref=world
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/08/world/europe/08luxembourg.html?ref=world
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
German video of Jean & Philomena's wedding
Bunte has a video (in German) of Jean and Philomena's wedding
http://www.bunte.de/starstyle-tv/?broadcastId=1430
http://www.bunte.de/starstyle-tv/?broadcastId=1430
Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Ingrid in California
April 7, 1939
Crown Prince Frederick and Crown Princess Ingrid of Denmark and Iceland are in Santa Barbara, California, today, reports the Los Angeles Times. They visited a small town, Solvang, where most of the 400 residents are of Danish extraction. They also attended a Good Friday service at a local Lutheran church, drove through the grounds of Attertag College, and stopped for coffee and pastries at the "ultra-modern American Legion Building."
Crown Prince Frederick and Crown Princess Ingrid of Denmark and Iceland are in Santa Barbara, California, today, reports the Los Angeles Times. They visited a small town, Solvang, where most of the 400 residents are of Danish extraction. They also attended a Good Friday service at a local Lutheran church, drove through the grounds of Attertag College, and stopped for coffee and pastries at the "ultra-modern American Legion Building."
In the evening, they will be the guests of honor at a reception at the Biltmore Hotel, which local Danish societies are hosting.
As the couple left Los Angeles, they stopped to say goodbye and shake the hands of each local police escort, who were now turning over the security duties to law enforcement officials in Ventura county.
At the reception at the American Legion building, Crown Prince Frederik said: To find out traditions in our fatherland in new surroundings makes them only more beloved to us. We have been bathed in sunlight ever since we began this memorable day and now we have driven into a bit of Denmark tucked into this beautiful California.
"As we came over the pass into this amazing valley of Santa Ynez, I was reminded of the Jutland of which I am fond. It was a moving sight to see the two flags, the Dannebrog and the Stars and Stripes, fluttering side by side on the front of our car as we sped along.
"Princess Ingrid and I count ourselves fortunate to have celebrated this Good Friday in your handsome little church under the ministry of your good pastor, Rev. Moeller.
"I bring you cordial greetings from my parents, the King and Queen, who ask to be remembered to Danes in America, both those whom they have met personally and to all. They will be delighted to learn how well you cherish Danish traditions and Danish customs.
"On behalf of the Crown Princess and myself, let me say that this will be a memorable experience for years to come. It is a delight to close the day in Danish fashion, around the old-fashioned coffee table."
Albanian queen flees to Greece
April 7, 1939
The half-American Queen Geraldine of Albania and her two-day-old son have arrived in Greece and are now safe. The Queen, who is 23 years old, left Tirana in a car after the Italians began bombarding the Albanian coast.
The Albanian Legation in Athens has said that the Queen, who was accompanied by two ladies in waiting, is in Florina, near the Yugoslav border, where "there is no inn that can boast more than the most primitive comfort," reports the Chicago Daily Tribune. If the queen's health permits, she and her son will travel to Salonika by car and then board a train to Athens. An Athens doctor, Alexander Luros, has left Athens and is en route to Salonika to see the queen. But if she is unable to travel, he will drive to Florina to treat her.
The Queen, who married King Zog last April in Tirana, is the daughter of Gladys Virginia Stewart of New York and Count Julius Nagy-Apponyi, a respected noble Hungarian family member. She met King Zog when she won a beauty contest in Budapest.
Hungarian officials hoped the wedding would bring closer ties among Hungary, Albania, and Italy. At the time of the marriage, Albania and Italy were allies.
King Zog remained in Albania.
Crown Prince Ruppprecht weds Luxembourg Princess
Former Crown Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria was married to Princess Antonia of Luxembourg today in a civil ceremony at Schloss Hohenburg, the Luxembourg grand ducal family's Bavarian home. The Grand Duke of Baden and Prince Franz of Germany were witnesses to the wedding.
A previous engagement between the Crown Prince and Princess Antonia, announced in November 1918, ended after revolution broke out in Bavaria. The wedding was to have taken place in January 1919, but one month later, it was reported to have been postponed again.
At the time, the American army had occupied Luxembourg, and Grand Duchess Marie Adelaide had abdicated in favor of her sister, Charlotte. Prince Rupprecht had gone to Switzerland and "having been proscribed by the Allies for having acted contrary to the rules of war." The New York Times reports that Rupprecht had been charged with ordering prisoners to be killed. It has been asserted that these charges " were supported by important affidavits."
Rupprecht, who is thirty years his bride's senior, is a widower. His first wife, Marie-Gabrielle, died in 1912.
Princess Antonia is the third of the five daughters of the late Grand Duke Wilhelm of Luxembourg and Infanta Maria Anne of Portugal.
The religious wedding will be performed by Mgr. Pacelli, the Papal nuncio.
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