November 6, 1919
The Associated Press reports (based on a dispatch from October 20) that the Duke of the Abruzzi and his party have sailed for Africa and will make an effort "discover the sources" of the Wehi Shebeli River, which flows from Abyssinia through Italian Somilialand and into the Indian Ocean. The Duke, who is a cousin of King Victor Emanuel, left Naples and is now en route to Mogadishu.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Duchess of Aosta elicits sympathy
Embed from Getty Images
November 6, 1900
The New York Times reports today on the Duchess of Aosta, who, despite her own poor health, wanted to return to Rome to nurse her husband, after he suffered an accident.
Although the accident amounted to "very little," the Duke of Aosta will have to remain in bed for a week. The Duchess "announced her intention of returning to Naples to nurse him," although "she was many days distant on her way to the Congo."
Her doctors, who are treating the Duchess for consumption, refused to allow her change her plans, and so "the poor, lonely woman has another grief added to her already heavy burden."
The Duchess is devoted to her husband, "despite the fact that they do not live happily together."
There is much gossip about her trip to Africa, but the truth is that "the Duchess is dying more or less slowly of consumption, and this is her last hope."
The African climate has suited the Duchess well in her illness. Two years ago, she returned from the Sudan and the Italian Masowah colony, but her health declined once she returned to Naples.
It is said that the Duchess may never "see Europe again."
Her sons are now attending school in England, and the Duke of Aosta is expected, once he as recovered, to join her in Africa.
There is perhaps "in the whole annals of the Bourbon family no such tragedy as has been her life." Princess Helene of France married the Duke of Aosta in 1895 "with good prospects of some time being Queen of Italy," or at least seeing her son "by the husband she loves placed on the throne." At the time, Victor Emmanuel, the present king, was "a weak youth and unmarried." Now Helene is "dying alone in a foreign country, bereft of her children and estranged from her husband because of his neglect."
In the first years of her marriage, the Duchess of Aosta was disliked in Italy, and by the King and Queen, "but her magnificent charity and her sorrows and sweetness endeared her to both."
The King has taken her side "so much that decided coolness reigns between the cousins."
Victor Emanuel "has a spotless reputation," and frowns on the Duke of Aosta and his brother, the Count of Turin, due to their lifestyles.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Princess Alexandra's remains are returned to Greece
November 5, 1939
At the request of King George II of the Hellenes, the remains of the late Princess Alexandra of Greece will be returned to Athens for reburial, according to the Associated Press.
The Princess, who was born in 1870, was the third child and first daughter of King George I and Queen Olga of the Hellenes. She was nineteen years old when she married Grand Duke Paul of Russia. In April 1890, she gave birth to a daughter, Grand Duchess Marie Pavlovna. Seventeen months later, Alexandra, who was styled as Grand Duchess Alexandra Georgievna, gave birth prematurely to a son, Dimitri. She lapsed into a coma and died six days later on September 24, 1891.
The Grand Duchess was buried in the Fortress of St. Peter and Paul in St. Petersburg (now Leningrad.) The Soviet government has agreed to the King's request. Alexandra was the king's aunt.
WIlhelm & Hermine's anniversary
November 5, 1935
Former Kaiser Wilhelm II and his second wife, Hermine, celebrated their thirteenth wedding anniversary today, reports the AP. The couple "entertained friends at dinner."
Former Kaiser Wilhelm II and his second wife, Hermine, celebrated their thirteenth wedding anniversary today, reports the AP. The couple "entertained friends at dinner."
Queen Sophie calls the Entente "Pigs"
November 5, 1917
The New York Times continues its reporting on the newly released (and translated) telegrams between Queen Sophie of the Hellenes and her brother, Kaiser Wilhelm II. The telegrams are lengthy and are similar "in tone to others that have been deciphered" and have been made public. The telegrams show that Sophie "again and again urged that the Germans take the offensive on the Macedonian front." She also "assured" her brother of "Greek co-operation."
Field Marshall von Hindenberg and Foreign Secretary Zimmermann "could not agree" on the time of the attack, while the Allied blockade, "causing a shortage of food and munitions in Greece, prevented Greek action."
On January 10 of this year, Sophie telegraphed the Kaiser, to inform him about the food and ammunition shortage. Her telegram concluded with: "May the infamous pigs receive the punishment they deserve."
In other telegrams, the Queen promised the Kaiser "that all the Greek artillery would be destroyed if there was a danger of its falling into the hands of the Entente." She also kept Wilhelm informed "of the actions and intentions of General Sarrail," who commanded the Entente forces in Macedonia.
A telegram dated December 2 refers to the Allied blockade: "I consider the game lost. If an attack is not made soon it will be too late."
On another occasion, Sophie wrote to her brother: "In despair. Hope your counsel will once more help us improve the situation."
After the Crown Council decided against an attack in Macedonia, Sophie sent another wire to her brother: "It is too stupid that mistakes have been made." She also hoped that the allied control would not interfere with "this telegraphic service."
Another telegram to Wilhelm was signed by Sophie and her husband, King Constantine, who was known as Tino. The Greek sovereigns congratulated the Kaiser on his victories in Roumania. "The Entente's note is impertinent. They want to drive us to death."
Her final telegram to the Kaiser ended with: "Your exiled sister, who hopes for better times, Sophie."
[A book published in 2020, Monarchy in Modern Greece, further corroborated this and other reports that Sophie sided with Germany as he was able to use her correspondence with her sister, Margarete, Landgravine of Hesse.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Lady Alice's attendants are announced
November 4, 1935
The AP reports today that "a little Princess, who might someday bear the weight of the British Empire upon her shoulders," is one of the bridesmaids at the wedding of Lady Alice Montagu-Douglas-Scott on Wednesday.
Princess Elizabeth of York, 9, and her younger sister, five-year-old Princess Margaret Rose, will be two of the bridesmaids when their uncle, the Duke of Gloucester, weds the daughter of the late Duke of Buccleuch.
Lady Alice will have eight bridesmaids. The other six bridesmaids are Lady Mary Cambridge, 11, a grandniece of Queen Mary; Lady Elizabeth Scott, 13, the daughter of the Earl of Dalkeith; the bride's brother; Miss Ann Hawkens, 7, and Miss Clare Phipps, 14, the bride's nieces; Lady Angela Scott, the bride's sister, and Miss Moyra Scott, a cousin.
Lady Alice and her sister, Lady Angela have been "inseparable companions" since childhood, and they had made a pact "that whoever married first should have the other as a bridesmaid."
A sprig of myrtle "from a venerable myrtle tree in the Frogmore Gardens" at Windsor will be included in Lady Alice's bouquet. This has been a tradition for royal brides since Queen Victoria married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in 1840.
Don Juan and wife are robbed in Toronto
November 4, 1935
Don Juan of Spain, the heir presumptive to the Spanish throne, and his new wife, the former Princess Mercedes of Bourbon-Two-Sicilies, were at lunch today when a jewel thief broke into their Toronto hotel room, and stole $7,500 in gems from a jewel box in the hotel suite.
Hotel employees were questioned and fingerprinted, according to the Associated Press. The couple, who have departed for Niagara Falls, stayed in vice-regal suite.
Nineteen pieces of jewelery, including brooches and pendants of "rubies, pearls and brilliants as well as the decorations of two Spanish orders," were stolen. Don Juan's representatives said that loss "was covered by insurance."
Don Juan of Spain, the heir presumptive to the Spanish throne, and his new wife, the former Princess Mercedes of Bourbon-Two-Sicilies, were at lunch today when a jewel thief broke into their Toronto hotel room, and stole $7,500 in gems from a jewel box in the hotel suite.
Hotel employees were questioned and fingerprinted, according to the Associated Press. The couple, who have departed for Niagara Falls, stayed in vice-regal suite.
Nineteen pieces of jewelery, including brooches and pendants of "rubies, pearls and brilliants as well as the decorations of two Spanish orders," were stolen. Don Juan's representatives said that loss "was covered by insurance."
Max of Baden very ill
November 4, 1929
The New York Times reports today that former German Chancellor Prince Max of Baden "is in critical condition" in a hospital in Constance. For the past several months, the prince "has been suffering from arterial disease." Three weeks ago, the Prince broke three ribs in a fall in his studio.
Prince Max's wife, Princess Marie Louise of Cumberland, "is at his bedside, and other family members are expected to arrive shortly.
Prince Max served as Kaiser Wilhelm II's during the final days of his reign.
The New York Times reports today that former German Chancellor Prince Max of Baden "is in critical condition" in a hospital in Constance. For the past several months, the prince "has been suffering from arterial disease." Three weeks ago, the Prince broke three ribs in a fall in his studio.
Prince Max's wife, Princess Marie Louise of Cumberland, "is at his bedside, and other family members are expected to arrive shortly.
Prince Max served as Kaiser Wilhelm II's during the final days of his reign.
Is Queen Sophie the Kaiser's chief spy?
November 1, 1917 (delayed special cable to the New York Times)
Former Queen Sophie of Greece's "pro-German activities are being brought to the light by the translation now going on of secret correspondence between her and the Kaiser."
It is revealed that Sophie's telegrams include information on a "whole system of espionage" that had been organized "against the Allies."
The German Military Attache, Colonel Falkenhausen, would travel incognito to the Allied front and as far as Lake Prespa, "where he practiced espionage with the Greek authorities." He would then travel to Larissa, where he would "communicate the allied movements" to Queen Sophie by telephone. In turn, she transmitted the information to Berlin.
A dispatch to Reuters from Athens includes the texts of the secret telegrams between Queen Sophie and Kaiser Wilhelm. One telegram is dated November 23, 1916.
"By a miracle, we are unhurt. The Allies bombarded the palace for three hours with the French fleet, which opened fire without warning. We took refuge in the cellars.
"There was lively street fighting together, revolutionaries firing from houses on the army and people, who fought magnificently. It was a great victory against four great powers, whose troops fled before the Greeks and withdrew, escorted by Greek soldiers.
"There is great anxiety as to the demands which the Entente will make, but we are prepared for anything. Please tell us when the army of Macedonia will be sufficiently strong to take the offensive, definitely."
The Kaiser responded with: "I thank you cordially for your telegram, which has caused me deep emotion. I know the dangers through which you and Tino have passed. I admire your courage at this difficult time.
"I also note with pleasure the magnificent attitude of the army and their loyalty to the royal house. May God deliver you from this difficult time.
"The Entente once more has shown its hand, and nothing remains for Tino to do but to take open action against these brutes. The intervention of Tino, with his forces co-operating against Sarrail's western flank, would bring about a decision in Macedonia and the liberation of poor Greece. Tino knows that."
Dummy baby used by Alfonso & Ena
November 4, 1907
The Los Angeles Times reports today on an article by a (London) Times correspondent "who hears from a trustworthy diplomatic source," that the baby brought to England by the King and Queen of Spain was not the Prince of Asturias, but "a dummy."
The "real heir apparent" was brought to London several days before the arrival of his parents. King Alfonso XIII and Queen Ena "decided that it would be too great for the King and his son to travel together "in view of the possibilities of an anarchist outrage or even an accident."
Spanish ministers drew up official papers in case the king and queen and the stand in baby were blown up in a terrorist attack. The little prince's return to Madrid is also being "secretly arranged."
The Los Angeles Times reports today on an article by a (London) Times correspondent "who hears from a trustworthy diplomatic source," that the baby brought to England by the King and Queen of Spain was not the Prince of Asturias, but "a dummy."
The "real heir apparent" was brought to London several days before the arrival of his parents. King Alfonso XIII and Queen Ena "decided that it would be too great for the King and his son to travel together "in view of the possibilities of an anarchist outrage or even an accident."
Spanish ministers drew up official papers in case the king and queen and the stand in baby were blown up in a terrorist attack. The little prince's return to Madrid is also being "secretly arranged."
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The prettiest girl in Italy is ...
November 3, 1959
The prettiest girl in Italy is not Sophia Loren nor Gina Lollobrigida. Not even close, reports United Press International. A "recent letter poll" by an Italian magazine put 19-year-old Princess Maria Gabriella of Italy, the daughter of the exiled King Umberto, in the top spot as "piu bella," which means prettiest.
The princess has been linked with the Shah of Iran, whose former wife, Soraya, lives in Rome, and Don Juan Carlos of Spain, "the likeliest choice to become king of Spain if that country ever returns to the monarchy."
Maria Gabriella's elder sister, Maria Pia, is married to Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia.
Even though Maria Gabriella rarely visits Italy and spends more time with her father at his home in Portugal, she "constantly fills the pages of Italian magazines."
When it was reported -- and later denied -- that she might become engaged to the Shah of Iran, "there was a flurry of opposition."
The Shah, who is a Muslim, is a divorced man. A marriage with Juan Carlos is a "more popular choice." The prince, who was born in Rome, is Roman Catholic, as is Maria Gabriella.
The "pretty princess" has been seen several times in public with Count Giovanni Volpi di Misurata.
The prettiest girl in Italy is not Sophia Loren nor Gina Lollobrigida. Not even close, reports United Press International. A "recent letter poll" by an Italian magazine put 19-year-old Princess Maria Gabriella of Italy, the daughter of the exiled King Umberto, in the top spot as "piu bella," which means prettiest.
The princess has been linked with the Shah of Iran, whose former wife, Soraya, lives in Rome, and Don Juan Carlos of Spain, "the likeliest choice to become king of Spain if that country ever returns to the monarchy."
Maria Gabriella's elder sister, Maria Pia, is married to Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia.
Even though Maria Gabriella rarely visits Italy and spends more time with her father at his home in Portugal, she "constantly fills the pages of Italian magazines."
When it was reported -- and later denied -- that she might become engaged to the Shah of Iran, "there was a flurry of opposition."
The Shah, who is a Muslim, is a divorced man. A marriage with Juan Carlos is a "more popular choice." The prince, who was born in Rome, is Roman Catholic, as is Maria Gabriella.
The "pretty princess" has been seen several times in public with Count Giovanni Volpi di Misurata.
Large crowd gathers for Otto
November 3, 1935
More than 7,000 war veterans, many of them "blind and crippled." gathered in Heroes square today to cheer "in the name of Archduke Otto."
The leader of the group, the Prince of Schönberg-Hartenstein, who once served as a field marshal in the Austrian army, declared: "We demand that Otto be brought back immediately to occupy the Austrian throne," reported the Associated Press.
Today's gathering "was regarded as important" because many distinguished persons "who participated in it." Much of the "older aristocracy were presented," and in the crowd "were generals and admirals, who served, suffered and lost, under the old empire."
Many were deeply moved by "references to the vanquished glory of the Habsburg regime."
More than 7,000 war veterans, many of them "blind and crippled." gathered in Heroes square today to cheer "in the name of Archduke Otto."
The leader of the group, the Prince of Schönberg-Hartenstein, who once served as a field marshal in the Austrian army, declared: "We demand that Otto be brought back immediately to occupy the Austrian throne," reported the Associated Press.
Today's gathering "was regarded as important" because many distinguished persons "who participated in it." Much of the "older aristocracy were presented," and in the crowd "were generals and admirals, who served, suffered and lost, under the old empire."
Many were deeply moved by "references to the vanquished glory of the Habsburg regime."
Monday, November 2, 2009
Archbishop denies pressure on princess
November 2, 1955
Dr. Geoffrey Fisher, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said in an interview today that "there had no church or state pressure on Princess Margaret." Two days ago, the princess announced that she would not marry Group Captain Peter Townsend, a divorced man.
The Archbishop spoke with the British Broadcasting Corporation. The interviewer told him that most Britons believed that the Archbishop was "very deeply connected" with Margaret's decision.
The Archbishop acknowledged that the princess "took advice. She got plenty of advice asked for and a good deal more unasked for. In the end, it was her own decision and she was under no pressure from the state or church."
The Princess resumed her "arduous public schedule" tonight. She attended a commemoration service at St. Paul's Cathedral for the 50th anniversary of the death of Dr. Thomas John Barnardo, founder of a home for orphaned children.
When the princess got out of her car, the waiting crowd, "standing in a cold rain," cheered, which brought a smile to Margaret's face.
Group Captain Townsend told reporters that he would remain at Uckfield, the home of Lord and Lady Rupert Nevill for the weekend.
"After that, I am going back to resume my post as air attache in Brussels, Belgium."
William to make solo visit to Australia
Prince William of Wales is taking on more official duties. Next year, he will represent the Queen in Australia and New Zealand.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/6487016/Why-the-Queen-is-pinning-her-hopes-on-Prince-Williams-Australia-trip.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/6486615/Prince-William-to-represent--the-Queen-on-tour-of-Australia-and-New-Zealand.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/6487016/Why-the-Queen-is-pinning-her-hopes-on-Prince-Williams-Australia-trip.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/6486615/Prince-William-to-represent--the-Queen-on-tour-of-Australia-and-New-Zealand.html
Viktoria sues Zoubkoff for divorce
November 2, 1929
Divorce papers were served today on Alexander Zoubkoff, a Russian emigre married to Princess Victoria of Prussia, sister of former Kaiser Wilhelm II. A hearing was set for November 22 in Bonn.
Although Zoubkoff was "permanently expelled" from Germany, he was in Euskirchen, about 20 miles from Cologne. Princess Viktoria's lawyers were able to serve the papers to him immediately.
The petition for divorce states that Zoubkoff's behavior was such that he "was unable to support his wife and no matrimonial union existed." He was also charged with having an affair with a barmaid.
Princess Viktoria has said that she "desired no sensational publicity" in connection with the divorce, and according to friends, she is willing to settle 10,000 marks ($2400) on her estranged husband in exchange for a batch of letters "said to be concealed in Luxembourg."
The princess's entire private property was sold at auction two weeks ago to satisfy claims "against her totally about $180,000." She is now living in a "humble boarding house near Bonn."
Princess Viktoria of Schaumburg-Lippe is also a granddaughter of the late Queen Victoria. She renounced her title and German citizenship when she married Zoubkoff in November 1927. The Princess, 62 at the time, was the widow of Prince Alexander of Schaumburg-Lippe. She did not seek her brother's permission, stating that she was financially independent and "capable of deciding in the affair for herself."
The groom, thirty-five years younger than his bride, "proved to be a decidedly eccentric character," who was deported from Germany for assault.
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