Monday, November 21, 2016
It is a boy!
Princess Sophie of Prussia gave birth to a son on November 17 at a Bremen hospital, according to spokeswoman Michaela Blankart.
Update: November 24: the baby has been named Heinrich Albert Johann Georg
This is the fourth child for Princess Sophie, 38, and her husband, Prince Georg Friedrich von Preussen, 40, head of the Imperial House of Germany.
The yet-to-named little Prince joins twin brothers, Prince Carl Friedrich and Prince Louis Ferdinand, 3, and one-year-old Princess Emma Marie.
Mother and her newborn son are said to be doing well.
http://www.bunte.de/royals/royals-weltweit/oesterreichischer-adel/georg-friedrich-sophie-von-preussen-kaiserlicher-nachwuchs-sie-sind-wieder-eltern-geworden.html#h=topBar_1
Saturday, November 19, 2016
A Coburg Christmas tree for Windsor
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| all four photos @ HH Prince Andreas of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha |
In honor of Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday, Coburg has presented the town of Windsor with a Christmas tree.
Contrary to some reports, the Christmas tree is not on display at Windsor Castle. It was installed in the center of Windsor. The Queen celebrates Christmas at Sandringham House.
The tree was cut down in the Callenberg forest, which is owned by Prince Andreas of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, the present head of the family. Prince Andreas is a third cousin of Queen Elizabeth. He descends from Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha's youngest son, Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany. Queen Elizabeth II descends from Victoria's eldest son, King Edward VII. (The Duke of Edinburgh is also a descendant -- from Victoria's second daughter, Princess Alice.)
Coburg's mayor asked Prince Andreas if he would provide the tree. He was delighted to say yes.
The 40 foot fir tree was delivered by Mercedes-Benz.
It was Prince Albert who instrumental in establishing the Christmas tree and other German Christmas traditions in Britain. The first royal Christmas tree also came from the Callenberg Forest.
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| all photos @ HH Prince Andreas of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha |
The tree will be decorated with 2000 handmade glass decorations from Germany. Royal Windsor Mayor Sayonara Luxton stated: “The celebrations in our borough in honour of the Queen’s 90th birthday have been spectacular so far and I cannot think of a more fitting way to help round off the year.
“The tree will make a beautiful centrepiece to the wider festivities throughout the borough and is a wonderful example of how this time of year can bring everyone together. I would like to offer a heartfelt thanks to our generous friends in Coburg and wish them a very merry Christmas.”
My thanks to HH Prince Andreas of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha for allowing me the use of his photos.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Queen Mary hopes to attend Edward's coronation
November 17, 1936
Queen Mary may break precedent by attending the Coronation of her eldest son, King Edward VIII, next May, reports the Associated Press.
The Queen is resolved to not "miss the glittering spectacle" of her son's "formal elevation to the throne."
This would be a "departure from custom" as Queen Alexandra, Edward's grandmother, did not attend the coronation of her son, King George V and Queen Mary, in 1911. She spent the day "quietly" at Sandringham House, attending a service with her sister, Empress Marie of Russia.
This situation is different as there is no queen consort. King Edward will be the first bachelor crowned since Charles II.
Queen Mary may break precedent by attending the Coronation of her eldest son, King Edward VIII, next May, reports the Associated Press.
The Queen is resolved to not "miss the glittering spectacle" of her son's "formal elevation to the throne."
This would be a "departure from custom" as Queen Alexandra, Edward's grandmother, did not attend the coronation of her son, King George V and Queen Mary, in 1911. She spent the day "quietly" at Sandringham House, attending a service with her sister, Empress Marie of Russia.
This situation is different as there is no queen consort. King Edward will be the first bachelor crowned since Charles II.
Ileana in car crash
November 17, 1926
Queen Marie of Romania arrived tonight in Indianapolis, in a "driving rain," after "bidding goodbye" to Chicago at noon in a snowstorm, only to learn that her daughter, Princess Ileana, who had "motored down from Chicago with Prince Nicholas, was in an automobile accident," reports the New York Times.
The car collided with another car, and Princess Ileana "nearly escaped an accident which might have easily cost the girl her life." She arrived in Indianapolis about the same time her mother's train pulled into Union Station. She went to bed in the suite reserved for her family at the Columbia Hotel. The Princess was "suffering from exposure to the near-blizzard through which she had driven." She was also suffering from shock from the "narrowness of her escape. She is said to be "otherwise unharmed" and under the care of her mother's nurse, Miss Adeline Young.
Princess Ileana and Prince Nicholas are "enthusiastic and skillful drivers," and have driven their own cards "at every opportunity" during this visit to the United States. They had left Chicago at 9 a.m., each driving a "powerful Stutz roadster." The trip began three hours before Queen Marie left Chicago by train.
The original plan was to stop at the Culver Military Academy at Culver, Indiana, where Prince Nicholas was to be made a colonel at the academy. It began snowing hard after they left Chicago. Ileana was driving the Dixie Highway at about 60 miles, when, at Grant Park, she rounded a curve, and saw a heavy truck coming the other way. She swerved out the way, but her car hit the truck, and everything was brought to a standstill.
Newspaper correspondents were following the princess when the accident happened. They stopped to find Princess Ileana climbing out of the roadster, "pale and shaken, as she surveyed the damage. Prince Nicholas heard the crash. He stopped his car, turned around, and hurried back to find his sister unhurt.
The truck driver was also unhurt, and he drove away toward Chicago. Ileana started her car and drove for about half a mile before handing over the controls to the chauffeur. The weather became worse, and the party stopped at a cafe when Ileana had cheese and coffee. The reporters and photographers followed her and asked her to pose. It became apparent that Ileana was on the verge of hysteria. Several reporters urged her to "change her open car for their closed car," but she refused, saying she did not like to ride in a closed car.
There would be several more stops along the way, to wrap the shivering princess in blankets to keep her warm, and then for medicine at a drug store in Rossville, Indiana. Prince Nicholas continued his own journey, only to have his battery go dead. He traveled the rest of the way in a state police car.
Queen Marie was not informed of her daughter's travails until after she carried out several engagements in Indianapolis and then went to the hotel for a rest. She is also worried about recent reports from Europe of the "serious illness of her husband," and she has sent a cable for more information. Yesterday she received a cablegram from her daughter, Queen Marie of Serbia, who said that King Ferdinand is "getting on." The wording of the message indicated to Marie that her husband's illness is more serious than she had known. She has cabled the Premier of Romania for more information.
Sources state there is no basis for the reports from Europe that King Ferdinand has cancer.
Queen Marie of Romania arrived tonight in Indianapolis, in a "driving rain," after "bidding goodbye" to Chicago at noon in a snowstorm, only to learn that her daughter, Princess Ileana, who had "motored down from Chicago with Prince Nicholas, was in an automobile accident," reports the New York Times.
The car collided with another car, and Princess Ileana "nearly escaped an accident which might have easily cost the girl her life." She arrived in Indianapolis about the same time her mother's train pulled into Union Station. She went to bed in the suite reserved for her family at the Columbia Hotel. The Princess was "suffering from exposure to the near-blizzard through which she had driven." She was also suffering from shock from the "narrowness of her escape. She is said to be "otherwise unharmed" and under the care of her mother's nurse, Miss Adeline Young.
Princess Ileana and Prince Nicholas are "enthusiastic and skillful drivers," and have driven their own cards "at every opportunity" during this visit to the United States. They had left Chicago at 9 a.m., each driving a "powerful Stutz roadster." The trip began three hours before Queen Marie left Chicago by train.
The original plan was to stop at the Culver Military Academy at Culver, Indiana, where Prince Nicholas was to be made a colonel at the academy. It began snowing hard after they left Chicago. Ileana was driving the Dixie Highway at about 60 miles, when, at Grant Park, she rounded a curve, and saw a heavy truck coming the other way. She swerved out the way, but her car hit the truck, and everything was brought to a standstill.
Newspaper correspondents were following the princess when the accident happened. They stopped to find Princess Ileana climbing out of the roadster, "pale and shaken, as she surveyed the damage. Prince Nicholas heard the crash. He stopped his car, turned around, and hurried back to find his sister unhurt.
The truck driver was also unhurt, and he drove away toward Chicago. Ileana started her car and drove for about half a mile before handing over the controls to the chauffeur. The weather became worse, and the party stopped at a cafe when Ileana had cheese and coffee. The reporters and photographers followed her and asked her to pose. It became apparent that Ileana was on the verge of hysteria. Several reporters urged her to "change her open car for their closed car," but she refused, saying she did not like to ride in a closed car.
There would be several more stops along the way, to wrap the shivering princess in blankets to keep her warm, and then for medicine at a drug store in Rossville, Indiana. Prince Nicholas continued his own journey, only to have his battery go dead. He traveled the rest of the way in a state police car.
Queen Marie was not informed of her daughter's travails until after she carried out several engagements in Indianapolis and then went to the hotel for a rest. She is also worried about recent reports from Europe of the "serious illness of her husband," and she has sent a cable for more information. Yesterday she received a cablegram from her daughter, Queen Marie of Serbia, who said that King Ferdinand is "getting on." The wording of the message indicated to Marie that her husband's illness is more serious than she had known. She has cabled the Premier of Romania for more information.
Sources state there is no basis for the reports from Europe that King Ferdinand has cancer.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Family say Wallis expects to marry King
Mrs. Wallis Simpson "firmly expects" to marry King Edward VIII, reports the Chicago Tribune. The "vivacious divorcee's Baltimore relatives have "admitted that Wally has confided her hopes to them. She wants to assure her family that she is "not guilty of carrying on an inconsidered romantic intrigue."
For weeks now, Mrs. Simpson's American relatives have not commented on reports that "King Edward had virtually suggested that she becomes his consort queen," but now with the "constant discussion" about their relationship, the family members feel that they should confirm the facts.
According to the family members, Mrs. Simpson has not used the words bride or queen in her conversations with them, but the meaning was "clear and unmistakable." She has no need to conceal her relationship with the man she calls "Edward," without the use of his title.
"The situation can only be interpreted in one way. Whether she is married or not, of course, is a question that cannot yet be answered -- even in this country, when engagements are made involving comparatively simple problems, couples sometimes break it off."
Another relative told the reporter about a letter she recently received from Mrs. Simpson, who wrote "Only the stupid can't see what I know." This relative hopes that "Wally, despite all the difficulties before her, will have her wish and find happiness."
Eitel Friedrich gives up post in scandal
November 16, 1926
Prince Eitel Friedrich, the second son of the former Kaiser Wilhelm II, has tendered his resignation as Grand Master of the Order of St. John, reports the Associated Press.
The Prince was forced to resign his position after a Berlin court named him as the "guilty party" in his former wife's divorce suit. Under the rules of the Order, the Grand Master must be above reproach.
Officers of the Order responded: "We bow to your will with heavy hearts, though firmly convinced that, in the regrettable events which force you to your last step, not a shadow of guilt falls on Your Royal Highness. Your honor is unstained; your chivalry alone, which is also recognized by the other party concerned (the Princess) prompted your decision."
Princess Eitel Friedrich, who was born Duchess Sophie Charlotte of Oldenburg, was granted a divorce in Potsdam in late October. The proceedings were "conducted in secret" and the lawyers refused to "divulge the details." It was announced that the divorce was granted on the grounds of Prince Eitel Friedrich's "ill-treatment, neglect and incompatibility of treatment."
Both the Prince and Princess are expected to remarry. Prince Eitel Friedrich is reported to be engaged to Countess Mellin, a member of the Baltic nobility, who lives in Paris.
Prince Eitel Friedrich, the second son of the former Kaiser Wilhelm II, has tendered his resignation as Grand Master of the Order of St. John, reports the Associated Press.
The Prince was forced to resign his position after a Berlin court named him as the "guilty party" in his former wife's divorce suit. Under the rules of the Order, the Grand Master must be above reproach.
Officers of the Order responded: "We bow to your will with heavy hearts, though firmly convinced that, in the regrettable events which force you to your last step, not a shadow of guilt falls on Your Royal Highness. Your honor is unstained; your chivalry alone, which is also recognized by the other party concerned (the Princess) prompted your decision."
Princess Eitel Friedrich, who was born Duchess Sophie Charlotte of Oldenburg, was granted a divorce in Potsdam in late October. The proceedings were "conducted in secret" and the lawyers refused to "divulge the details." It was announced that the divorce was granted on the grounds of Prince Eitel Friedrich's "ill-treatment, neglect and incompatibility of treatment."
Both the Prince and Princess are expected to remarry. Prince Eitel Friedrich is reported to be engaged to Countess Mellin, a member of the Baltic nobility, who lives in Paris.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Royal honeymooners are in France
November 15, 1926
The newly married Crown Prince Leopold and Crown Princess Astrid are now "somewhere in France on their honeymoon trip," reports the Associated Press.
The prince and princess are expected to drive to the Riviera. They slipped away from their home in Brussels, and Prince Leopold drove the motor car for the first few hours
They are not expected back in Brussels until Christmas. Princess Astrid will .celebrate her 21st birthday on November 17.
The Swedish-born Princess Astrid has already made an impression on the Belgian people. Fully half of the Belgian babies born since the wedding have been given the name Astrid, which means beloved.
The newly married Crown Prince Leopold and Crown Princess Astrid are now "somewhere in France on their honeymoon trip," reports the Associated Press.
The prince and princess are expected to drive to the Riviera. They slipped away from their home in Brussels, and Prince Leopold drove the motor car for the first few hours
They are not expected back in Brussels until Christmas. Princess Astrid will .celebrate her 21st birthday on November 17.
The Swedish-born Princess Astrid has already made an impression on the Belgian people. Fully half of the Belgian babies born since the wedding have been given the name Astrid, which means beloved.
Monday, November 14, 2016
Will Edward marry a princess
November 14, 1936
King Edward VIII has been out-maneuvered by court officials. His interlude with an American commoner has come to an end, and many in London believe that the king was breaking the news tonight to his American friend, according to the Chicago Daily Tribune.
He has also agreed to a "marriage of convenience, a concession to the Victorian temper of modern England. Edward has apparently told his courtiers to "name the girl and he will marry her after a reasonable time after his coronation in May.
The original report for this is Geoffrey Dawson, the editor of The Times, and considered one of the "ten best-informed men in Great Britain." But he does not know who the "graybeards" at court have selected. The princess in question is "as much a mystery to Dawson" as to the King.
The selection may be made from six eligible young royal women: Princesses Irene, Katherine, and Eugenie of Greece, Princess Friederike-Luise of Hanover, Princess Eudoxia of Bulgaria, and the "poverty-stricken" Grand Duchess Kira of Russia.
Princesses Irene, 32, and Katherine, 23, are sisters of King George II of the Hellenes. Princess Eugenie is King George's first cousin, as is the Duchess of Kent, who was born Princess Marina of Greece. Princess Eudoxia, 38, is the sister of King Boris III of Bulgaria. Princess Friederike-Luise is 19, and a granddaughter of former Kaiser Wilhelm II, Grand Duchess Kira, who is 27, is a second cousin of the King as her mother, the late Princess Victoria Melita of Edinburgh was King George V's first cousin. She is also the first cousin of the Duchess of Kent.
All three Greek Princesses and Grand Duchess Kira were bridesmaids at Princess Marina's wedding to the Duke of Kent in November 1934.
King Edward VIII has been out-maneuvered by court officials. His interlude with an American commoner has come to an end, and many in London believe that the king was breaking the news tonight to his American friend, according to the Chicago Daily Tribune.
He has also agreed to a "marriage of convenience, a concession to the Victorian temper of modern England. Edward has apparently told his courtiers to "name the girl and he will marry her after a reasonable time after his coronation in May.
The original report for this is Geoffrey Dawson, the editor of The Times, and considered one of the "ten best-informed men in Great Britain." But he does not know who the "graybeards" at court have selected. The princess in question is "as much a mystery to Dawson" as to the King.
The selection may be made from six eligible young royal women: Princesses Irene, Katherine, and Eugenie of Greece, Princess Friederike-Luise of Hanover, Princess Eudoxia of Bulgaria, and the "poverty-stricken" Grand Duchess Kira of Russia.
Princesses Irene, 32, and Katherine, 23, are sisters of King George II of the Hellenes. Princess Eugenie is King George's first cousin, as is the Duchess of Kent, who was born Princess Marina of Greece. Princess Eudoxia, 38, is the sister of King Boris III of Bulgaria. Princess Friederike-Luise is 19, and a granddaughter of former Kaiser Wilhelm II, Grand Duchess Kira, who is 27, is a second cousin of the King as her mother, the late Princess Victoria Melita of Edinburgh was King George V's first cousin. She is also the first cousin of the Duchess of Kent.
All three Greek Princesses and Grand Duchess Kira were bridesmaids at Princess Marina's wedding to the Duke of Kent in November 1934.
Tonight the king left in a hurry for his country home, Fort. Belvedere. Mrs. Simpson also left London en route to the same destination.
The Times, "conservative and aloof to the point of smugness," has not published anything about the king's relationship. Nor has Dawson "made any formal pronouncement," apart from confiding in a few close friends. But those who know his sources of information, accept his "statement as official."
According to Dawson, the King "is going to finish with Mrs. Simpson finally and gracefully. He arrived at this decision with great reluctance and was influenced largely by two factors:
"The American press, which has devoted so much space to his friendship for Mrs. Simpson.
"2,. the Archbishop of Canterbury.
"Both these agencies, curiously enough, impressed upon the king the same thing - the harm he would be doing to the prestige of the throne by marrying a divorce."
Instead, after a reasonable time after the Coronation, the king will announce his engagement to a royal princess. It will be a "marriage of convenience," not of love. This will be understood by the king and his chosen bride.
Queen Mary is said to be pleased by Edward's renunciation of Mrs. Simpson.
Other well-informed sources say that this is yet another rumor of which there are bound to be many. Another such rumor making the rounds in London is that Grand Duchess Xenia of Russia, sister of the late Emperor Nicholas II, is moving from her home at Frogmore House on the Windsor estate to Hampton Court Palace so Mrs. Simpson can move into Frogmore,
The Times, "conservative and aloof to the point of smugness," has not published anything about the king's relationship. Nor has Dawson "made any formal pronouncement," apart from confiding in a few close friends. But those who know his sources of information, accept his "statement as official."
According to Dawson, the King "is going to finish with Mrs. Simpson finally and gracefully. He arrived at this decision with great reluctance and was influenced largely by two factors:
"The American press, which has devoted so much space to his friendship for Mrs. Simpson.
"2,. the Archbishop of Canterbury.
"Both these agencies, curiously enough, impressed upon the king the same thing - the harm he would be doing to the prestige of the throne by marrying a divorce."
Instead, after a reasonable time after the Coronation, the king will announce his engagement to a royal princess. It will be a "marriage of convenience," not of love. This will be understood by the king and his chosen bride.
Queen Mary is said to be pleased by Edward's renunciation of Mrs. Simpson.
Other well-informed sources say that this is yet another rumor of which there are bound to be many. Another such rumor making the rounds in London is that Grand Duchess Xenia of Russia, sister of the late Emperor Nicholas II, is moving from her home at Frogmore House on the Windsor estate to Hampton Court Palace so Mrs. Simpson can move into Frogmore,
Marie cuts short US trip
November 14, 1926
Queen Marie of Romania has "abandoned plans for extensive trip through the South," after receiving a cablegram from King Ferdinand, reports the New York Times.
She will leave New York for Europe on December 11.
The King told the Queen that "he and the Romanian people were anxious to have their Queen back with them for Christmas." Marie responded this evening that she would return home.
Her plans in the United States have been tentative since her arrival, but it was understood that she would sail about December 24. Only a few days ago, her representatives were discussing plans for travel to North Carolina and "possibly into Florida, but "in accordance" with her husband's request, the Queen "gave up most of the Southern trip tonight."
Queen Marie is visiting Chicago, but will return to Washington, D.C., followed by brief trips to White Sulphur Springs and Richmond, VA, before heading to New York City for a few days, where the she will be have "quiet and rest." The Queen will make a one day trip to Boston.
She and her entourage will sail on the Majestic on December 11. The queen has been accompanied by her second son, Prince Nicholas, and her youngest daughter, Princess Ileana.
Saturday, November 12, 2016
King won't marry American, says British magazine
November 12, 1936
A privately circulated magazine, The Week, has concluded there "is little possibility" that King Edward VIII will abdicate or marry Mrs. Wallis Simpson, reports the New York Times.
The magazine's headline "The King and the Rumors" leads to the statement that the Coronation will take place as scheduled.
"Actually the most important factor in any calculation of the possibility of postponement is the Duke of Connaught. It is thought that the Duke is at present in good health but he is now a very old man and were he to die suddenly on the eve of the coronation the ceremony might well be postponed.
"This factor might account for the slightly higher rate than usual, but certainly does not explain the present rate nor the special rate of 8 percent, which on this occasion, for the first time, is being quoted against postponement for causes other than the death of a member of the royal family, the King's illness or war.
"The idea behind the rate is that the King will insist on marrying Mrs., Simpson and that the opposition of the Bishops to such non-conformity and of the Conservative Party generally will force him from the throne.
"In any case, there is yet no evidence to support the premise of the American press and the City gamblers that there is an affection between the King and Mrs. Simpson of the kind they suppose, or that either party has yet contemplated marriage with each other."
The Duke of Connaught, 86, is the king's great-uncle, and the only surviving son of Queen Victoria. He has two surviving sisters, Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, who is 88 years old, and 79-year-old, Princess Beatrice.
The Week, which is published by a mimeograph machine, also discussed the "battle royal" waged at the place between the old Guard, and the new courtiers, headed by Sir John Aird. The Earl of Derby is the "substantial figure" who towers over the old Guard, which thoroughly disapproves of the new court,.
The old guard has had some success as ten days ago, the Archbishop of Canterbury met with the King, where the topic of conversation was Mrs. Simpson, at least, according to old guard rumors.
"However, these attempts to discredit the King's friendship with Mrs. Simpson were dispelled when she lunched last week with the Queen.
"The old guard can only report one local success. At Aberdeen, a well-fostered rumor about the King's failure, when at Balmoral, to attend some local function due in some inexplicable way to Mrs. Simpson's influence, resulted in the chalking of streets in one district at least with personal attacks on the King.
"Actually, it is now abundantly clear that the King's friendship, with the assistance of the American and foreign press, has been grossly exploited by persons who occupied in the last reign, a position in which they could influence the throne, and who are greatly disappointed that they cannot do the same at the present time."
The newer courtiers think Mrs. Simpson is "ace high."
Reliable sources tell the New York Times that the King and a "small party of friends," were the guests of Mrs. Simpson at 16 Cumberland Terrace last evening, The party lasted until after midnight.
Habsburg-Savoy union: done deal?
November 12, 1936
The engagement of Princess Maria of Savoy, the youngest daughter of King Vittorio Emanuele and Queen Elena, to Archduke Otto of Austria is "regarded as certain in well-informed court circles," reports the New York Times.
It is believed that the engagement has already been "concluded," with the official announcement to come in the next few days.
The official announcement could coincide with the visit to Rome by the Hungarian Regent Nicholas Horthy.
Prince Eberwyn gives up rights for love
November 12, 1906
Prince Eberwyn of Bentheim und Steinfurt has "preferred to follow Cupid's dictates" and is engaged to Fraulein Fanny Koch, daughter of a "provincial Mayor, who is also a shopkeeper," reports the Los Angeles Times.
Prince Eberwyn is the eldest son of Alexis, Prince of Bentheim und Steinfurt and Princess Pauline of Waldeck und Pyrmont. Prince Alexis has "tried in vain to prevent the marriage" and has threatened his eldest son with "forfeiture of birthright and titles if he married the shopkeeper's daughter."
Prince Eberwyn responded: "I'm willing to make the sacrifice."
At a family council, the Prince took an oath, renouncing his rights in favor of his brother, Viktor Adolf, who becomes the hereditary prince. He will also resign his position as captain of the guard, and his "financial losses will be great as the loss of rank and titles." He is sacrificing an annual income of $1,000,000.
Prince Eberwyn is 24 years old. His bride is 23.
He is a nephew of the Duchess of Albany and Queen Emma of the Netherlands. Queen Wilhelmina is one of his many first cousins.
[Note: Prince Eberwyn did renounce his rights when he married a commoner, but the actual wedding took place in London on October 26, 1906, and the bride's name was Pauline Langenfeld. This marriage was dissolved by divorce in 1914. He remarried two more times, both to marriages were to commoners.]
Prince Eberwyn of Bentheim und Steinfurt has "preferred to follow Cupid's dictates" and is engaged to Fraulein Fanny Koch, daughter of a "provincial Mayor, who is also a shopkeeper," reports the Los Angeles Times.
Prince Eberwyn is the eldest son of Alexis, Prince of Bentheim und Steinfurt and Princess Pauline of Waldeck und Pyrmont. Prince Alexis has "tried in vain to prevent the marriage" and has threatened his eldest son with "forfeiture of birthright and titles if he married the shopkeeper's daughter."
Prince Eberwyn responded: "I'm willing to make the sacrifice."
At a family council, the Prince took an oath, renouncing his rights in favor of his brother, Viktor Adolf, who becomes the hereditary prince. He will also resign his position as captain of the guard, and his "financial losses will be great as the loss of rank and titles." He is sacrificing an annual income of $1,000,000.
Prince Eberwyn is 24 years old. His bride is 23.
He is a nephew of the Duchess of Albany and Queen Emma of the Netherlands. Queen Wilhelmina is one of his many first cousins.
[Note: Prince Eberwyn did renounce his rights when he married a commoner, but the actual wedding took place in London on October 26, 1906, and the bride's name was Pauline Langenfeld. This marriage was dissolved by divorce in 1914. He remarried two more times, both to marriages were to commoners.]
Friday, November 11, 2016
Mrs. Simpson dines with Mary
The Los Angeles Times is reporting "Sources close to the throne said tonight that Queen Mary, mother of King Edward, had dined this week with his American friend, Mrs. Ernest (Wally) Simpson, at Marlborough House."
The invitation came from Queen Mary.
Mary's invitation, according to the report, was "tantamount to a command, and not prompted by "a desire for friendship," but rather a desire to have a "heart-to-heart talk as a woman to woman over her son's friendship" with Mrs. Simpson.
This friendship has created an "uproar outside of England," which is now the "repercussions are threatening at home."
What was said between the two women is not known, but it has not caused any "difference in the friendship" between the King and Mrs. Simpson.
British insurance brokers are doing a "brisk business in policies" in case the king's Coronation next May is postponed. This is due to the rumors that the King plans to marry Mrs. Simpson.
There is a new special 8 percent insurance for the first time against the postponement of the Coronation for "reasons other than the death of a member of the royal family, the King's illness or war."
Many believe King Edward VIII is determined to marry Mrs. Simpson in "spite of all opposition," or a possible abdication.
[Note: Queen Mary never dined with Mrs. Simpson. Edward asked his mother to meet with Wallis, but she declined his request.]
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Duke and Duchess of Windsor find Britain "still cool"
November 9, 1946
The Duke of Windsor is not "going around cap in hand, asking for a job," reports the New York Times. The Duke and Duchess ended their first visit to England since his abdication to the throne.
He came to London with "high hopes" that "his offer to serve his country" would be accepted by the new Socialist government. But it was made clear that there would be no offer, nor would his wife would be received by his family.
He also did not fare well with "his hopes of having the Duchess admitted into royal and noble circles." It was "significant" that when Viscount Mountbatten of Burma's daughter, got married last week, the Prince of Wales, who was Lord Mountbatten's best man, did not receive an invitation to the wedding. The Duke visited his brother, King George VI, and dined with him at Buckingham Palace. That night, while the Duke was at the palace, his wife was robbed of $100,000 worth of jewelry." She had not been invited to the dinner.
The Duke did not meet with his mother, Queen Mary, or with his sister-in-law, Queen Elizabeth. Although court officials would not admit it, "pressure was being exercised" to exclude the Duchess of Windsor. Others have freely expressed their opposition to the duchess. Most of the opposition has come from women, who are adamant "against bending to the knee to the Duchess and addressing her as 'Your Royal Highness." They use 'Your Grace,' reluctantly.
The Duke and Duchess left England aboard the Queen Elizabeth, "knowing that the doors are bolted and barred against them."
The Duke of Windsor is not "going around cap in hand, asking for a job," reports the New York Times. The Duke and Duchess ended their first visit to England since his abdication to the throne.
He came to London with "high hopes" that "his offer to serve his country" would be accepted by the new Socialist government. But it was made clear that there would be no offer, nor would his wife would be received by his family.
He also did not fare well with "his hopes of having the Duchess admitted into royal and noble circles." It was "significant" that when Viscount Mountbatten of Burma's daughter, got married last week, the Prince of Wales, who was Lord Mountbatten's best man, did not receive an invitation to the wedding. The Duke visited his brother, King George VI, and dined with him at Buckingham Palace. That night, while the Duke was at the palace, his wife was robbed of $100,000 worth of jewelry." She had not been invited to the dinner.
The Duke did not meet with his mother, Queen Mary, or with his sister-in-law, Queen Elizabeth. Although court officials would not admit it, "pressure was being exercised" to exclude the Duchess of Windsor. Others have freely expressed their opposition to the duchess. Most of the opposition has come from women, who are adamant "against bending to the knee to the Duchess and addressing her as 'Your Royal Highness." They use 'Your Grace,' reluctantly.
The Duke and Duchess left England aboard the Queen Elizabeth, "knowing that the doors are bolted and barred against them."
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