January 7, 1909
A Viennese dispatch is reporting that King Peter of Serbia may soon resign his crown, and the country's national assembly will "gather in Belgrade and offer the crown to the Duke of Connaught."
The Duchess of Connaught "would become the prettiest Queen in the world, as she is now one of the most beautiful princesses."
The rumors are believed to have originated in the "close relations which Downing Street is known to have with the Belgrade government."
The Duke of Connaught has already turned the offer of one throne, when he and his son, Prince Arthur of Connaught, abdicated their rights, in favor of his nephew, Prince Charles Edward, Duke of Albany, as heir to Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. In 1899, The Duke of Connaught became the heir presumptive to his brother, Prince Alfred, who was the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, when the Duke's only son, Alfred, died. But neither Arthur nor his son wanted to take on the responsibilities, and renounced their rights. Duke Alfred died in 1900, and he was succeeded by the young Duke of Albany.
The Duke of Connaught is now field marshall, commander-in-chief and high commissioner in the Mediterranean, and he and his wife are returning from Venice to Malta, instead of inspecting the troops in Cryprus and Crete.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Another claim to the Oldenburg throne
January 7, 1905
Count von Weisburg, a Lieutenant in the First Regiment of the Guards at Potsdam, has claimed that he should be the Grand Duke of Oldenburg. In 1876, the Count's father, Duke Eilmar, a stepbrother of the then reigning Grand Duke, married Baroness Natalie Vogel von Friesenhof, who was created Countess von Welsburg, as the marriage was not considered equal by the Grand Duke. There was no comment from Grand Duke Friedrich August.
Count von Weisburg, a Lieutenant in the First Regiment of the Guards at Potsdam, has claimed that he should be the Grand Duke of Oldenburg. In 1876, the Count's father, Duke Eilmar, a stepbrother of the then reigning Grand Duke, married Baroness Natalie Vogel von Friesenhof, who was created Countess von Welsburg, as the marriage was not considered equal by the Grand Duke. There was no comment from Grand Duke Friedrich August.
Princess Marie is a fireman
January 7, 1905
Princess Waldemar of Denmark loves to watch firemen at work, so much so that she has been elected as an honorary captain in the Copenhagen fire department.
The former Princess Marie of Orleans is married to Queen Alexandra's youngest brother, Waldemar. She loves to follow fire trucks, and "whenever there is a big fire the Princess is to be seen wading with her heavy boots through the streams of water to where the fire is fiercest." The presence of the princess "encourages the firemen to display still greater courage."
The Princess also makes frequent visits to fire stations, where she speaks with the firemen and watches them "at their athletic exercises."
Wonder if Marie also owns a dalmatian?
Princess Waldemar of Denmark loves to watch firemen at work, so much so that she has been elected as an honorary captain in the Copenhagen fire department.
The former Princess Marie of Orleans is married to Queen Alexandra's youngest brother, Waldemar. She loves to follow fire trucks, and "whenever there is a big fire the Princess is to be seen wading with her heavy boots through the streams of water to where the fire is fiercest." The presence of the princess "encourages the firemen to display still greater courage."
The Princess also makes frequent visits to fire stations, where she speaks with the firemen and watches them "at their athletic exercises."
Wonder if Marie also owns a dalmatian?
Kaiser Wilhelm II indisposed
January 7, 1901
Kaiser Wilhelm II is "sightly indisposed" today, and will not be able to visit his grandmother's tomb at Charlottenburg, which is the anniversary of her death However, the German Emperor does expect to attend the funeral of Grand Duke Carl Alexander of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach on Friday. He has ordered three weeks of court mourning for the death of the Grand Duke.
Kaiser Wilhelm II is "sightly indisposed" today, and will not be able to visit his grandmother's tomb at Charlottenburg, which is the anniversary of her death However, the German Emperor does expect to attend the funeral of Grand Duke Carl Alexander of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach on Friday. He has ordered three weeks of court mourning for the death of the Grand Duke.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Grand Duke Nicholas is dead
January 6, 1929
Grand Duke Nicholas Nicolaivitch of Russia died today at Antibes, France, shortly after midnight. He was 72-years-old. The Grand Duke, whom many considered to be the de jure emperor of Russia (despite the more senior claim of Grand Duke Kirill), was a second cousin of the late Nicholas II.
Grand Duke Nicholas, who once commanded the Czar's armies, was stricken with pneumonia more than a month ago. Yesterday, his doctors issued a more promising communique regarding his health, but "in the course of the night," the Grand Duke's heart "suddenly weakened," and he died in the arms of his wife, Grand Duchess Anastasia, who was born a Princess of Montenegro.
He was "fatally stricken during a howling northeast snow storm which must have reminded him of his beloved Russia." Such snowstorms are largely unknown on the French Riviera.
Last night, "as was his custom," the Grand Duke spoke to his servants, "exhorting them to remain faithful to their true Russia." He also "gave orders" for the Sunday dinner, which would consist of fish and soup. He did not speak again.
Grand Duchess Anastasia, Prince Andrew of Russia, Princess Battenberg, Grand Duke Peter of Russia and his wife, and the Duke of Leuchtenberg were all present when Nicholas died. He had come to the Antibes from his home in Paris in November "to seek a more temperate Winter."
Nicholas was a "silent and lonely man" who "watchfully waited" for changes in the Soviet domination of his homeland, and "a change in his political fortunes which never came about."
"Tall of stature," Nicholas was considered "impetuous and commanding," and he was "always at the forefront of his country's activities." But he was also "known as an autocrat of the medieval brand."
He was also unlike other members of the Romanov family, "who were wildly known for eccentric indulgences." The Grand Duke "was almost ascetic in his own tastes," as he maintained "regular hours and restrained habits of eating and drinking." He was also regarded, among the living Romanovs, "as the ablest in point of administrative talents and measured judgment."
Grand Duke Nicholas did not own any property outside Russia, although all of his Russian properties were confiscated after the revolution. Grand Duchess Anastasia managed to save her jewels, including a diamond necklace. The stones from this necklace were removed and "sold separately at intervals to a Parisian jeweler. The couple lived "chiefly on the proceeds of these sales," in a rented chateau at Choigny, near Paris. The villa in Antibes was purchased by Nicholas' sister-in-law, Queen Elena of Italy.
Grand Duke Nicholas was born on November 6, 1858 in St. Petersburg, the eldest son of Grand Duke Nicholas Nicolaivitch and Princess Alexandra of Oldenburg. He married Princess Anastasia in 1907. The couple had no children.
Grand Duke Nicholas is survived by his wife, and his brother, Grand Duke Peter, who is married to Anastasia's sister, Militza.
The funeral is expected to take place in the Russian Church in Cannes.
Grand Duke Nicholas Nicolaivitch of Russia died today at Antibes, France, shortly after midnight. He was 72-years-old. The Grand Duke, whom many considered to be the de jure emperor of Russia (despite the more senior claim of Grand Duke Kirill), was a second cousin of the late Nicholas II.
Grand Duke Nicholas, who once commanded the Czar's armies, was stricken with pneumonia more than a month ago. Yesterday, his doctors issued a more promising communique regarding his health, but "in the course of the night," the Grand Duke's heart "suddenly weakened," and he died in the arms of his wife, Grand Duchess Anastasia, who was born a Princess of Montenegro.
He was "fatally stricken during a howling northeast snow storm which must have reminded him of his beloved Russia." Such snowstorms are largely unknown on the French Riviera.
Last night, "as was his custom," the Grand Duke spoke to his servants, "exhorting them to remain faithful to their true Russia." He also "gave orders" for the Sunday dinner, which would consist of fish and soup. He did not speak again.
Grand Duchess Anastasia, Prince Andrew of Russia, Princess Battenberg, Grand Duke Peter of Russia and his wife, and the Duke of Leuchtenberg were all present when Nicholas died. He had come to the Antibes from his home in Paris in November "to seek a more temperate Winter."
Nicholas was a "silent and lonely man" who "watchfully waited" for changes in the Soviet domination of his homeland, and "a change in his political fortunes which never came about."
"Tall of stature," Nicholas was considered "impetuous and commanding," and he was "always at the forefront of his country's activities." But he was also "known as an autocrat of the medieval brand."
He was also unlike other members of the Romanov family, "who were wildly known for eccentric indulgences." The Grand Duke "was almost ascetic in his own tastes," as he maintained "regular hours and restrained habits of eating and drinking." He was also regarded, among the living Romanovs, "as the ablest in point of administrative talents and measured judgment."
Grand Duke Nicholas did not own any property outside Russia, although all of his Russian properties were confiscated after the revolution. Grand Duchess Anastasia managed to save her jewels, including a diamond necklace. The stones from this necklace were removed and "sold separately at intervals to a Parisian jeweler. The couple lived "chiefly on the proceeds of these sales," in a rented chateau at Choigny, near Paris. The villa in Antibes was purchased by Nicholas' sister-in-law, Queen Elena of Italy.
Grand Duke Nicholas was born on November 6, 1858 in St. Petersburg, the eldest son of Grand Duke Nicholas Nicolaivitch and Princess Alexandra of Oldenburg. He married Princess Anastasia in 1907. The couple had no children.
Grand Duke Nicholas is survived by his wife, and his brother, Grand Duke Peter, who is married to Anastasia's sister, Militza.
The funeral is expected to take place in the Russian Church in Cannes.
Grand Duchess to leave
January 6, 1919
Reliable sources have told the Chicago Daily Tribune that Grand Duchess Marie Adelaide of Luxembourg has decided to leave the country, "owing to the political situation there." Conditions are no longer favorable to the young Grand Duchess, who succeeded to the throne in 1912, following the death of her father, Grand Duke Guillaume IV.
The Grand Duchess is the eldest of six sisters. She became the heir apparent in 1907, when the Luxembourg succession law was changed to allow for female inheritance. During the war, Luxembourg was occupied by the German military, and it has been suggested that the Grand Duchess was too cordial with the Germans.
Reliable sources have told the Chicago Daily Tribune that Grand Duchess Marie Adelaide of Luxembourg has decided to leave the country, "owing to the political situation there." Conditions are no longer favorable to the young Grand Duchess, who succeeded to the throne in 1912, following the death of her father, Grand Duke Guillaume IV.
The Grand Duchess is the eldest of six sisters. She became the heir apparent in 1907, when the Luxembourg succession law was changed to allow for female inheritance. During the war, Luxembourg was occupied by the German military, and it has been suggested that the Grand Duchess was too cordial with the Germans.
Queen of Hanover ill
Queen Marie of Hannover was taken ill suddenly on Saturday night at her home in Gmunden. This necessitated surgery, "which was successfully performed today."
Monday, January 5, 2009
Prince Henry goes again to the Buccleuchs
January 5, 1925
It is understood in court circles that Prince Henry is going to follow the example of his older brother, the Duke of York, and marry a Scottish girl. He is about to pay his fourth visit to the home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch. But according to official sources, "matters have not reached a point where any definite prediction of an engagement" between Prince Henry and Lady Mary Scott "can be made judiciously."
There are also rumors about a possible marriage for Prince George, who is "regarded by his father and mother as being entirely too young to know his own mind." Thus, it is understood that the young prince is not contemplating marriage, although he has frequently danced with the same girl, "whose name has been mentioned as the object of his matrimonial intentions."
The Prince, who is "the best foxtrotter in the royal family, is perfectly content with "being greatly in demand in the younger smart set."
London paper defends royal engagement announce despite denial
January 5, 1923
The Daily News, a London newspaper, has commented on an official denial of its announcement of "the forthcoming engagement of the Prince of Wales to the daughter of a Scottish peer."
"The Daily News desires to point out that it has at no time 'announced,' as alleged, the forthcoming engagement of the Prince to an Italian princess, nor has it made a 'very definite statement' to that effect. The words apparently alluded to were: 'Plans are on foot for a union between the Prince of Wales and an Italian princess.'
"The only definite statement made by The Daily News was that the Prince of Wales is about to be engaged to the daughter of a Scottish peer.
Reference to last Wednesday's Daily News will show that the whole purpose of the earlier article was to enter a plea for the Prince's right to freedom of choice. Such a plea would have been both purposeless and ill-mannered if it had been coupled with the alleged announcement. It will be regarded by the public as unfortunate that inaccuracies which cannot fail to detract from the weight of the denial should have been allowed to creep into a court communiqué of this importance.
"On the main question, The Daily News is satisfied to await the verdict of time."
Duchess of Parma flees, but has no passport
The Duchess of Parma, who is accompanied by her two sons, Elias and Rene, arrived today at the Swiss border town of Lustenau, but she was denied entry in Switzerland because she does not have a passport.
The Duchess is said to have $4,000,000 in stocks and bonds, which she "desires to place in safety" in a Swiss bank.
The Duchess of Parma is also the mother of the exiled Empress Zita of Austria.
Crown Prince of Saxony to reconcile with his wife??
January 4, 1903
Credible sources connected with the the Court of Saxony are intimating that the family of the Crown Prince of Saxony are discussing a possible reconciliation between the Crown Prince and his wife. The sources state that the Crown Prince is especially concerned about the future of the Crown Princess' unborn child. He worries about a "possible substitution, which is supposed the Princess might attempt if the Crown Prince's family attempted to claim the child," according to a report in the New York Times.
King Georg of Saxony continues to insist that his son's "faithless wife will be cast adrift," but the Crown Prince "places no obstacles on reconciliation."
It will be impossible, however, for Crown Princess Louise to return to court and be queen, but there are discussions that she could live "near the frontier, where she could see her children occasionally."
The court will not negotiation with Mr. Giron, but acknowledge that the Crown Princess "might be induced to accept the foregoing propsals on account for the love of her children."
Credible sources connected with the the Court of Saxony are intimating that the family of the Crown Prince of Saxony are discussing a possible reconciliation between the Crown Prince and his wife. The sources state that the Crown Prince is especially concerned about the future of the Crown Princess' unborn child. He worries about a "possible substitution, which is supposed the Princess might attempt if the Crown Prince's family attempted to claim the child," according to a report in the New York Times.
King Georg of Saxony continues to insist that his son's "faithless wife will be cast adrift," but the Crown Prince "places no obstacles on reconciliation."
It will be impossible, however, for Crown Princess Louise to return to court and be queen, but there are discussions that she could live "near the frontier, where she could see her children occasionally."
The court will not negotiation with Mr. Giron, but acknowledge that the Crown Princess "might be induced to accept the foregoing propsals on account for the love of her children."
Sunday, January 4, 2009
New interview with Haya of Jordan
A rather interesting interview-cum-profile of Princess Haya of Jordan.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-1103014/Princess-Haya-Jordan-A-modern-Arabian-tale.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-1103014/Princess-Haya-Jordan-A-modern-Arabian-tale.html
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Albert decides to keep Monaco as is
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article5439368.ece
Friday, January 2, 2009
Princess Beatrice's dog is found
What wonderful news. Princess Beatrice of York's Norfolk terrier, Max, has been found and is now home with his delighted "Mum."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/berkshire/7808586.stm
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/4076889/Princess-Beatrices-missing-dog-returns-after-three-weeks.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/berkshire/7808586.stm
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/4076889/Princess-Beatrices-missing-dog-returns-after-three-weeks.html
Oh, the Grand Old Duke of York
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/grand-old-duke-of-york-the-greatest-scandal-never-told-1220042.html
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