April 6, 1935
Princess Maria Adelaide of Savoy-Genoa is to marry Don Leone Massimo, the Duke di Anticoli Corrado, according to an AP report. The princess is the cousin of King Victor Emanuele III.
The princess is the granddaughter of the late Prince Ferdinand of Savoia-Genoa, who was a brother of the late King Victor Emanuele II.
Princess Maria-Adelaide lives with her younger brother, Prince Eugene, in Turin. Her elder brother, Prince Ferdinando, is the present Duke of Genoa.
Don Leone Massimo, is the son of Prince Francesco, who is the 4th Prince of Arsoli. In April 1904, by special decree of King Vittorio Emanuele III, Don Leone received the title Duke of Anticoli-Corrado, which formerly had been held by his uncle.
For centuries, the Massimo family has been leaders of patrician society in Rome.
News and commentary about the reigning royal houses of the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Spain, Monaco -- and the former European monarchies as well.
Monday, April 6, 2009
1st communion for little king
April 6, 1929
The Associated Press reports that seven-year-old King Michael of Rumania received his first Holy Communion today. After fasting for two weeks from milk, meat and other animal products, the king confessed his sins to the Patriarch. He was granted full absolution for his sins.
Michael was accompanied by his "sad but stately mother, Princess Helen." She told that Patriarch that she sat at her son's bedside night after night until he could recite his prayers in Rumanian "without hesitation."
Michael's voice was trembling when he recited a children's' prayer, "all the loving Angel of Angels who protects childhood," without missing a single word.
His mother embraced him and gave him a kiss on the forehead. She also presented her son with a Bible. Princess Helen told her son that the Bible "shall be your guide and comfort in the serious hours of your life, which for crowned heads are more troubled than for others."
The young king will turn eight in October.
The Associated Press reports that seven-year-old King Michael of Rumania received his first Holy Communion today. After fasting for two weeks from milk, meat and other animal products, the king confessed his sins to the Patriarch. He was granted full absolution for his sins.
Michael was accompanied by his "sad but stately mother, Princess Helen." She told that Patriarch that she sat at her son's bedside night after night until he could recite his prayers in Rumanian "without hesitation."
Michael's voice was trembling when he recited a children's' prayer, "all the loving Angel of Angels who protects childhood," without missing a single word.
His mother embraced him and gave him a kiss on the forehead. She also presented her son with a Bible. Princess Helen told her son that the Bible "shall be your guide and comfort in the serious hours of your life, which for crowned heads are more troubled than for others."
The young king will turn eight in October.
Grand Duchess Anastasia is reported to a drug addict in an Austrian asylum
April 6, 1925
The Act Uhr Blatt, an Austrian newspaper, reports that Grand Duchess Anastasia, the youngest daughter of the late Czar Nicholas II of Russia, is "interned" in an asylum in Steinhof. The Grand Duchess, "who is a beautiful woman, is a drug addict." It is said that she suffered great privations when she was interned in Berlin, and had become addicted to morphine. Doctors at the asylum state that other patients try to assist the grand duchess by trying to smuggle morphine into the asylum. This report was published in today's New York Times, based on a special cable from Vienna.
The Act Uhr Blatt, an Austrian newspaper, reports that Grand Duchess Anastasia, the youngest daughter of the late Czar Nicholas II of Russia, is "interned" in an asylum in Steinhof. The Grand Duchess, "who is a beautiful woman, is a drug addict." It is said that she suffered great privations when she was interned in Berlin, and had become addicted to morphine. Doctors at the asylum state that other patients try to assist the grand duchess by trying to smuggle morphine into the asylum. This report was published in today's New York Times, based on a special cable from Vienna.
Princess Marie Louise receives honors
April 6, 1913
Princess Marie Louise of Schleswig-Holstein arrived today in Port of Spain, Trinidad, where she received a ceremonious welcome, reports the New York Times. The princess, who is the younger daughter of Prince and Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein, was welcomed by the Governor, Government officials and prominent citizens. She "was escorted by a guard of honor from the local garrison. The city was decorated with bunting in honor of the Princess' visit. Although Marie Louise has a German title, she is very much a British princess. She was born and raised in England. Her mother, Princess Helena, is Queen Victoria's fifth of nine children.
Due to court mourning in Britain, "all arrangements for public entertainments have been abandoned." However, the princess will attend the Legislative council for "addresses of welcome."
Princess Marie Louise of Schleswig-Holstein arrived today in Port of Spain, Trinidad, where she received a ceremonious welcome, reports the New York Times. The princess, who is the younger daughter of Prince and Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein, was welcomed by the Governor, Government officials and prominent citizens. She "was escorted by a guard of honor from the local garrison. The city was decorated with bunting in honor of the Princess' visit. Although Marie Louise has a German title, she is very much a British princess. She was born and raised in England. Her mother, Princess Helena, is Queen Victoria's fifth of nine children.
Due to court mourning in Britain, "all arrangements for public entertainments have been abandoned." However, the princess will attend the Legislative council for "addresses of welcome."
An odd hobby for Princess Victoria
April 6, 1901
Princess Victoria, who is King Edward VII's youngest daughter, "has the most curious hobby in the family that has several unusual fads," reports the Los Angeles Times. She is interesting in book binding.
For the past few years, the princess has "devoted a great deal of time to learning how to be an expert book binder." A few months ago, several book covers were sent to an exhibition with the name Miss Matthews. These covers were favorably received by the judges, and "received several prizes." It was only when the prizes were award did the judges and everyone else learn that Miss Mattthews was HRH Princess Victoria.
Princess Victoria, who is King Edward VII's youngest daughter, "has the most curious hobby in the family that has several unusual fads," reports the Los Angeles Times. She is interesting in book binding.
For the past few years, the princess has "devoted a great deal of time to learning how to be an expert book binder." A few months ago, several book covers were sent to an exhibition with the name Miss Matthews. These covers were favorably received by the judges, and "received several prizes." It was only when the prizes were award did the judges and everyone else learn that Miss Mattthews was HRH Princess Victoria.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Ben Kingsley to play Boris III
British actor Ben Kingsley is slated to play King Boris III of the Bulgarians in a new movie.
http://paper.standartnews.com/en/article.php?d=2009-04-05&article=27126
http://paper.standartnews.com/en/article.php?d=2009-04-05&article=27126
Friday, April 3, 2009
Had Lady Ella found her Guy at last
Lady Gabriella Windsor, 27 the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, appears to have found a Guy at last ... and he is -- no kidding - film director Guy Ritchie, 40 who used to be married to Madonna. From the Material Girl to a real Lady.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1167176/Whos-girl-Guy-Lady-Gabriella-Windsor.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1167176/Whos-girl-Guy-Lady-Gabriella-Windsor.html
Isabel - the prettiest princess in Europe
Will Princess Isabelle of Orleans, described as "the prettiest princess in Europe," marry the widowed Austria Emperor, Franz Josef. This is what the Chicago Daily Tribune reports in today's newspaper.
The Princess, who was born in 1878, is the fifth of eight children of the Count and Countess of Paris. Her mother is the former Infanta Maria Isabel of Spain.
Isabelle's older siblings are already married. Her two older sisters, Amelie and Helene, are the wives of the King of Portugal and the Duke of Aosta, respectively. Her brother, the Duke of Orleans, married Archduchess Maria Dorothea of Austria in 1896.
Franz Joseph is thirty years older than Princess Isabelle. He succeeded to the Austrian throne in 1848. He was married in 1854 to Duchess Elisabeth of Bavaria, who was assassinated last September during a visit to Switzerland. The couple's only son, Archduke Rudolf, died at Mayerling in 1889. The heir to the throne is Franz Josef's nephew, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, who remains unmarried.
A second marriage for the Austrian emperor might bring about a new male heir in the direct line of succession to the Austrian throne.
Ileana to marry?
April 3, 1929
The New York Times reports today that Queen Marie of Roumania and her youngest daughter,Princess Ileana, have "prolonged" their visit to Spain by several weeks. This has "given rise to reports of a possible marriage" between the Princess and one of the sons of King Alfonso XIII and Queen Ena, who is Marie's first cousin.
Princess Ileana, "who is a girl of great charm" has been spending time with the Prince of the Asturias and his younger brother, Don Jaime.
"According to reports, the health of "the Prince of the Asturias is much improved." One of his doctors has stated that he "may be definitely cured so that he can return to an active life."
In official circles, however, "reports of the marriage have been minimized.
Queen Marie and Princess Ileana are planning to go to Andalusia and will also visit Seville and Barcelona.
Tino's niece to marry William Leeds
April 3, 1921
Princess Xenia of Russia is engaged to marry William B. Leeds, son of Princess Anastasia of Greece and the late William Leeds. Mr. Leeds has arrived in Athens, where he is visiting his mother, who is ill, reports the New York Times. His fiancee is the daughter of the Grand Duchess Marie of Russia and her late husband, Grand Duke George, who was killed by the Bolsheviks in January 1919. Grand Duchess Marie was born Princess Marie of Greece.
The princess, who is 17 years old, is a niece of King Constantine of the Hellenes.
It is understood that young Leeds proposed shortly after his arrival in Athens and the proposal was "immediately accepted." His seriously ill mother was said to be "upset by the news and opposed the union" because of the couple's youth. However, she has since given her approval to the marriage, which will take place in June in Athens.
Mr. Leeds will return to London "to obtain a new wardrobe" and will return to Athens in two weeks. He recently turned eighteen and was "rumored in cable dispatches" to be engaged to a daughter of Princess Marie "just after he reached Athens by airplane. Three months ago, he was rumored, albeit erroneously to be engaged to Princess Olga, 17 years old, the eldest daughter of Prince and Princess Nicholas of Greece, and also a niece of King Constantine.
William Bateman Leeds is one of the richest young men in the world, as he is heir to a fortune "that is estimated from $33,000,000 to $40,000,000 at the time of death in Paris in 1908 of his father, William B. Leeds." The late Mr. Leeds was known as the "Tin Plate King." Young William is already in control of at least seven million dollars of his inheritance.
Princess Anastasia is the former Nonnie May Stewart of Cleveland, Ohio. She married Bates only three days after her divorce from George Worthington in 1900. Nancy Leeds, as she was known after her second marriage, married Prince Christopher of Greece in 1920. King Constantine created her a princess in her own right after the marriage.
While Mrs. Leeds was traveling abroad, young William was left behind at the "huge Leeds mansion" in Montclair, New Jersey. He was "surrounded by a little army of nurses, governesses, servants, and, it was said, detectives." He attended school at the local Montclair Academy, where the scions of many wealthy American families went to school. At school, " he lived the life of a normal, healthy youngster, with a general interest in sports and a predilection for baseball." But in the evenings, he would return to "the big, cold house where he was cut off from the companionship of his kind."
During a trip to Sumatra, "where he hunted tigers," Leeds was bitten in the arm by a poisonous insect. He did not recover completely from his bite and was planning to undergo surgery when he learned of his mother's health. He changed his plans and sailed for Europe on the Imperator on March 12.
Torlonia heir expected
April 3, 1909
The New York Times reports today that the American-born Donna Elsie Torlonia is "expecting a visit from the stork." The announcement of her pregnancy is of great news to the Torlonia family because only the eldest son, Duke Leopoldo, has a family. The former Elsie Moore of New York is married to the third of four Torlonia sons, Don Marino. The princess' parents, Mrs. and Mrs. C.A. Moore are currently in Rome, and have become favorites in Italian society. Mr. Moore has become a member of the very aristocratic Hunt Club, and has taught his Italian noble friends "American phrases which have very popular."
The news was sent from Rome by Telegraph to Clifden, Ireland, and then by wireless to New York.
The New York Times reports today that the American-born Donna Elsie Torlonia is "expecting a visit from the stork." The announcement of her pregnancy is of great news to the Torlonia family because only the eldest son, Duke Leopoldo, has a family. The former Elsie Moore of New York is married to the third of four Torlonia sons, Don Marino. The princess' parents, Mrs. and Mrs. C.A. Moore are currently in Rome, and have become favorites in Italian society. Mr. Moore has become a member of the very aristocratic Hunt Club, and has taught his Italian noble friends "American phrases which have very popular."
The news was sent from Rome by Telegraph to Clifden, Ireland, and then by wireless to New York.
Pope gives approval to Alfonso's marriage
April 3, 1905
London's Daily Mirror newspaper "asserts" that Pope Pius has given his approval for the marriage between King Alfonso XIII and Princess Patricia of Connaught, according to a report in today's New York Times. The newspaper adds that King Edward VII has already given his consent for the marriage between the Spanish monarch and the Duke of Connaught's younger daughter.
London's Daily Mirror newspaper "asserts" that Pope Pius has given his approval for the marriage between King Alfonso XIII and Princess Patricia of Connaught, according to a report in today's New York Times. The newspaper adds that King Edward VII has already given his consent for the marriage between the Spanish monarch and the Duke of Connaught's younger daughter.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
A new take on the IPod kerfuffle
From the Daily Telegraph.
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/toby_harnden/blog/2009/04/03/barack_obamas_thoughtful_gift_to_the_queen
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/toby_harnden/blog/2009/04/03/barack_obamas_thoughtful_gift_to_the_queen
Queen hugs Michelle Obama
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/g20-summit/5091915/Michelle-Obama-hugs-the-Queen.html
Despite the Telgraph's headline, the Queen was the first to hug and Michelle responded!
The Obamas towered over the Queen and Prince Philip. The queen is about 5'2", and Philip is probably about 5'11". Mrs. Obama is probably around 6 feet tall, and her husband is over six feet.
Despite the Telgraph's headline, the Queen was the first to hug and Michelle responded!
The Obamas towered over the Queen and Prince Philip. The queen is about 5'2", and Philip is probably about 5'11". Mrs. Obama is probably around 6 feet tall, and her husband is over six feet.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
President Obama's gifts to the Queen
President Obama presented two gifts to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, during their meeting earlier today. The royal couple received an IPOD with video of the Queen's 2007 visit to the US. They were also presented with a rare signed copy of the Richard Rodgers' songbook. I've noticed that no journalist or commentator has picked up on the significance of the Richard Rodgers' songbook. In case you have never heard of Richard Rodgers, let me tell that Rodgers (1902-1979) was one of the great American musical composers, who with the brilliant lyricist Oscar Hammerstein, wrote some of the best ever American musicals, including Oklahoma, Carousel, South Pacific and The Sound of Music. Rodgers also composed several brilliant musicals with the composer Lorenz Hart.
On August 4, 1947, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (celebrating her 47th birthday), Princess Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, and Elizabeth's fiance, Lt. Philip Mountbatten attended a performance of Oklahoma at the Drury Lane Theatre. One of the songs in the musical is "People Will Say We're in Love." This song became a particular favorite of the newly engaged couple, and Princess Elizabeth would request the song to be played at various dances.
Thus, this was a very special gift that was presented to the Queen and her husband.
Someone did their homework when they selected this gift.
Here is a list of what was uploaded to the IPod. Note that the entire cast recording of Oklahoma was included, as well as selections from American and British musicals.
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/04/what-does-one-g.html
(According to one comment to the New York Times blog about the gifts, a member of the Hart family stated that the book given to the Queen was the very rare Rodgers & Hart Songbook, which was published in 1951 This of course would not include Hammerstein songs).
On August 4, 1947, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (celebrating her 47th birthday), Princess Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, and Elizabeth's fiance, Lt. Philip Mountbatten attended a performance of Oklahoma at the Drury Lane Theatre. One of the songs in the musical is "People Will Say We're in Love." This song became a particular favorite of the newly engaged couple, and Princess Elizabeth would request the song to be played at various dances.
Thus, this was a very special gift that was presented to the Queen and her husband.
Someone did their homework when they selected this gift.
Here is a list of what was uploaded to the IPod. Note that the entire cast recording of Oklahoma was included, as well as selections from American and British musicals.
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/04/what-does-one-g.html
(According to one comment to the New York Times blog about the gifts, a member of the Hart family stated that the book given to the Queen was the very rare Rodgers & Hart Songbook, which was published in 1951 This of course would not include Hammerstein songs).
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