October 15, 1917
Perhaps it was war propaganda, but the Marquise de Fontenoy's profile of the recently deceased Duke Philipp of Württemberg is not flattering at all.
Although the late Duke Philipp was the heir presumptive to the throne, he was "regarded as the blackest of black sheep" in the Württemberg royal family.
Philipp was an "object of execration to his father-in-law," the late Archduke Albrecht, because of the "drunken brutality" that Philipp inflicted on his long-suffering wife, Archduchess Maria Theresa. She often fled the marital home and found "refuge with her father in Vienna." She would remain for "prolonged periods of separation." Everyone, including Austrian emperor Franz Josef, was aware of the problems between "the ill-matched couple," but the Emperor and the Crown Prince of Württemberg, made numerous attempts "to smooth over the difficulties between Philipp and his wife for dynastic purposes."
Philipp was hated not only in Austria but also in Württemberg, where his Lutheran countrymen "feared and resented the idea of Roman Catholic princes coming to the throne."
Archduchess Maria Theresa has "found some compensation for her long martyrdom at the hands of her dissolute husband," in the presence of her three "good looking sons: Dukes Albert, Robert and Ulrich.
Duke Philipp was heir because the King of Württemberg has only sons by either of his two marriages. He has only a daughter, Pauline, who is married to the Prince of Wied. Due to the Salic law, Pauline cannot succeed her father.
Before the war, there was an organized effort to "alter the succession" in favor of the Duke of Teck, eldest brother of Queen Mary, consort of George V. The Tecks are the children of the late Duke Franz of Teck and Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge. The Duke of Teck was the "issues of a morganatic marriage" between Prince Alexander of Württemberg, who stood higher in the succession than Duke Philipp, a member of a junior branch, and a Hungarian countess.
The Duke of Teck is Protestant, and there was real support to proclaim him as heir apparent to prevent the accession of a Roman Catholic line. The "present war" put an end to altering the succession.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Connaught -Fife wedding tomorrow
October 14, 1913
Prince Arthur of Connaught will marry the Duchess of Fife tomorrow in a ceremony of "remarkable simplicity," reports the Chicago Daily Tribune.
The wedding ceremony will take place at noon in the Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace. Due to the death last year of the duchess' father, the Duke of Fife, the wedding will be "a family affair," and "devoid of all processions and military style, which was the case when Wilhelm II's daughter, Princess Viktoria Luise, married Prince Ernst Augustus of Hanover earlier this year.
King George V will not be conferring a dukedom on his first cousin, who is already the heir apparent to the Connaught dukedom. However, Prince Arthur has been created a Knight of the Thistle and was "promoted from a captain to a major of his regiment."
A large group of foreign royals, including the kings and queens of Denmark and Norway, Prince Henry of Prussia, the Dowager Empress Marie of Russia, and the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Sweden, who is the groom's older sister.
This is not a state occasion, and the royal guests are attending "as relatives" of the bride and groom.
The Duchess, who is also Princess Alexandra, will be given away by her uncle, King George V. Her mother, the Princess Royal, will also support her at the altar." Prince Arthur's supporters will be his father, the Duke of Connaught, and the Prince of Wales.
The wedding will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who will be assisted by the Bishop of London and Canon Edgar Sheppard, the dean and sub-dean of the Chapel Royal.
The Duchess of Fife's bridesmaids will be Princess Mary, the only daughter of King George and Queen Mary, Princess Maud, the only sister of the bride, Princesses Victoria and Helena of Teck, daughters of the Duke and Duchess of Teck, and Princess May of Teck, only daughter of Prince and Princess Alexander of Teck.
The bride's trousseau is "British made and of British materials, so far as is possible." The register will be signed in the "historic picture gallery" in St. James's Palace, which will be followed by a reception.
Prince Arthur of Connaught will marry the Duchess of Fife tomorrow in a ceremony of "remarkable simplicity," reports the Chicago Daily Tribune.
The wedding ceremony will take place at noon in the Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace. Due to the death last year of the duchess' father, the Duke of Fife, the wedding will be "a family affair," and "devoid of all processions and military style, which was the case when Wilhelm II's daughter, Princess Viktoria Luise, married Prince Ernst Augustus of Hanover earlier this year.
King George V will not be conferring a dukedom on his first cousin, who is already the heir apparent to the Connaught dukedom. However, Prince Arthur has been created a Knight of the Thistle and was "promoted from a captain to a major of his regiment."
A large group of foreign royals, including the kings and queens of Denmark and Norway, Prince Henry of Prussia, the Dowager Empress Marie of Russia, and the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Sweden, who is the groom's older sister.
This is not a state occasion, and the royal guests are attending "as relatives" of the bride and groom.
The Duchess, who is also Princess Alexandra, will be given away by her uncle, King George V. Her mother, the Princess Royal, will also support her at the altar." Prince Arthur's supporters will be his father, the Duke of Connaught, and the Prince of Wales.
The wedding will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who will be assisted by the Bishop of London and Canon Edgar Sheppard, the dean and sub-dean of the Chapel Royal.
The Duchess of Fife's bridesmaids will be Princess Mary, the only daughter of King George and Queen Mary, Princess Maud, the only sister of the bride, Princesses Victoria and Helena of Teck, daughters of the Duke and Duchess of Teck, and Princess May of Teck, only daughter of Prince and Princess Alexander of Teck.
The bride's trousseau is "British made and of British materials, so far as is possible." The register will be signed in the "historic picture gallery" in St. James's Palace, which will be followed by a reception.
Friday, October 11, 2013
The Duke of Cambridge plays football
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| Julie Windle and the Duke of Cambridge |
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| Julie and Robert Windle with HRH The Duchess of Gloucester |
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| Robert Windle receives his medal for services to football |
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| all photos @ RWT Photography |
Friends of mine, Julie and Robert Windle, were invited to Buckingham Palace. Robert received a medal for his services to football. The photos are courtesy (and copyright belongs to) RWT Photography. Please do not copy or use in any medium.
Duke Philipp of Württemberg dead
October 11, 1917
Duke Philipp Alexander of Württemberg, heir presumptive to the Württemberg throne, died today at Stuttgart, reports the New York Times. He was 79 years old.
The duke was born July 30, 1838 at Neuilly-sur-Seine, the son of Duke Alexander of Württemberg and Princess Marie d'Orléans. In 1865, he married Archduchess Maria Theresa of Austria, daughter of the Duke of Teschen.
He is survived by his widow and three of their five children: Dukes Albrecht, Robert and Ulrich. Two daughters, Duchess Marie Amelie and Duchess Maria Isabella, the wife of Prince Johann Georg of Saxony, predeceased him.
In 1903, following the death of his cousin, Duke Nicholas, Philipp became the heir presumptive to the throne, a position now fulfilled by his eldest son, Duke Albrecht, who serves as the Commander in Chief of the Germany on the Western front.
The duke was born July 30, 1838 at Neuilly-sur-Seine, the son of Duke Alexander of Württemberg and Princess Marie d'Orléans. In 1865, he married Archduchess Maria Theresa of Austria, daughter of the Duke of Teschen.
He is survived by his widow and three of their five children: Dukes Albrecht, Robert and Ulrich. Two daughters, Duchess Marie Amelie and Duchess Maria Isabella, the wife of Prince Johann Georg of Saxony, predeceased him.
In 1903, following the death of his cousin, Duke Nicholas, Philipp became the heir presumptive to the throne, a position now fulfilled by his eldest son, Duke Albrecht, who serves as the Commander in Chief of the Germany on the Western front.
Kaiser Wilhelm II - Royal matchmaker
October 11, 1909
It seems Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany has played Cupid in arranging the forthcoming marriage between Grand Duke Wilhelm Ernst of Saxe-Weimar and Princess Carola, daughter of Prince and Princess Friedrich of Saxe-Meiningen.
The New York Times is reporting that the Kaiser recommended Princess Carola as a bride when he and the Empress visited the Grand Duke at Wilhelmshohe last summer.
The 19-year-old princess is a second cousin of Empress Auguste Viktoria. Her future husband serves with the Prussian artillery.
This will be the second marriage for the Grand Duke. His first wife, Princess Caroline Reuss, a "noted beauty," died in 1905.
It seems Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany has played Cupid in arranging the forthcoming marriage between Grand Duke Wilhelm Ernst of Saxe-Weimar and Princess Carola, daughter of Prince and Princess Friedrich of Saxe-Meiningen.
The New York Times is reporting that the Kaiser recommended Princess Carola as a bride when he and the Empress visited the Grand Duke at Wilhelmshohe last summer.
The 19-year-old princess is a second cousin of Empress Auguste Viktoria. Her future husband serves with the Prussian artillery.
This will be the second marriage for the Grand Duke. His first wife, Princess Caroline Reuss, a "noted beauty," died in 1905.
Another interview with the Crown Prince and Princess of Denmark
http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/celebrity/courtesies-and-curtsies-what-it-takes-to-interview-princess-maz-20131011-2vcro.html
The complete interview will be published this weekend. I love how Frederik calls Mary "Maz."
Update: here is the link to the complete interview with Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. Apparently, not everyone likes Fred & Mary, which means a few dishes may be thrown around in a short time.
http://www.smh.com.au/world/true-romance-20131007-2v2x4.html
The complete interview will be published this weekend. I love how Frederik calls Mary "Maz."
Update: here is the link to the complete interview with Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. Apparently, not everyone likes Fred & Mary, which means a few dishes may be thrown around in a short time.
http://www.smh.com.au/world/true-romance-20131007-2v2x4.html
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Royal engagement - Austria-Saxony
October 9, 1923
The engagement of Archduke Josef Franz, youngest son of the former Field Marshal Archduke Josef of Austria, and Princess Anna Monica of Saxony, youngest daughter of former King Friedrich August of Saxony, was announced today in Budapest, reports the New York Times.
The engagement announcement has "caused disappointment among the Hungarian royalists" who had hoped that the young archduke's marriage "would be arranged in such a manner to strengthen their cause." They do not consider an "alliance with Saxony" as unfavorable. They also believe that the marriage will "react in favor of Albrecht," son of Archduke Friedrich and Archduchess Isabella.
Some time ago, Archduke Josef Franz was reported to have "sought the hand of Princess Jolanda of Italy," but she married Count Calvi di Bergolo.
The archduke is 28-years-old and his bride-to-be is 20. The date of the wedding has not been announced.
a new Prince of Salm-Salm --but a little early
October 9, 1917
The Marquise de Fontenoy reports today on the death of Alfred, Prince of Salm-Salm, stating that an eleven-year-old boy, Prince Nikolaus, has succeeded his "septuagenarian grandfather," as head of the great and historical European house of Salm-Salm," once a sovereign state, now mediatized.
Prince Nikolaus is the eldest son of the late Prince Emmanuel of Salm-Salm, who was killed in action in August 1916, and Archduchess Maria Christina of Austria, "who has a young girl was jilted" by the late Archduke Franz Ferdinand "for the sake of her "penniless governess and lady-in-waiting, Countess Sophie Chotek." Franz Ferdinand contracted a morganatic marriage. He and his wife were murdered at Sarajevo, their deaths "the immediate prelude to the present war."
When war broke out, the Archduchess and her husband were traveling in South Africa, where they were arrested and interned by the British government.
At the request of the archduchess' aunt and godmother, Queen Dowager Maria Cristina of Spain, the couple were transferred to Gibraltar and finally released, and allowed to return to their home.
Archduchess Maria Christina's father is Archduke Friedrich, who served as the "Austrian generalissimo in the present war," until Emperor Karl succeeded to the throne.
[There is one problem with the Marquise's story. She got all her facts right but one: the Prince of Salm-Salm did not die until April 20, 1923.]
The Marquise de Fontenoy reports today on the death of Alfred, Prince of Salm-Salm, stating that an eleven-year-old boy, Prince Nikolaus, has succeeded his "septuagenarian grandfather," as head of the great and historical European house of Salm-Salm," once a sovereign state, now mediatized.
Prince Nikolaus is the eldest son of the late Prince Emmanuel of Salm-Salm, who was killed in action in August 1916, and Archduchess Maria Christina of Austria, "who has a young girl was jilted" by the late Archduke Franz Ferdinand "for the sake of her "penniless governess and lady-in-waiting, Countess Sophie Chotek." Franz Ferdinand contracted a morganatic marriage. He and his wife were murdered at Sarajevo, their deaths "the immediate prelude to the present war."
When war broke out, the Archduchess and her husband were traveling in South Africa, where they were arrested and interned by the British government.
At the request of the archduchess' aunt and godmother, Queen Dowager Maria Cristina of Spain, the couple were transferred to Gibraltar and finally released, and allowed to return to their home.
Archduchess Maria Christina's father is Archduke Friedrich, who served as the "Austrian generalissimo in the present war," until Emperor Karl succeeded to the throne.
[There is one problem with the Marquise's story. She got all her facts right but one: the Prince of Salm-Salm did not die until April 20, 1923.]
Wilhelm II invited Princess of Hohenberg to Berlin
October 9, 1909
The Princess of Hohenberg, the morganatic wife of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir presumptive to the Austro-Hungarian throne, has been invited to join her husband on an official visit to Berlin, reports the Chicago Tribune.
Many hope that Wilhelm II's "championship of the Princess of Hohenberg" will "lead to the breaking of the granite-like etiquette of the Austrian court," where the Princess, an "accomplished, refined woman" is denied her "true place merely because her blood is not royal."
During his last visit to Vienna, the German Emperor remarked upon the Princess' absence "among the exalted personages assembled at the state banquet in his honor."
Due to his "impulsive good nature," Wilhelm insisted "upon her presence," and would not go to his table until the Princess had arrived.
The matter of the Princess of Hohenberg's presence was brought to Emperor Franz Joseph's attention. He assented, and Archduke Franz Ferdinand "drove to his palace and brought his wife to the banquet."
Wilhelm II and his wife, Empress Auguste Viktoria, "paid marked attention: to Franz Ferdinand's wife. They will treat her with every respect "with all the honors due a crown princess," during her time in Berlin.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Princely nuptials: Merode -d'Oultrement
Another princely wedding took place on Saturday in Wenau, Germany, near Aachen, where Princess Marguerite de Merode married Belgian Count Philippe d'Oultrement.
The bride is the youngest child of Prince Charles-Louis de Merode and his wife, Countess Clotilde d'Oultrement.
Princess Marguerite Marie Josèphe Ghislaine Sophie Michel Thérèse de Merode was born at Brussels at March 13, 1986. Her husband, Count Philippe, is thde son of Count Arnold d'Oultrement and his wife, Countess Isabelle d'Aspremont-Lynden. He was born June 14, 1978. (A nice birthday, if I may say so.)
The religious ceremony took place at St. Katharina kirche at Wenau, Langerwere. The reception was held at the bride's home, Schloss Merode.
The guests at the wedding included the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and her eldest son and daughter-in-law, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie, and her only daughter, Princess Alexandra.
The bride's older sister, Princess Blanche, married Baron Philipp von Bodman two years ago in Wenau. She is a close friend of the Hereditary Grand Duchess, and served as a witness at Stephanie's wedding last year.
http://www.brauerphotos.de/index.php?10290087921429462327.00001086121235822553222407102013163845&OFFERITEM=00023352
The bride is the youngest child of Prince Charles-Louis de Merode and his wife, Countess Clotilde d'Oultrement.
Princess Marguerite Marie Josèphe Ghislaine Sophie Michel Thérèse de Merode was born at Brussels at March 13, 1986. Her husband, Count Philippe, is thde son of Count Arnold d'Oultrement and his wife, Countess Isabelle d'Aspremont-Lynden. He was born June 14, 1978. (A nice birthday, if I may say so.)
The religious ceremony took place at St. Katharina kirche at Wenau, Langerwere. The reception was held at the bride's home, Schloss Merode.
The guests at the wedding included the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and her eldest son and daughter-in-law, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie, and her only daughter, Princess Alexandra.
The bride's older sister, Princess Blanche, married Baron Philipp von Bodman two years ago in Wenau. She is a close friend of the Hereditary Grand Duchess, and served as a witness at Stephanie's wedding last year.
http://www.brauerphotos.de/index.php?10290087921429462327.00001086121235822553222407102013163845&OFFERITEM=00023352
Uncle Sixtus slams Prince Jame's marriage
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| © Jeroen van der Meyde |
Prince Sixtus, who has never married, has issued a statement claiming that the marriage is morganatic, according to Spanish and Parmese dynastic laws. He also states that Viktoria and her children will not have the right to the Bourbon-Parma titles.
[I received the official release on Tuesday afternoon. " In Apeldoorn, on Saturday, 5 October 2013, James of Bourbon-Parma and Lippe-Biesterfeld, who could be the legitimate claimant to the throne of the Spains, has married Miss Viktória Cservenyák, a Hungarian lawyer.
According to Spanish dynastic regulations, which apply to the House of Parma, the eventual offspring of the said marriage shall be entirely deprived of any rights of succession to the Crown. As for Viktória Cservenyák, she cannot legitimately hold or use any royal or ducal titles, whether Spanish or Parmesan.
Madrid, October the sixth, two thousand and thirteen.
Political Secretariat of HRH Sixtus Henry of Bourbon"]
Thankfully, for the House of Bourbon-Parma, Prince Sixtus, the younger brother of the late Prince Carlo Hugo, Duke of Parma, is not the head of the family.
The late Duke was succeeded by his elder son, Prince Carlo, who also married a commoner. The marriage was approved by the Duke, who died shortly after the civil marriage took place.
This marriage has the approval of the present Duke of Parma, who happens to be the groom's older brother.
The groom is the son of Princess Irene of the Netherlands, and, thus a first cousin of King Willem-Alexander.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nettyroyal/sets/72157636249479853/page2/
The Reuss-Castell-Castell nuptials
Prince Heinrich XXIV Reuss married Countess Dorothea zu Castell-Castell at Iphofen in September 21.
The groom is the son of Prince Heinrich X Reuss and his first wife, Baroness Elisabeth Åkerhielm af Margrethelund. His bride is the daughter of Count Alexander zu CastellCastell and his first wife, Marion Stepps.
My thanks to Ulrike Bartsch, who took the photos. She owns the copyright to the photos. Do not copy them, please.
The groom is the son of Prince Heinrich X Reuss and his first wife, Baroness Elisabeth Åkerhielm af Margrethelund. His bride is the daughter of Count Alexander zu CastellCastell and his first wife, Marion Stepps.
My thanks to Ulrike Bartsch, who took the photos. She owns the copyright to the photos. Do not copy them, please.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Prince Jaime of Bourbon-Parma to wed
Prince Jaime of Bourbon-Parma, second son of Princess Irene of the Netherlands and the late Prince Carlo Hugo, Duke of Parma, will marry Hungarian-born lawyer Viktória Cservenyák on October 5 at the Onze Lieve Vrouwe ten Hemelopneming church in Apeldoorn. Following the wedding, a reception will be held at Het Loo Palace in Apeldoorn.
The civil wedding took place today at Wijk bij Duurstede.
King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima and other members of the Dutch royal family will attend the wedding on Saturday.
The name of the church translates to Our Lady of Ascension.
The civil wedding took place today at Wijk bij Duurstede.
King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima and other members of the Dutch royal family will attend the wedding on Saturday.
The name of the church translates to Our Lady of Ascension.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Interview with Lady Edwina Grosvenor
An informative interview with Lady Edwina Grosvenor, second daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Westminster, and the wife of historian Dan Snow
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-business/10347458/Lady-Edwina-Grosvenor-I-see-my-wealth-as-a-gift-that-I-should-put-to-good-use.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-business/10347458/Lady-Edwina-Grosvenor-I-see-my-wealth-as-a-gift-that-I-should-put-to-good-use.html
Princess Giovanna: update on health
October 2, 1923
Princess Giovanna appears to be doing better, according to a telegram sent by King Vittorio Emanuele to Premier Mussolini.
"The prognosis, though still very reserved, leaves room for greater hope,
reports the New York Times, quoting an excerpt of the telegram.
The news from Racconigi is "distinctly more hopeful," and doctors are "unanimous" in believing that Princess Giovanna will regain her health, unless further complications arise.
Princess Jolanda has left Racconigi, without being able to visit her sister. The doctors refused to allow her to visit Giovanna due to the "danger of infection."
Princess Mafalda, who became ill at the same time as her sister, is now in the "convalescence state." She was not told about the seriousness of Giovanna's condition although she "guessed it from the anxious atmosphere" at Racconigi palace.
Princess Giovanna appears to be doing better, according to a telegram sent by King Vittorio Emanuele to Premier Mussolini.
"The prognosis, though still very reserved, leaves room for greater hope,
reports the New York Times, quoting an excerpt of the telegram.
The news from Racconigi is "distinctly more hopeful," and doctors are "unanimous" in believing that Princess Giovanna will regain her health, unless further complications arise.
Princess Jolanda has left Racconigi, without being able to visit her sister. The doctors refused to allow her to visit Giovanna due to the "danger of infection."
Princess Mafalda, who became ill at the same time as her sister, is now in the "convalescence state." She was not told about the seriousness of Giovanna's condition although she "guessed it from the anxious atmosphere" at Racconigi palace.
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