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."
Edward plans engagement before Coronation
November 9, 1936
King Edward VIII is planning to announce his engagement to Mrs. Wallis Simpson before his Coronation in May, according to an exclusive report in the Los Angeles Times.
His plan, which will be "carefully arranged with regard to the sensibilities of his millions of subjects, will include a "careful check on the reactions of both peers and commoners."
If the British public raises "a hue and cry" at the prospect of an American queen-consort on the throne, they will have plenty of time to disapprove before the king is formally crowned.
But will the king "repudiate Mrs. Simpson" if the public disapproves, or will he "cling to her and toss away the throne?" These are the questions that have "agitated many in court circles."
Mrs. Simpson's divorce from her second husband, Ernest A. Simpson, will become final on April 27. Their decree nisi was granted on October 26.
It is understood that the king will await the "expiration of the six months' interval required to make the divorce absolute" before he "officially proclaims that she is the choice if his heart."
This expected announcement will give the House of Lords and the "august clergy" of the Church of England to voice their opposition of that is their wish.
reports that Otto will marry Maria
November 9, 1936
Baron Friedrich von Wiesner, a monarchist leader, said today in an interview that the "Italian policy conforms to the Monarchist plans," reports the Associated Press. "An Italo-Austrian agreement promises full Austrian independence and Mussolini, therefore, believes restoration entirely an internal Austrian affair in which Chancellor Kurt Schuschnuigg is primarily concerned."
The Baron was referring to reports of an engagement between Princess Maria of Italy and Archduke Otto of Austria, heir to the defunct Austrian throne. On November 1, Mussolini spoke about the countries that border Italy. This was seen as "bearing upon an announcement of an engagement of Princess Maria and Otto."
Mussolini said "there will perhaps come soon a solemn occasion in which the sentiments of the Italian people will find public, glamorous manifestation."
Princess Maria will celebrate her 22nd birthday on December 26. She is an "excellent dancer," and joys swimming and skiing. Archduke Otto will be 24 on November 20. He is the eldest son of the late Emperor Karl and Empress Zita. He and his family live in exile in Belgium.
Queen Marie to be gagged
November 9, 1926
Queen Marie of Romania's meetings with the press will now be supervised by a representative of Romania's Prime Minister, reports the Associated Press, aboard the queen's train en route to Denver.
Mr. Nicolas Petrescu announced today that "in view of the political situation at home and the government's injunction" against the Queen's granting of interviews, he will attend all future press conferences.
Mr. Petescru, a member of the People's party, now in power, points out that Marie is not required by Romanian to "swear to uphold the country's constitution" and cannot be held "responsible for her declarations." He hops to persuade the queen against making statements that "might complicate political matters at home."
This arrangement was after Marie's meeting yesterday with members of the press about the "working of the Romanian political parties." She confined her discussion to Parliament, the political parties and the "constitutional power of the King."
The Queen also likes the "taste of an American cigarette." During a visit to Seattle during the weekend, she had a cigarette between her lips, when she saw a "No Smoking sign at a county dairy association. She "promptly dropped the cigarette and snuffed it with her heel."
Queen Marie of Romania's meetings with the press will now be supervised by a representative of Romania's Prime Minister, reports the Associated Press, aboard the queen's train en route to Denver.
Mr. Nicolas Petrescu announced today that "in view of the political situation at home and the government's injunction" against the Queen's granting of interviews, he will attend all future press conferences.
Mr. Petescru, a member of the People's party, now in power, points out that Marie is not required by Romanian to "swear to uphold the country's constitution" and cannot be held "responsible for her declarations." He hops to persuade the queen against making statements that "might complicate political matters at home."
This arrangement was after Marie's meeting yesterday with members of the press about the "working of the Romanian political parties." She confined her discussion to Parliament, the political parties and the "constitutional power of the King."
The Queen also likes the "taste of an American cigarette." During a visit to Seattle during the weekend, she had a cigarette between her lips, when she saw a "No Smoking sign at a county dairy association. She "promptly dropped the cigarette and snuffed it with her heel."
Monday, November 7, 2016
Carol wants mom out of the country
November 7, 1936
Balkan diplomatic circles are reporting that King Carol II wants his elderly mother, Dowager Queen Marie to leave Romania "because of a "new quarrel between the," states an Associated Press dispatch.
The cause of the "reported quarrel" is apparently due to a letter Queen Marie sent to Carol's former wife, Princess Helen, accusing her son of the responsibility for the "bad conditions" in the country.'"
Princess Helen apparently sent the letter on to the King.
Princess prefers mop to court
Princess Alexandra Viktoria of Schleswig-Holstein prefers scrubbing floors to "sitting in the princely halls of Potsdam. The princess, who is divorced from Prince August Wilhelm of Prussia, fourth son of former Kaiser Wilhelm II, lives in Munich with her second husband, Commander Arnold Rümann, reports the Associated Press.
The princess was found cleaning floors "by a prominent Berlin lawyer," who had called upon her at her home. The lawyer was surprised to find the princess cleaning her home.
She said to him: "No doubt you are surprised to see me doing housework, but believe me I am a thousand times happier managing my own home and supporting myself than I ever was when breathing the muggy air of the Potsdam court."
A niece of the late Empress Auguste Viktoria, Princess Alexandra "depends on her artistic skills for her livelihood. Her commoner husband has no fortune apart from a small pension.
Her Munich home is a "snug, comfortable apartment. She does her own housework and cooking. Every day, the princess and her husband go shopping. Her first marriage ended in divorce in 1920, and she remarried two years later. The only sadness for the "democratic Princess," now nearly 40 years old, and "still famed for her beauty, is the desire to see her only son, Prince Alexander Ferdinand, no 13. A German court awarded custody of the young boy to his father, and he is being raised in Potsdam by his father and his uncle, Prince Eitel Friedrich.
Princess Alexandra Viktoria recently exhibited her portraits and landscapes in Berlin, where she received "fashionable comment from critics."
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Prince Otto-Victor of Bentheim un Steinfurt (1940-2016)
Prince Oskar-Victor was the sixth of seven chilldren of Vikor Adolf, 5th Prince of Bentheim und Steinfurt (1883-1961) and his second wife, Princess Rosa Helene of Solms-Hohensolms-Lich (1901-1963.)
Otto-Viktor was 76 years old. He was unmarried. He is survived by his siblings, Christian, 6th Prince of Bentheim und Steinfurt, Prince Reinhart, Princess Marie-Adelheid, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Oskar.
Christian is Viktor Adolf's second but only surviving son from his first marriage to Princess Stephanie of Schaumburg-Lippe.
Princess Leonie is the widow of Otto's older brother, Prince Ferdinand, who died in 2010.
Friday, November 4, 2016
King Edward plans to visit Canada
November 4, 1936
King Edward VIII will visit Canada "soon after his Coronation next May," reports the Associated Press. The announcement was made aboard the SS Empress of Britain by Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King, who is returning home after a visit to European.
The Prime Minister "disclosed the intention" of the "42 year old bachelor monarch" to visit his North American dominion" when reporters boarded the Empress of Britain at Father Point, Quebec.
King Edward VIII will visit Canada "soon after his Coronation next May," reports the Associated Press. The announcement was made aboard the SS Empress of Britain by Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King, who is returning home after a visit to European.
The Prime Minister "disclosed the intention" of the "42 year old bachelor monarch" to visit his North American dominion" when reporters boarded the Empress of Britain at Father Point, Quebec.
Astrid in tears as she leaves for Belgium
November 4, 1926
Princess Astrid of Sweden, nearly alone on the desk of Swedish cruiser Fylgia, "vainly tried to hide the tears" as the warship "steamed" out of the Malmo harbor today to take her to Belgium, where she will join her husband, Crown Prince Leopold, reports the Associated Press.
The tears came as the princess suddenly realized that she was leaving her home for Belgium. There were also tears of joy as Astrid observed the "farewells of a great crowd that had gathered to see her depart.
She looked "chic in a gray tailor-made suit," as she stood on the desk of the ship, waving goodbye. She held her wedding bouquet in her hands. The band played the Belgian national anthem, "La Brabanconne."
A ferry steamed out of the harbor, carrying Astrid's Danish relatives, for a final goodbye. King Christian X stood on the deck, "earnestly waving his hand."
When the Flygia was "well outside the harbor, there was a roar of guns in salute."
Princess Astrid, a niece of King Gustav V of Sweden, and Crown Prince Leopold, the eldest son of the King and Queen of the Belgians, were married yesterday in a civil ceremony in Stockholm. The newlyweds are traveling separately to Antwerp.
Princess Astrid's father, Prince Carl, Duke of Vastergotland, and all the bridesmaids and ushers, and Crown Prince Olav of Norway are on their way to Vlissingen, Belgium, to join Princess Astrid and her mother, Princess Ingeborg on the Fylgia as they travel to Antwerp.
Princess Astrid of Sweden, nearly alone on the desk of Swedish cruiser Fylgia, "vainly tried to hide the tears" as the warship "steamed" out of the Malmo harbor today to take her to Belgium, where she will join her husband, Crown Prince Leopold, reports the Associated Press.
The tears came as the princess suddenly realized that she was leaving her home for Belgium. There were also tears of joy as Astrid observed the "farewells of a great crowd that had gathered to see her depart.
She looked "chic in a gray tailor-made suit," as she stood on the desk of the ship, waving goodbye. She held her wedding bouquet in her hands. The band played the Belgian national anthem, "La Brabanconne."
A ferry steamed out of the harbor, carrying Astrid's Danish relatives, for a final goodbye. King Christian X stood on the deck, "earnestly waving his hand."
When the Flygia was "well outside the harbor, there was a roar of guns in salute."
Princess Astrid, a niece of King Gustav V of Sweden, and Crown Prince Leopold, the eldest son of the King and Queen of the Belgians, were married yesterday in a civil ceremony in Stockholm. The newlyweds are traveling separately to Antwerp.
Princess Astrid's father, Prince Carl, Duke of Vastergotland, and all the bridesmaids and ushers, and Crown Prince Olav of Norway are on their way to Vlissingen, Belgium, to join Princess Astrid and her mother, Princess Ingeborg on the Fylgia as they travel to Antwerp.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
King Edward VIII opens Parliament
November 3, 1936
King Edward VIII opened Parliament today, and pledged his nation to do all in his power "to further the appeasement of Europe."
The 42-year-old "bachelor monarch made this significant plea for peace to the bristling arm cams of troubled Europe," reported the Associated Press.
This was the first opening of Parliament for the king, who succeeded his father in January. He stood before the throne in the House of Lords, "garbed in the heavy state robes of gold-edged velvet," and announced that after his Coronation next May, he would travel to India to be crowned Emperor. He also called for an imperial conference to meet in London next May.
Thousands of his subjects "jammed the Mall and the Horse Guards' parade in Whitehall," to catch a glimpse of the king in a motor car. Due to the heavy rain, the procession from Buckingham Palace to Parliament was canceled.
In a "firm, resonant voice," the king "launched into the reading of his address from the throne," after he affirmed his "solemn declaration of the Protestant faith." As he is an uncrowned king, and unable to wear the Imperial Crown until after his Coronation on May 5, Edward followed the "glittering jeweled emblem of the nation and the empire" in the procession from the robing room.
He also spoke of strengthening the country's defenses.
The King's mother, Queen Mary, stood by a window at Marlborough House as the King's car passed by. He glanced at the window, saw his mother, and waved "his cocked hat," that he held in his right hand. Queen Mary smiled and then turned away from the window.
This is the first time in more than twenty-five years that Queen Mary had not attended the State Opening of Parliament.
King Edward VIII opened Parliament today, and pledged his nation to do all in his power "to further the appeasement of Europe."
The 42-year-old "bachelor monarch made this significant plea for peace to the bristling arm cams of troubled Europe," reported the Associated Press.
This was the first opening of Parliament for the king, who succeeded his father in January. He stood before the throne in the House of Lords, "garbed in the heavy state robes of gold-edged velvet," and announced that after his Coronation next May, he would travel to India to be crowned Emperor. He also called for an imperial conference to meet in London next May.
Thousands of his subjects "jammed the Mall and the Horse Guards' parade in Whitehall," to catch a glimpse of the king in a motor car. Due to the heavy rain, the procession from Buckingham Palace to Parliament was canceled.
In a "firm, resonant voice," the king "launched into the reading of his address from the throne," after he affirmed his "solemn declaration of the Protestant faith." As he is an uncrowned king, and unable to wear the Imperial Crown until after his Coronation on May 5, Edward followed the "glittering jeweled emblem of the nation and the empire" in the procession from the robing room.
He also spoke of strengthening the country's defenses.
The King's mother, Queen Mary, stood by a window at Marlborough House as the King's car passed by. He glanced at the window, saw his mother, and waved "his cocked hat," that he held in his right hand. Queen Mary smiled and then turned away from the window.
This is the first time in more than twenty-five years that Queen Mary had not attended the State Opening of Parliament.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Archduke Otto dead
November 1, 1906
Archduke Otto of Austria died this evening in Vienna, reports the New York Times. He had been "seriously ill" for the last several years. He was 41 years old.
Otto's older brother, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, is the heir presumptive to the Austro-Hungarian throne.
Archduke Otto Franz Joseph Karl Ludwig Maria was born on April 21, 1865 in Graz. He was the second son of Archduke Karl Ludwig, younger brother of Emperor Franz Josef, and his second wife, Princess Maria Annunciata of Bourbon-Two Sicilies.
On October 2, 1886, Otto married Princess Maria Josefa of Saxony, daughter of King Georg. They had two sons, Archduke Karl (1887) and Archduke Maximilian (1895.)
He has been in bad health for two years, and had withdrawn "completely from public life." On the recommendation of his doctors, who suggested that he might benefit from a warmer clime, Otto spent a year in Egypt. He returned to Austria about a year ago, as there was only a temporary improvement in his health.
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