http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2009/07/maurits_is_most_popular_prince.php
This story just popped into my newsreader: Dutch royals magazine, Vorsten, asked its readers to list their favorite prince. Prince Maurits of Orange-Nassau, who is the eldest son of Princess Margriet, was named by readers as Europe's most popular prince. I find the poll to be a bit dodgy. After all, Vorsten's readership is largely confined to the Netherlands and Belgium, as the magazine is not sold in most European countries. Prince Maurits, 41, is a largely private individual, and he does not carry out royal engagements. He is 10th in line to the Dutch throne, but he will cease to be a dynast when his first cousin, Willem-Alexander becomes king. Inb 1989, Prince Maurits married Marilene van der Broeck. They have three children, Anna, Lucas and Felicia. The children, who are not in line to the throne, have the surname van Lippe-Biesterfeld van Vollenhoven.
One of the requirements for succession to the Dutch throne is the relationship to the sovereign. An heir must be related within the third degree of consanguinity in order to succeed.
Since 2006, the Prince has run his own company, the Source, which "focuses on innovative concepts for products, services and systems for both business and government."
But is he the most popular of European princes? Well, yes, if you are looking at a very subjective poll, but if the poll was conducted by readers of Majesty magazine, one will assume that the list of names would be very different and would not include the largely unknown Prince Maurits.
One member of the Dutch royal family is exempt from the third degree clause in the succession law. By special legislation, Princess Margriet will continue to remain in line to the throne even after the ascension of her nephew, Willem-Alexander.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Peter wins blessing for marriage
July 30, 1943
Nineteen-year-old King Peter II of Yugoslavia has won his battle to marry Princess Alexandra of Greece, who is three years his senior.
Last May, the exiled ruler "threw one Cabinet into turmoil" when he asked for permission to marry the princess, who is the daughter of the late King Alexander of the Hellenes. Today, Prime Minister Milos Trifunovich officially announced King Peter's engagement, although the young king has been engaged to the "attractive" princess for more than a year.
According to the Prime Minister, there would no state events to celebrate the engagement, "due to the great sufferings of the peoples in the homeland."
When Peter originally asked for permission to wed, his Cabinet was split on a decision. Several members said that he should not marry until the Axis armies "had been driven from the soils of both countries." Other members felt that the marriage would strengthen King Peter's prestige and "result in favorable diplomatic relations between the nations."
King Peter has since reorganized his Cabinet, and mamed Trifunovich as Prime Minister.
The Duke and Duchess of Kent are on holiday in Munich
July 30, 1935
The Duke and Duchess of Kent are spending some time near Munich, "breaking their journey to Yugoslavia," where they will visit the Duchess' oldest sister, Olga, who is married to Prince Paul of Yugoslavia. The Duke and Duchess "motored" to Schloss Winhöring, near the Austrian border, which is the home of the Duchess' other sister, Elisabeth, who is married to the Prince of Toerring-Jettenbach. According to the report in the New York Times, the Duke of Kent has gone fishing on the estate and "today made a motor excursion to Kreuth in the Bavarian alps."
The Duchess of Kent expects her first child in October.
The Duke and Duchess of Kent are spending some time near Munich, "breaking their journey to Yugoslavia," where they will visit the Duchess' oldest sister, Olga, who is married to Prince Paul of Yugoslavia. The Duke and Duchess "motored" to Schloss Winhöring, near the Austrian border, which is the home of the Duchess' other sister, Elisabeth, who is married to the Prince of Toerring-Jettenbach. According to the report in the New York Times, the Duke of Kent has gone fishing on the estate and "today made a motor excursion to Kreuth in the Bavarian alps."
The Duchess of Kent expects her first child in October.
Duke's doctor denies restraint comments
July 30, 1923
Dr. Cromie, the Duke of Orleans' personal physician, has denied reports that his patient has been under restraint. In an interview with several newspapers, and reported by the New York Times, Dr. Cromie says that is is "absolutely absurd" that his patient has been under any sort of restraint. "Except for the ordinary servants in the house, there are simply myself and the nurses."
He said the duke of Orleans contracted malaria and dysentery during his last visit to Africa.
Dr. Cromie, the Duke of Orleans' personal physician, has denied reports that his patient has been under restraint. In an interview with several newspapers, and reported by the New York Times, Dr. Cromie says that is is "absolutely absurd" that his patient has been under any sort of restraint. "Except for the ordinary servants in the house, there are simply myself and the nurses."
He said the duke of Orleans contracted malaria and dysentery during his last visit to Africa.
Don Marco Torlonia is approved by Elsie's dad
July 30, 1907
Don Marco Torlonia, a member of a prominent Italian noble family, has not only "captured the hand of a beautiful American heiress, but he has won the enthusiastic regard of her father," according to the Los Angeles Times.
Charles A. Moore, the millionaire machinery dealer, was not pleased when he learned that his daughter, Elsie, had fallen in love with an Italian nobleman. Unlike other wealthy American fathers, he was not eager for his daughter to marry a European. "A year ago I was radically opposed to them. When I heard that my daughter proposed to marry one of them, I rushed over to put a stop to the matter. I found it was a true love match and the young man was not looking for money. He is well able to support my girl in the style in which she has lived."
Moore is also president of the American Protective Tariff League.
Don Marco Torlonia, a member of a prominent Italian noble family, has not only "captured the hand of a beautiful American heiress, but he has won the enthusiastic regard of her father," according to the Los Angeles Times.
Charles A. Moore, the millionaire machinery dealer, was not pleased when he learned that his daughter, Elsie, had fallen in love with an Italian nobleman. Unlike other wealthy American fathers, he was not eager for his daughter to marry a European. "A year ago I was radically opposed to them. When I heard that my daughter proposed to marry one of them, I rushed over to put a stop to the matter. I found it was a true love match and the young man was not looking for money. He is well able to support my girl in the style in which she has lived."
Moore is also president of the American Protective Tariff League.
Queen Maria Pia escapes assassins
July 30, 1901
The Dowager Queen Maria Pia of Portugal has escaped an assassination attempt, according to the Chicago Tribune. Her Majesty was "a course of the baths" in Aix-les-Bains, but "was so perturbed by the attack upon her" that she left Aix "hastily for Rome."
Maria Pia is the mother of King Carlos of Portugal and the sister of the late King Umberto of Italy. Details of the assassination attempt have not been made public, but police do have several clues regarding the identity of the attacker.
The Dowager Queen Maria Pia of Portugal has escaped an assassination attempt, according to the Chicago Tribune. Her Majesty was "a course of the baths" in Aix-les-Bains, but "was so perturbed by the attack upon her" that she left Aix "hastily for Rome."
Maria Pia is the mother of King Carlos of Portugal and the sister of the late King Umberto of Italy. Details of the assassination attempt have not been made public, but police do have several clues regarding the identity of the attacker.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Juliana's second baby due in 2 weeks
July 29, 1939
Crown Princess Juliana of the Netherlands is expected to give birth in two weeks, according to the Associated Press. Dutch citizens are hoping that they will be able celebrate the birth of Prince Willem of Orange-Nassau, the first male heir to the throne in "almost a century."
The 30-year-old Crown Princess is the only daughter of Queen Wilhelmina. Her second child is due in mid-August. If she gives birth to a boy, there is no doubt that he will be named Willem as all kings of the house of Orange have been given this name, "and this precedent almost certainly would be maintained."
Preparations for the birth at the palace of Soestdyk are underway for the royal arrival. The princess' doctor has already taken up residence in the palace.
Crown Princess Juliana and her husband, Prince Bernhard, 28, have one daughter, Princess Beatrix, who celebrated her first birth last January 31.
Crown Princess Juliana of the Netherlands is expected to give birth in two weeks, according to the Associated Press. Dutch citizens are hoping that they will be able celebrate the birth of Prince Willem of Orange-Nassau, the first male heir to the throne in "almost a century."
The 30-year-old Crown Princess is the only daughter of Queen Wilhelmina. Her second child is due in mid-August. If she gives birth to a boy, there is no doubt that he will be named Willem as all kings of the house of Orange have been given this name, "and this precedent almost certainly would be maintained."
Preparations for the birth at the palace of Soestdyk are underway for the royal arrival. The princess' doctor has already taken up residence in the palace.
Crown Princess Juliana and her husband, Prince Bernhard, 28, have one daughter, Princess Beatrix, who celebrated her first birth last January 31.
Duke of Orleans is ill; guarded in London
July 29. 1923
The Daily Express reports today (and sent by cable to the New York Times) that the Duke of Orleans, head of the royal house of France, is "detained at Inverness Lodge, a spacious villa in Roehampton," which is a suburb of London. He has male attendants with him at all times, and he is suffering from delusions "and often has been in a wild delirium." The Express reports that the duke occasionally cries: "I am a prisoner here. I, the King of France, a prisoner."
The Duke had been a guest of Mrs. Charles Jarrott at Oaklea in Wimbledon when he was taken ill. An ambulance brought the Duke of Orleans to Inverness Lodge, where he underwent "special treatment." The Daily Express says the duke complained that he was brought to Inverness Lodge against his will. This is contradicted by an official statement released to the Express by the Duke's chief financial agent in England:
"The Duke contracted an infection of paludeena fever (malaria) during his resident travels in Africa. He was in poor health when he came from Brussels to London three months or so ago, hoping that the change would do him good. When he came to London, he stayed at Oaklea, Wimbledon. There he became much worse. The advice of eminent medical men in London and from Paris was sought and it was agreed among members of the Duke's family that he should receive special treatment."
The duke's doctors agreed that the treatment could not take place at Oaklea, so arrangements were made to move the patient to the fully furnished Inverness Lodge. All of the Duke's family has been kept informed of his condition. King George V has also been informed of the Duke of Orleans' condition. The Duke's nephew, former king Manoel II of Portugal, traveled to England for "the express purpose of telling the King."
The Duke of Orleans was unconscious when he was brought to Inverness Lodge. The Duke's financial adviser says: "the duke of Orleans is doing much better. "I am glad to say that the Duke, under treatment, is now very much better. He still gets very tired, but his attacks have been fewer."
The Duke of Orleans plans to return to Brussels in a few months if there is further improvement in his condition. His sister, Queen Amelia of Portugal, comes frequently to see him.
Empress Friedrich not well
July 29, 1901
The condition of the Dowager Empress Friedrich is "not satisfactory," according to a report in the New York Times. The empress, who is the mother of Kaiser Wilhelm II, has not left her apartments at Schloss Kronberg for the last few weeks, although no medical bulletins have been issued. It is now anticipated that a medical bulletin regarding the empress will be released. Her second son, Prince Henry, has been "at the castle on a flying visit."
The condition of the Dowager Empress Friedrich is "not satisfactory," according to a report in the New York Times. The empress, who is the mother of Kaiser Wilhelm II, has not left her apartments at Schloss Kronberg for the last few weeks, although no medical bulletins have been issued. It is now anticipated that a medical bulletin regarding the empress will be released. Her second son, Prince Henry, has been "at the castle on a flying visit."
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Zara and Mike buy a house?
First the house, then the marriage, then the baby in the carriage!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1202695/Zara-Phillips-sparks-wedding-rumours-buying-800-000-love-nest-Mike-Tindall.html#
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1202695/Zara-Phillips-sparks-wedding-rumours-buying-800-000-love-nest-Mike-Tindall.html#
Queen Marie left very little in Ferdinand's will
July 28, 1929
The AP reports today that Queen Marie of Roumania is a "relatively poor woman," and may have to sell some of her jewels and other possessions into cash.
Her late husband, King Ferdinand, left a fortune of about $1,300,000, which will be "apportioned equally among the king's five children, Prince Carol, Queen Elizabeth of the Hellenes, Queen Marie of Yugoslavia, Prince Nicholas and Princess Ileana. Each of the children will receive about $400,000.
Queen Marie receives nothing apart from the use for her life of several of Ferdinand's properties.
However, the Roumanian government is proposing to split the $180,000 Civil List which the king had received among Queen Marie, King Michael, the Princess Mother Helen, Prince Nicholas, and members of the Regency.
Queen Marie would receive about $30,000 annually to pay for the maintenance of her homes and pay for staff salaries. The allowance would also cover "entertainment purposes and other expenditures."
She is "said to feel keen distress over her financial situation. Friends have been an effort to "induce the Cabinet to recommend to Parliament a liberal allowance" to allow the Dowager Queen to "maintain the former dignity and liberality of her court."
The Queen will receive a fraction of the income of Ferdinand's estates, but her share of the holdings, which are valued at $180,000, "is almost negligible."
The monies she received for her "American writings was insignificant as compared with the cost of her American trip."
Duke of Brunswick ill
July 28, 1917
A report from Vienna and published in the New York Times states that the Duke of Brunswick, who is married to Kaiser Wilhelm II's only daughter, Victoria Luise, "is to undergo treatment for a nervous breakdown." The Duke, a commander on the western front, has been ordered to rest for the next several months.
A report from Vienna and published in the New York Times states that the Duke of Brunswick, who is married to Kaiser Wilhelm II's only daughter, Victoria Luise, "is to undergo treatment for a nervous breakdown." The Duke, a commander on the western front, has been ordered to rest for the next several months.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Willem-Alexander and Maxima are skiing in Argentina
The Prince of Orange and his family plan to spend a week to ten days at Villa la Angostura, in the province of Neuquén, Argentina. They arrived last Friday on a LAN Flight to San Carlos de Bariloche airport, and are reportedly staying at the posh Paihuen de Cumelén Country Club. The prince, the heir to the Dutch throne, is married to an Argentine, the former Maxima Zorrequieta. Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima have three daughters, Amalia, Alexia and Ariane. The family has been spotted on the slopes.
http://www.infobae.com/contenidos/462627-600795-0-Las-fotos-M%C3%A1xima-y-su-familia-Villa-la-Angostura
The exclusive resort where the Dutch royals are staying has 24 hour security and is located on the shores of the Nahuel Huapi Lake. It is the middle of winter in Argentina, which makes it possible for the family to enjoy skiing holidays in the summer.
http://www.infobae.com/contenidos/462627-600795-0-Las-fotos-M%C3%A1xima-y-su-familia-Villa-la-Angostura
The exclusive resort where the Dutch royals are staying has 24 hour security and is located on the shores of the Nahuel Huapi Lake. It is the middle of winter in Argentina, which makes it possible for the family to enjoy skiing holidays in the summer.
Louise and Fife are married
According to cables to American newspapers and the Associated Press, Princess Louise of Wales was married today to the Earl of Fife, the eldest daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales. It rained today in London, and the wedding was a private ceremony that took place in the chapel at Buckingham Palace.
This was the first royal marriage to take place in the chapel. Due to the small size of the chapel, only a limited number of guests could attend.
The bridegroom arrived privately. The Princess of Wales, the Crown Prince of Denmark, the King of Greece, and the Princes Albert Victor and George of Wales gathered in the Bow Library at 11:45 a.m. to await the arrival of Queen Victoria. They were joined by other members of the royal family, including Prince and Princess Victor of Hohenlohe-Langenburg and their son, Count Gleichen, the Duke and Duchess of Teck and Prince Francis of Teck, the Duke of Cambridge, Princess Frederica of Hannover, Baroness Pawel von Rammingen, and Baron Pawel von Rammingen, Prince and Princess Henry of Battenberg, Princess Louise, Marchioness of Lorne, and the Marquess of Lorne and Prince and Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein and their sons, Princes Christian Victor and Albert.
The bridal party, which included the Prince of Wales, Princess Louise, and her two sisters, Victoria and Maud, left Marlborough House for a short drive to Buckingham Palace.
The royal procession to the chapel was able to begin after Queen Victoria, accompanied by the Grand Duke of Hesse and By Rhine, arrived in the Bow Library. The procession made its way to the chapel from several royal apartments. Members of the Royal Family sat on both sides of the altar.
The Earl of Fife, dressed in Highland dress and wearing the Duff tartan, and his groomsman, Horace Farquhar, took their position at the altar rail and waited for the bride.
The Prince of Wales and his daughter arrived shortly before noon and were escorted to the Bow library, where the bride was joined by her attendants, including her two sisters, Victoria and Maud, and two first cousins, Princess Helena Victoria and Princess Marie Louise of Schleswig-Holstein. Princess Victoria Mary of Teck and the Countesses Feodora, Victoria, and Helena Gleichen were also bridesmaids.
Princess Victoria Mary is the only daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Teck. The Duchess of Teck is the former Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge and is one of the Queen's first cousins. The three Gleichen girls are the daughters of Prince Victor of Hohenlohe-Langenburg and his morganatic wife, Laura Seymour. Victor was named for Queen Victoria and is the son of the Queen's older half-sister, Princess Feodora.
The bridal party made its way to the chapel, and the wedding began at noon. Princess Louise wore a "Duchesse dress of white satin with flowering train, trimmed with orange blossoms, wreaths of orange blossoms and a point de gaze veil."
The bridesmaids wore gowns of "bluish pink faille and carried bouquets of pink roses." The bride was given away by her father, the Prince of Wales, and the officiating clergy included the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Dean of Windsor.
The choral service was sung by the choir of the Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace. A specially composed anthem by Joseph Barnaby, "Perfect Love," was one of several special features at the wedding. After the benediction, the Queen, who wore a black brocade dress, "kissed the bride and cordially greeted the room."
Queen Victoria appears to be in "excellent health and spirits."
Two wedding breakfasts were held at Buckingham Palace after the ceremony. The Queen, the bride and groom, and the other "royal personages" were at one, and the rest of the guests were at the other reception.
During the wedding breakfast, Queen Victoria announced that she had created Louise's husband, the Duke of Fife and Marquess of Fife.
Toasts were given to the bride and groom. After breakfast, the bride and groom, the Princess of Wales, and the bridesmaids returned to Marlborough House. The bride and groom rode in the first carriage. Thousands cheered the bride and her new husband as their carriage traveled down the Mall.
Later this afternoon, the Princess and the Duke of Fife left Marlborough House to travel to Sheen Lodge, the suburban home owned by the new Duke. The newlyweds will spend the first part of their honeymoon here.
When they arrived in Sheen, near Richmond, the newlyweds "were enthusiastically welcomed."
Xenia bars "Anastasia"
July 27, 1929
The Los Angeles Times reports exclusively today that "the great door of the palatial mansion" in Oyster Bay on Long Island, belonging to Princess Xenia of Russia, is "closed forever," to Mme Tchaikowsky, the mystery woman who has claimed to be Xenia's cousin, Grand Duchess Anastasia of Russia.
(It is believe that Anastasia, the youngest daughter of Nicholas II, was killed, with her parents and siblings, by the Bolsheviks, in July 1918.)
Anastasia lived with Princess Xenia and her husband, Billy Leeds, for nine months. Princess Xenia released a statement to the media:
"The Princess Anastasia left here several days ago. She will not return. Princess Xenia has no comment to make. She does not know where the Princess Anastasia went."
For some months, Princess Xenia has "quietly championed" the woman's "claim to the Russian throne."
The Los Angeles Times reports exclusively today that "the great door of the palatial mansion" in Oyster Bay on Long Island, belonging to Princess Xenia of Russia, is "closed forever," to Mme Tchaikowsky, the mystery woman who has claimed to be Xenia's cousin, Grand Duchess Anastasia of Russia.
(It is believe that Anastasia, the youngest daughter of Nicholas II, was killed, with her parents and siblings, by the Bolsheviks, in July 1918.)
Anastasia lived with Princess Xenia and her husband, Billy Leeds, for nine months. Princess Xenia released a statement to the media:
"The Princess Anastasia left here several days ago. She will not return. Princess Xenia has no comment to make. She does not know where the Princess Anastasia went."
For some months, Princess Xenia has "quietly championed" the woman's "claim to the Russian throne."
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