February 29, 1964
Princess Alexandra gave birth to a son today, according to the New York Times. The leap year baby is 13th in line of succession to the throne, but he will drop to 16th after three other royal births "expected later this year."
Princess Alexandra, 27, was married last April to the Hon. Angus Ogilvy, second son of the Earl and Countess of Airlie. The princess is a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth, and is the daughter of the late Duke of Kent and Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent.
The baby was born at their home, Thatched House Lodge in Richmond Park, Surrey. His name has not been announced. He will not have a title, as he is the son of a younger son of an earl.
Queen Elizabeth II expects a fourth child next month. Princess Margaret, the Queen's sister, and the Duchess of Kent, sister-in-law of Princess Alexandra, are also expecting babies.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Princess Louise is ill
February 28, 1924
Princess Louise of Belgium is "seriously ill at Wiesbaden," according to a dispatch from the Associated Press. The Princess, a daughter of the late King Leopold II, is 66 years old. Her "fine constitution still permits hope for recovery," it is said.
But her doctors "fear she will not survive" due to her advanced age and her "grief over the recent death" of Count Mattasich.
The Belgian court has been informed. Her daughter, Dorothea, Duchess of Schleswig-Holstein, has been summoned to her mother's bedside.
Princess Louise of Belgium is "seriously ill at Wiesbaden," according to a dispatch from the Associated Press. The Princess, a daughter of the late King Leopold II, is 66 years old. Her "fine constitution still permits hope for recovery," it is said.
But her doctors "fear she will not survive" due to her advanced age and her "grief over the recent death" of Count Mattasich.
The Belgian court has been informed. Her daughter, Dorothea, Duchess of Schleswig-Holstein, has been summoned to her mother's bedside.
Is the Crown Prince trying to arrange a peace with Croys
February 28, 1914
Is Crown Prince Wilhelm, eldest son of the German Emperor, "acting as intermediary" between the Duke of Croy and his family? A special cable from the New York Times' Berlin correspondent notes that "court circles" are wondering why the Crown Prince paid a visit to the Duke and Duchess of Croy at their hotel in Berlin. Could this mean an "approaching recognition" by Wilhelm II and his court of the Duke of Croy's American wife, the former Miss Nancy Leishman.
There are also reports that the Crown Prince is trying to bring about a reconciliation between the Duke and his family, who have been "estranged from him since his marriage." He married against the wishes of his family, and they consider his marriage to Miss Leishman to be morganatic.
The Duchess did not accompany the Duke last week when he attended the wedding of "one of her former ardent admirers, Count Georg Fugger because of her ostracization by the Court set."
Is Crown Prince Wilhelm, eldest son of the German Emperor, "acting as intermediary" between the Duke of Croy and his family? A special cable from the New York Times' Berlin correspondent notes that "court circles" are wondering why the Crown Prince paid a visit to the Duke and Duchess of Croy at their hotel in Berlin. Could this mean an "approaching recognition" by Wilhelm II and his court of the Duke of Croy's American wife, the former Miss Nancy Leishman.
There are also reports that the Crown Prince is trying to bring about a reconciliation between the Duke and his family, who have been "estranged from him since his marriage." He married against the wishes of his family, and they consider his marriage to Miss Leishman to be morganatic.
The Duchess did not accompany the Duke last week when he attended the wedding of "one of her former ardent admirers, Count Georg Fugger because of her ostracization by the Court set."
Royal Marriages Act still extant ... for now
At the most recent Privy Council meeting on February 11, the first order of business was "Declaration of Consent to the marriage of Edward David Lascelles and Sophie Emma Cartlidge."
Although the British Parliament passed the Succession to the Crown Act in 2013, the legislation cannot be implemented until all of the other 15 countries, where the Queen is Sovereign, also implement the law. New Zealand recently passed the law, but Australia has not. Canada faces legal challenges to the law, as well.
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/australia-blamed-for-delay-to-changes-in-royal-succession-laws-20140228-33n1d.html
This means nothing has really changed. Prince Michael and Lord St. Andrews have not regained their rights. (The new law restores the rights of dynasts who have married Roman Catholics, but Roman Catholics still cannot succeed to the throne.) The Royal Marriages Act (1772) was also tossed out. The new law requires only the first six in the line of succession to seek permission to marry.
But with the new law not yet fully promulgated, the RMA is still the law, and still in use.
The Hon Edward Lascelles is the fourth and youngest child of the 8th Earl of Harewood and his first wife, Margaret Messenger. He was born on November 19, 1982 at Bath. His two eldest siblings, the Hon. Emily Shard and the Hon. Benjamin Lascelles, are not dynasts because they were born before their parents' marriage. Benjamin is also not eligible to inherit the Harewood earldom, even though he is the first son. The heir is the second son, Alexander, who bears the courtesy title, Viscount Lascelles. He is unmarried, and has a son, Leo, who has no succession rights.
The Hon. Edward Lascelles is second in line to the Harewood earldom. He and Miss Cartlidge most likely met in Bristol, where they both lived. Miss Cartlidge is the daughter of Nigel and Katharine (nee Hall) Cartlidge.
http://privycouncil.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/11th-Feb-2014.pdf
The Earl of Harewood is the son of the 7th Earl of Harewood, whose mother, Princess Mary, was the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. The late Lord Harewood and Queen Elizabeth II were first cousins.
Although the British Parliament passed the Succession to the Crown Act in 2013, the legislation cannot be implemented until all of the other 15 countries, where the Queen is Sovereign, also implement the law. New Zealand recently passed the law, but Australia has not. Canada faces legal challenges to the law, as well.
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/australia-blamed-for-delay-to-changes-in-royal-succession-laws-20140228-33n1d.html
This means nothing has really changed. Prince Michael and Lord St. Andrews have not regained their rights. (The new law restores the rights of dynasts who have married Roman Catholics, but Roman Catholics still cannot succeed to the throne.) The Royal Marriages Act (1772) was also tossed out. The new law requires only the first six in the line of succession to seek permission to marry.
But with the new law not yet fully promulgated, the RMA is still the law, and still in use.
The Hon Edward Lascelles is the fourth and youngest child of the 8th Earl of Harewood and his first wife, Margaret Messenger. He was born on November 19, 1982 at Bath. His two eldest siblings, the Hon. Emily Shard and the Hon. Benjamin Lascelles, are not dynasts because they were born before their parents' marriage. Benjamin is also not eligible to inherit the Harewood earldom, even though he is the first son. The heir is the second son, Alexander, who bears the courtesy title, Viscount Lascelles. He is unmarried, and has a son, Leo, who has no succession rights.
The Hon. Edward Lascelles is second in line to the Harewood earldom. He and Miss Cartlidge most likely met in Bristol, where they both lived. Miss Cartlidge is the daughter of Nigel and Katharine (nee Hall) Cartlidge.
http://privycouncil.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/11th-Feb-2014.pdf
The Earl of Harewood is the son of the 7th Earl of Harewood, whose mother, Princess Mary, was the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. The late Lord Harewood and Queen Elizabeth II were first cousins.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Alessandra Torlonia formally presented
 |
| private collection |
February 27, 1954
Donna Alessandra Torlonia, a "tall blonde, princess," a granddaughter of the late King Alfonso XIII of Spain and the late American heiress, Elsie Moore, was today "presented to royalty and society" at a gala ball in Rome, reports the Chicago Tribune.
Many of the female guests wore "diamond studded tiaras and coronets."
This was the first "royal presentation" since Italy became a republic nearly a decade ago. It was the "most brilliant social event" of this season.
The coming out party was held at the Palazzo Torlonia on the Via Bocca di Leone, which belongs to Alessandra's father, Alessandro, the Prince of Civitella-Cesi, who is married to Infanta Beatriz of Spain, elder daughter of Kinf Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenia.
The young princess was "presented formally" to her grandmother, Queen Victoria Eugenia, her uncle, Don Juan, Count of Barcelona, pretender to the Spanish throne, and his wife, Doña Mercedes. Members of Italian and Spanish aristocratic families were also presented.
There were also reports in the Italian press that Donna Alessandra's engagement to King Baudouin of the Belgians would be announced at the party.
King Baudouin was not present at the gala, and no announcement was made. A spokesman for the Belgian Embassy in Rome said that "as far as he new the king had never met the princess."
Alessandra's father is the son of the late Don Marino Torlonia and Elsie Moore, the daughter of the late Charles A Moore, a New York millionaire. Princess Torlonia died in New York in 1941.
http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2012/02/its-girl-for-infanta-beatriz.html
von Starhemberg calls for ban on Habsburgs to be lifted
February 27, 1934
Prince Ernst Rüdiger von Starhemberg, head of the "powerful Fascist Heimwehr" today declared that "laws banishing members of the Habsburg dynasty from Austria," be repealed, reports the Associated Press.
Prince von Starhemberg also calls for stopping the confiscation of Habsburg property.
He was asked about the "possible restoration" of the monarchy. He said it "is almost to answer while we are in the midst of our work of reconstruction, particularly because we are not sure it could be kept a purely Austrian question."
Nicholas receives communion
February 27, 1904
After "having fasted," Russian Emperor Nicholas II was driven this morning to Anichkoff Palace to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion, reports the New York Times. He was accompanied by Empress Alexandra and their eldest daughter, Grand Duchess Olga. Both of whom "were dress in white in honor of the solemn occasion."
Nicholas wore full dress uniform. The congregation include the Dowager Empress Marie and her younger daughter, Grand Duchess Olga, and the latter's husband, Grand Duke Peter of Oldenburg.
The Emperor received the "consecrated bread and wine" from the Court Chaplain, and "bestowed the bread, steeped in wine," upon Empress Alexandra, the Dowager Empress and Grand Duchess Olga.
This evening there was a "touching scene" at the Nicholas train station when Grand Duke Kirill, eldest son of Grand Duke Vladimir, uncle of Emperor, left for the Far East. Grand Duke Kirill returned to St. Petersburg earlier today, and went to "take leave" of the Emperor.
Kirill's mother, Grand Duchess Marie "broke down at the last minute and embraced her son. Grand Duke Vladimir, usually stern, also "shed tears.
The Grand Duke was also embraced by his two younger brothers, Grand Duke Boris and Grand Duke Andrei. He will be traveling to Port Arthur to act as "chief officer of the flagship."
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
An heir for Hanover
February 26, 1954
The Duchess of Brunswick-Lüneburg gave birth this morning to a son in the Frauenklinik in Hanover, reports The Times. The Duchess is the wife of Prince Ernst August of Hanover, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg.
This is the second child for the couple. Their daughter, Princess Marie, was born in 1952. The former Princess Ortrud of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg married Prince Ernst August in 1951.
No name has been announced for the infant prince, but it is expected that he will be named for his father and grandfather.
Duchess of Genoa has died
February 26, 1924
The Duchess of Genoa died this evening of "bronchial pneumonia," reports the New York Times. She had been ill for "some days."
The Duchess was born Princess Isabella of Bavaria, third child of Prince Adalbert of Bavaria and Infanta Amelia of Spain.
In 1883, Princess Isabella married Prince Tomasso of Savoy, Duke of Genoa, whose sister, Margherita was married to King Umberto I of Italy.
She is survived by her husband and their six children, Prince Ferdinando, Prine Filiberto, Princess Maria Bona, who is the wife of Prince Konrad of Bavaria, Prince Adalberto, Princess Maria Adelaide and Prince Eugenio.
The Duchess of Genoa was 60 years old.
Royal Flush
Royal Flush
 |
| HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh |
In a story that could have
been designed to inspire a wave of revolutionary fervour across Europe, it’s
been reported that members of several royal families have signed up for a
million-dollar buy-in tournament at Sydney’s Star Casino. The event will take
place in March, and a press release from tournament director David Chen
promises a $50m first prize.
Queen
Reports that Queen Elizabeth
II is secretly a
master of poker strategy were
unconfirmed at the time of writing, but speculation is mounting about which
members of the British, Danish and Monegasque royal families will be
participating. The news feed at Pokerstrategy.com suggests that the royals’
appearance fees (and their winnings, if any) will be donated to charity, though
that doesn’t seem to answer the question of where their buy-ins will be coming
from.
 |
| King of Swaziland |
48 players have signed up so far, and Chen suggests that “several African and Asian monarchy members” will also be involved, as well as a number of Hollywood stars and poker pros. The tournament is to be backed by property company Rainbow, supposedly known for its philanthropic work.
Stunt
More sceptical readers may be beginning to wonder if this is all just an elaborate publicity stunt. The press release is noticeably coy about revealing any of the entrants’ names, whether Hollywood or actual royalty. While the prize pot would be the joint biggest ever, the official website is perhaps a touch basic for such a huge event.
Who?
Speculation over possible
attendees will no doubt continue until the end of March, and it’s worth
remembering that the term “member of the royal family” encompasses a great many
individuals who most people would struggle to identify in a line-up. Viscount
Severn, for example; while a full member of the British royal family, he’s
unlikely to be attending as he’s only six years old.
 |
| HRH The Duchess of Gloucester |
Knave
 |
| HRH Prince Harry of Wales |
(Images courtesy of
theguardian.com [x2], madhattery.com, mirror.co.uk)
The name of Princess Madeleine's baby
 |
| HRH Princess Madeleine/Kungahuset.se |
 |
| Christopher O'Neill/Kungahuset.se |
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Prince Philip calls Beatles helpful
February 25, 1964
Prince Philip thinks Britain's "rock 'n' roll quartet, the Beatles" are a "helpful" influence," reports Reuters.
He said he did not care about the noise made by people "singing and dancing." Prince Philip told a group of foreign newsmen that he objects to "fighting and stealing."
"It seems to me that these blokes (the Beatles) are helping people to enjoy themselves, and that is far better than the other."
Prince Philip is the husband of Queen Elizabeth II.
Prince Philip thinks Britain's "rock 'n' roll quartet, the Beatles" are a "helpful" influence," reports Reuters.
He said he did not care about the noise made by people "singing and dancing." Prince Philip told a group of foreign newsmen that he objects to "fighting and stealing."
"It seems to me that these blokes (the Beatles) are helping people to enjoy themselves, and that is far better than the other."
Prince Philip is the husband of Queen Elizabeth II.
Princess Margrethe sues furriers
Princess Margrethe of Bourbon-Parma has filed suit against Revillon Freres, a Parisian furriers, reports the Chicago Daily Tribune.
In 1941, she brought the fur coat to the furriers to store it, but the Germans, then occupying Paris, seized the coat to "send it to a freezing German general on the Russian front."
The Princess is suing for 2 million francs, the value of the coat. She said she wants the money or another fur coat to give to her daughter, Anne, as a wedding present.
Princess Anne is engaged to the exiled King Michael of Romania.
Revillon's defense is that Princess Margrethe "should be paid out of German reparations."
Queen Elena visits Marie
February 25, 1938
Queen Elena is visited Dowager Queen Marie of Romania today. Queen Marie is at Merano in the Italian Tyrol, where she is "convalescing after her grave illness,: reports the New York Times.
Queen Marie is said to be "progressing rapidly."
Queen Elena is visited Dowager Queen Marie of Romania today. Queen Marie is at Merano in the Italian Tyrol, where she is "convalescing after her grave illness,: reports the New York Times.
Queen Marie is said to be "progressing rapidly."
Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz: Suicide
The Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz's death has been ruled a suicide, according to a dispatch from Amsterdam to the New York Times. The dispatch is based on a report from a Berlin newspaper, Lokal-Anzeiger.
The body of the Grand Duke was "found in a small lake, with a gunshot wound in the breast." He died two days ago.
The Lokal-Anzeiger states: "Sad experiences. about which, as everything, the Grand Duke was silent and reserved, affected him perhaps more deeply than his entourage imagined."
Grand Duke Adolf Friedrich VI, was the third child and eldest son of Grand Duke Adolf Friedrich V and Princess Elisabeth of Anhalt. He succeeded to the throne on June 11, 1914. He was 35 years old when he died, and unmarried.
He was reported to be engaged to several different princesses, including Princess Viktoria Luise of Prussia, who married the Duke of Brunswick in May 1913, and Princess Patricia of Connaught, youngest child of the Duke and Duchess of Connaught.
The heir to the Duchy is said to be the late Grand Duke's cousin, Duke Carl Michael, who lives in Russia and serves in the Russian military. In 1914, he renounced his Mecklenburg citizenship and became a naturalized citizen of Russia. He is the son of Duke Georg August of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and Grand Duchess Catherine Mikhailovna of Russia.
Grand Duke Adolf Friedrich left his castle on Saturday evening, stating he was going for a walk. After he did not return, members of his staff began a search, and his body was found.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)