Friday, December 30, 2011

Happy New Year from all the family


Okay, smile ... celebrating the wedding of Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig of Hesse and By Rhine and Princess Victoria Melita of Edinburgh at Coburg in April 1894 ... and the engagement of Ernst Ludwig's youngest sister, Alix, to the Tsarevitch, the future Nicholas II.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Victoria and Silvia speak openly in interview

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her mother, Queen Silvia, have given an interview to Swedish television, where they will speak openly of the scandals that have hit the family this year.

http://www.thelocal.se/38212/20111229/

Crown Prince Alexander clarifies a statement

STATEMENT FROM HRH CROWN PRINCE ALEXANDER II OFFICE REGARDING ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN POLITIKA DAILY


ON 29 DECEMBER 2011

Belgrade, 29 December 2011 – Regarding the statement by HRH Prince Alexander (Paul) Karadjordjevic, published in today’s Politika daily, the Office of HRH Crown Prince Alexander expresses surprise because the burial places of Their Royal Highnesses Prince Paul and Princess Olga were always saved in the memorial Crypt of Karadjordjevic family in Oplenac. These places, and positions and number of places were registered in the documentation of the Managing board of the Foundation in Oplenac for almost fifteen years, and the Municipality of Topola, and the cabinet of His Holiness and Episcope in charge were also duly inform about that.

In addition the Office of HRH Crown Prince Alexander would be grateful if the media would please verify for accuracy any questions and issues with the Head of Public Relations details below.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

The Duke of Edinburgh has left the hospital

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8978739/The-Duke-of-Edinburgh-leaves-hospital.html
The Duke of Edinburgh, who had a stent inserted last week,  has been released from Papworth Hospital, and is now back at Sandringham

Sunday, December 25, 2011

A Christmas princess for the Kents.

December 25, 1936


The Duchess of Kent gave birth to a daughter today, reports the Associated Press.  The infant princess, sixth in line to the British throne, was born on Christmas Day.

The birth took place at the Belgrave Square home of the Duke and Duchess Kent in London.  Sir John Simon, the Home Secretary, was among those present for the birth.  The Home Secretary's presence is required "by consitutional practice."

The Duchess of Kent and her infant daughter are reported "to be making satisfactory progress."

The Duke of Kent, a younger brother of King George VI, married Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark in November 1934.  Their first child, Prince Edward George Nicholas Paul Patrick of Kent was born on October 9, 1935.

King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary "sent their congratulations from Sandringham. 

Saturday, December 24, 2011

The Duke of Edinburgh suffered a heart attack

The Duke of Edinburgh, recovering from the insertion of a stent at Papworth Hospital, in Cambridge, was visited today by his wife, Queen Elizabeth II, and four children.

The Queen and her three younger children flew by helicopter from Sandringham.  The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall traveled by car to the hospital.

Queen Elizabeth spent 45 minutes with her husband.

A palace spokesman said:  "The Duke is in good spirits. I suspect that he will stay overnight but imagine he will be eager to leave knowing him.
"The Queen has left reassured – knowing he is in good spirits. Christmas plans tomorrow will go ahead with or without Prince Philip.

"I'm not aware of any change. I'm sure the Queen is very concerned of course – but is now reassured.

"We are not commenting further on his condition. There has been no indication at all that there will be any further visits.

"We do not know when he will be released but I imagine he will remain here for a short time."



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-philip/8976958/Queen-visits-Prince-Philip-in-hospital.html

Friday, December 23, 2011

Two royal engagements

Archduke Christian and Archduchess Marie Astrid of Austria have announced the engagements of their two eldest sons, Archduke Imre and Archduke Christoph, to Kathleen Walker and Adélaide Drapé-Frisch, respectively.

http://www.tageblatt.lu/people/luxemburg/story/Verliebt--verlobt--verlobt-28886156

The announcement was made on December 22nd.  Miss Drapé-Frisch, 22, is the daughter of Philippe Drapé-Frisch and his wife, Odile.  Drapé-Frisch is a French diplomat.   Adélaide has been living in Belgrade, Serbia.

Katie Walker is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio.  She graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a degree in journalism.  She currently works as the Communications director for the Arlington  (Virginia)  Diocesan Catholic Charities.  She is active in what many call the Pro-life movement.

Katie is a contributor to The Integrated Catholic, a blog.  In one post she wrote about a conversation with her grandmother: “Katie, be a little mysterious and leave them wondering,” she told me as she expertly peeled potatoes with her perfectly manicured hands. I’d giggle and sip on Country Time lemonade at her kitchen table and dream about all the boys I would one day dazzle.

"Fast forward a dozen or so years and here I am at 24. Grandma’s advice is taking different shape these days."

Miss Walker has apparently dazzled a scion of the Habsburg dynasty, a great-grandson of Emperor Karl and Empress Zita.  Archduke Imre's mother, Marie-Astrid, was born a Princess of Luxembourg, the sister of the present Grand Duke Henri. 

So how does an American girl, a devout Roman Catholic, working in Arlington, Virginia, meet an archduke?  Perhaps they  met on October 21, 2010 at a Missa Cantata in honor of Blessed Karl of Austria, which took place at Old St. Mary's Roman Church in Washington, D.C.   Archduke Imre attended the Mass, which was followed by a talk on the late Emperor.  Katie Walker posted on a Facebook page for the Missa Cantata in response to a post about Archduke Imre attending.   
Katie wrote:  "Must meet him."  She also asked the previous poster if he was in "my Empress Zita fan page perchance?"

Cupid certainly had his finger on arrow as Katie Walker did meet Archduke Imre.  A year later, they are engaged to be married.    She is also the person behind the Empress Zita of Austria Facebook page.

Earlier this year, Katie received the Cincinnati "Pro-Life" award.  Her mother, Margaret, won the drawing for the all-sterling silver rosary.

Archduke Imre (as Imre de Habsbourg-Lorraine) was a Summer Intern at Atlas Network, a (very) right-wing think tank based in Washington, D.C.  Earlier this year, he interned at the Brussels-based World Youth Alliance.

http://atlasnetwork.org/blog/2010/10/internships/

http://wyaeurope.blogspot.com/2011/04/population-regulation-key-to-economic.html

http://www.catholicherald.com/stories/Catholic-Charities-Katie-Walker-appointed-to-CBN-board,16633?content_source=&category_id=&search_filter=pro-life&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=&sub_type=stories&town_id=

http://www.integratedcatholiclife.org/2010/09/meet-new-contributing-writer-katie-walker/

Heart Surgery for the Duke of Edinburgh

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-philip/8976636/Prince-Philip-has-heart-surgery-for-blocked-coronary-artery.html

Prince Philip in hospital

The Duke of Edinburgh was taken to Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, where he was undergoing "precautionary tests" after suffering chest pains.

The Duke of Edinburgh celebrated his 90th birthday in June.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-philip/8976636/Prince-Philip-undergoes-precautionary-tests-after-suffering-chest-pains.html

Thursday, December 22, 2011

It's a boy for the von Lattorfs

Tatjana von Lattorf (nee Princess Tatjana of Liechtenstein) gave birth to her seventh child, Maxmilian, on December 17 at Goldgeben, Austria.   She is the only daughter of the Prince and Princess of Liechtenstein.

Tatjana married Philipp von Lattorf on June 5, 1999 in Vaduz, Liechtenstein.   Their first child, Lukas, was born in 2000.  He was followed by Elisabeth (2002), Maria Theresa (2004), Camilla (2005),  Anna (2007),  and Sophia (2009).

The official announcement from the Princely House in Liechtenstein referred to Tatjana as Tatjana von Lattorf, and not PrincessTatjana.   She is styled by her married name.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Princesses Beatrice and Eugene miss annual royal roundup at the Palace

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie of York were not present for the annual Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace earlier this week.  Every year, Queen Elizabeth II invites all of the members of the royal family to a Christmas lunch at the Palace.

Missing from this year's party were the two daughters of the Duke of York, who was present for the luncheon.

So where were the two princesses?  In the Caribbean on Richard Branson's private isle, Necker, where Holly Branson married ship broker Freddie Andrews.  Beatrice and Eugenie are said to be close friends of Holly, 29.

According to the Daily Mail's Richard Kay, the two princesses received permission from their grandmother to skip the luncheon  to attend the Branson nuptials.  They were accompanied by their mother, Sarah, Duchess of York.

An engagement for Jean-Christophe Prince Napoléon?


Embed from Getty Images


Is the head of the Bonaparte family about to become engaged?  Respected Spanish royal expert Ricardo Mateos is reporting that Prince Jean-Christophe, a financial analyst with Morgan Stanley in New York City, has a serious romance with Countess Olympia of Arco-Zinneberg.   Olimpia is a great-granddaughter of Emperor Karl I of Austria.

Olimpia, born in 1988, is the third of six daughters of Count Riprand of Arco-Zinneberg and Archduchess Maria Beatrix of Austria, daughter of Archduke Robert of Austria and Princess Margherita of Savoy.

Embed from Getty Images 

 Archduchess Maria Beatrix and Count Riprand are descendants of Maria Theresia.

Count Riprand is a Senior Advisor at Crestview, a private equity firm based in New York City.  He is also the President and founder of the American Asset Corporation, a "privately held real estate investment and development company," also headquartered in New York City.

The count and his wife immigrated to the United States in 1983.  Six years later, he began purchasing shopping centers from "their kitchen table in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they were raising six daughters," according to an article in the New York Times.  

The family owns a 15th-century castle near Munich and a vacation home in the Dominican Republic.   Count Riprand told the New York Times that these "properties were paid through their hard work in business [and] not an inherited fortune."

Olympia graduated from Yale University in the spring of 2012.  She was named by Yale's Rumpus as one of the 50 most beautiful people of 2010. 
This fall she was a visiting student at the Paris College of Art in Paris, France.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/25/nyregion/25royals-ready.html?pagewanted=all

http://www.extraconfidencial.com/articulos_imprimir.asp?idarticulo=8290

Doctored photos ...involving King Carl XVI Gustaf

Former strip club owner and "reputed gangster" Mille Markovic had planned to release "compromising" photographs of King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. but these photographs are probably fakes and were manipulated according to Clive Burchett, operations Director at LGC Digital and Document Forensics.

Markovic provided several images to the Swedish daily newspaper, Expressan, which published the photographs last Friday.  Three "independent experts" studied the images, and all three came to the same inclusion:  the image said to be the king "has been at least partly manipulated," according to the Local. 

The image shows a man "sitting back and watching undressed women" in a strip club.  Markovic claims that the man is King Carl Gustaf. 

But further examination by experts now "indicate that the man's face has been switched."

Burchett told reporters:  "In some cases content has been obscured and in others it may have been changed.  I can't say for certain but it is my opinion that a male person may have been electronically pasted into the scene."

A spokesman for the Royal Court said to the TT news agency: "We are happy that a serious investigation of the images have been carried out."

http://www.thelocal.se/37968/20111216/

The rumors began last year with the publication of a new biography of the King.   The book, The Unwilling Monarch,  included "both outright allegations and insinuations" that the king visited strip clubs and has had numerous affairs since his marriage to Queen Silvia.

The book's author also included a report that Mille Markovic, a known gangster in Sweden, had claimed that he had photographs of the king visiting strip clubs. 

http://www.stockholmnews.com/more.aspx?NID=8177

Monday, December 19, 2011

The Duchess of Gloucester and her son are doing well

December 19, 1941

The Duchess of Gloucester and her son, who was born yesterday, "are continuing to make satisfactory progress," according to bulletins published today in the London Gazette.

According to a wireless report to the New York Times, the new Prince had been born in the Carnarvon Nursing Home in Barnet, Hertfordshire.    This was the first time a "royal prince had been born in a private nursing home."

This is the first child for the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who were married in November 1935.   The names of the new prince have not been announced.

Marie snubbed by Rupprecht

December 20, 1931

The Dowager Queen Marie of Romania left for Bucharest tonight "after tried vainly to see the former Crown Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria," reports the Associated Press.

Rupprecht,  the head of the Bavarian royal family, has not "forgotten Queen Marie's role in winning Rumania over to the Allies' side in the World War."

Marie spent four weeks in Munich with her youngest daughter, Ileana, and her son-in-law, Archduke Anton of Austria, and "was frequently seen at the theatre first nights."
Marie, the widow of King Ferdinand, failed in an attempt to arrange a meeting with the former Crown Prince.

Former German count strikes copper in USA

December 19, 1907

Count Hans Friedrich von Hochberg, a member of the princely family of Pless, renounced his "title and all claims to inheritance," due to his marriage with a shop-girl, reports the New York Times.

Hans Friedrich, a nephew of Princess Marie of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, and a childhood playmate of Crown Prince Wilhelm of Germany has found a new career as an American mine promoter.    In less than a year,  he has earned $30,000  and a "fourth interest in a copper mining company, which is really producing ore."

Hans Friedrich caused "a sensation in Court circles," when he suddenly resigned his commission as First Lieutenant in the Royal Food Guards," and came to Ossining, New York.  Several months after his arrival, the scion of German nobility married Louise Carow, a shopgirl.

The young count's family planned out a military career for him.  For a time, he served  in "daily attendance at the Imperial Palace as an officer of the Kaiser's personal bodyguard." 

The young count's duties were, however, "not confining."  It was in Berlin where he met Louise.  He became "infatuated," and after a few months,  "came talk of a scandal.

Hans Friedrich's father, Count Bolko, became enraged when he learned of his son's relationship.   There were plans for the young count to marry a princess.  The wedding was to have taken place in June 1906.    Count Bolko demanded to know what all the rumors were about.    His son stated that "I will marry the girl."

The engagement between Count Hans Friedrich and the unnamed princess was broken off, and the young count was packed off to America by his father.  Once he arrived in New York,  Hans Friedrich decided "not to accept his father's gratuity."  He found work as a chauffeur with the Maxwell-Briscoe Company in Tarrytown, New York.    In August 1906, he sent a cable to Fraulein Carow to come to America.  She did, and they were married on September 9 at a boarding house in Ossining.  

The couple's first child, a daughter, Johanna, was born several months later. The news of the marriage "was spread broadcast in Germany."  Hans Friedrich, who continued to work as a chauffeur, received "many business offers."   One playwright "quickly wrote a play" about how the count "had renounced fame and fortune to marry the girl he had wronged."  The playwright wanted Hans Friedrich to play the leading role.

Hans Friedrich rejected the offer.  "I do not care to bring any more disgrace upon my family than has already been brought forward already.  He also turned down an offer to drive a car up Pike's Peak, which would have provided a bonus to the advertising company.  But Louise did not want her husband to risk his life.

He did not earn a lot of money as a chauffeur, but he and his wife "were very happy.   Noah E. Barnes, a Colorado mining man, had read about Hans Friedrich's story and "decided that the Count's name would look well on the prospectus of a mining company."   Barnes wanted to move into the German market, and the count's name on a prospectus would open many doors in Germany.  Barnes made overtures to the count, which were accepted.

The two men returned to Colorado and began prospecting.  They discovered a copper lode.  A new company was formed, and the two men began to benefit from the success.   This past spring, Count von Hochberg and his wife and daughter sailed to Germany.  He booked a suite at the Kaiserhof hotel in Berlin, while his wife and daughter went to stay with her family. 

Family and friends flocked to the hotel to see Hans Friedrich, welcoming him home.  But this welcome was not extended to his wife.  It was as if "she never existed."

The only member of Hans's family who rebuffed him was his father, who would not receive him.

There was also a hint of trouble for the count.  Because he had abandoned his military position, he was threatened with court-martial.  This was soon smoothed out by the German Ambassador to the United States, Baron Speck von Sternburg.

Several weeks after his arrival, the Count finally "sprung his mining scheme," and told about how he wanted to sell stock.  But to continue to promote his prospectus, he had to give up his title.   He renounced his title on July 18, 1907, according to the latest edition of the Almanach de Gotha.

He stayed in Germany for several more weeks, selling all the stock, and then, with his wife and daughter, returned to the United States.  He came to Germany as a count,  but he left as Hans Frederick Barnes.


 If you liked this article, perhaps you can buy me a latte or a Flat White.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Infanta Eulalia defies the King

December 15, 1911

Infanta Eulalia of Spain is the main topic of conversation in European court circles, reports the Los Angeles Times, due to her defiance of her nephew, King Alfonso XIII.

The Infanta is known for her "unconventional views," and has recently completed work on a book, The Thread of Life.  The King has ordered the Infanta to stop the publication of book.

Infanta Eulalia replied by telegram, and told the king that "she would not do as ordered, and also announced that she would sell her estates in Spain and live in privacy for the rest of her life."

The book "deals mostly with morality."  It was written in French and Eulalia's views are "given in full." She supports divorce and believes in equality for women."

Royal Death: Queen Carola of Saxony



December 16, 1907

Dowager Queen Carola of Saxony died early this morning, according to the New York Times.  Her body is "lying in state in the Winter garden of her villa," but will be taken to the Roman Catholic Church in Dresden tomorrow evening.  The body will lie in state in the church until the funeral, which will take place on Wednesday.

The Office Gazette in Dresden has announced that there will be ten days of mourning for the widow of King Albert of Saxony.  King Friedrich August has received many telegrams of condolences, including one from Kaiser Wilhelm II, who "sent a long and sympathetic message in which he emphasized the high regard  the German empress entertained for Queen Carola."

Members of the Saxon Parliament all stood for a reading of a eulogy for the late Queen, and then "adjourned as a mark of respect."

Queen Carola was born Karoline Friederike Franziska Stephanie Amalie Cecilie of Vasa, the daughter of Crown Prince Gustav of Sweden and Princess Luise Amalie of Baden on August 5, 1833 at Schönbrunn, Vienna.

In 1809, Crown Prince Gustav's father, King Gustav VI Adolf, abdicated the throne in favor of the Crown Prince, then only ten years old.  But Sweden's parliament would not permit the young prince to succeed his father, which meant the entire family was forced into exile.  The king's brother succeeded to the throne as Karl XIII.

It was Emperor Franz II of Austria who created the former Crown Prince as a Prince of Vasa, in 1929.  A year later, Gustav married his first cousin, Princess Luise of Baden.  Karoline was their only surviving child.    The marriage ended in divorce in 1843.

Princess Carola was once described as one of Europe's most beautiful princesses.   One of her suitors was Napoleon III, but her father refused to allow the marriage due to political reasons.  

On June 18, 1853, Princess Carola of Vasa married Crown Prince Albert of Saxony.  Much to her father's dismay, Carola, a Lutheran, converted to Roman Catholicism.  Sadly, for the couple, the marriage was childless.

Albert succeeded to the throne in 1873.  He died in 1902.  

The announcement was made one month ago in Dresden that the Dowager Queen was "suffering from an abscess in the head."   Several days ago, she suffered a relapse, and it appeared that her "death was a question of a few days only."

Queen Carola was 72 years old.

Royal wedding: Spain-Bavaria

December 16, 1901


It was announced today in Madrid that Infanta Maria Teresa, second sister of King Alfonso XIII, will marry Prince Ferdinand of Bavaria on January 12, reports the New York Times.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Royal Death: Ferdinand of Coburg

December 15, 1885

Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, father of the King of Portugal, died at Lisbon earlier today, according to a dispatch to the New York Times.  The prince died as the result of a "facial cancer which had been aggravated by a fall."   The Portuguese royal family was present when the prince died.  Cardinal Neto "administered" the last rites to the dying prince.

Prince Ferdinand August Franz Anton of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was the eldest son of Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and Princess Antonie of Kohary.  He was born at Vienna on October 29, 1816, and was  first cousin to Queen Victoria and the late Prince Consort.

On April 9, 1836 at Lisbon,  Prince Ferdinand married Queen Maria II of Portugal.  This was the second marriage for the Queen.  Her first husband Duke August of Leuchtenberg died in 1835.  Queen Maria II died at Lisbon on November 15, 1853.

Ferdinand was created King Consort Fernando II on September 16, 1837.
The prince is survived by his widow, four children, King Luiz,  Maria Anna, the wife of King Georg of Saxony, Antonia, who is married to the Prince of Hohenzollern, and Prince Augusto.   Three of the late prince's eleven children, King Pedro, Prince Joao and Prince Fernando all succumbed to typhoid fever between November 6 and December 27, 1861. 

After the death of Queen Maria,  Ferdinand married at Lisbon on June 10, 1869 to Elise Friederike Hensler, who was created Countess von Edla.

Prince of Wales gives up hope to evade duties


Embed from Getty Images
December 15, 1935

The "hard-working" Prince of Wales "may dream of retiring from the exhausting duties as heir apparent" and retire to his ranch in the Canadian Rockies, but there is little doubt that when his "aging father dies and London rings with the tidings 'the king is dead, long live the king,"  the Prince of Wales will accept the throne, according to the Associated Press.

This is a different view in "contrast to the often expressed fears of a few years ago," when the Prince of Wales, who is known as David, had hinted of a desire to give it all up and move to Canada.

He once said: "My brother Bertie [the Duke of York] would make a better king than I."  Often, "the privacy of the royal family," he addresses the Duchess  of York as "Queen Elizabeth."

The sudden death of King George V's younger sister, Princess Victoria, 67, on December 3, "sharply emphasized the present monarch's advancing years and stirred new discussion on the dapper, shy, smiling" bachelor Prince of Wales, who will become King Edward VIII.

Although he has a "perennially boyish" appearance, the Prince of Wales, 41,  has been "forced to wear reading glasses,"  much to the shock of the British public.

The Duke and Duchess of York are the parents of two young daughters, Princess Elizabeth, 10, and six-year-old Princess Margaret.

The Prince of Wales has been linked to numerous eligible European princesses and British aristocrats but has shown no inclination to marry and settle down.

Will Prince Eitel Friedrich be the new duke

December 15, 1905

There are reports in the duchy of Brunswick that the "recent unexpected visit" of Kaiser Wilhelm II to that city and the "secret visits" of the Grand Duke of Oldenburg to the same city "were connected" to a plan to make Wilhelm's second son, Prince Eitel Friedrich, as the new regency of Brunswick.

The New York Times report notes that the present Regent, Prince Albrecht of Prussia, is "desirous of retiring."  He is nearly 70 years old, and he finds the duties as Regent to be "more and more distasteful."

The Grand Duke of Oldenburg's daughter, Sophie Charlotte, is engaged to Prince Eitel Friedrich.

Prince Eitel Friedrich is aid to be a "great favorite with the people" and he would be welcomed in Brunswick as the new Regent.   But such a decision would certainly increase the breach between the Kaiser and the Duke of Cumberland, who is the heir to the Brunswick throne, but is barred from ascending due to his "refusal to give up his claim to the throne of Hanover."

The Regency is elected by the Diet of Brunswick, but the members of the Diet would most likely choose Wilhelm's nominee.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

The Prince of Orsini und Rosenberg


HSH The Prince of Orsini und Rosenberg died on December 11.  He was 86 years old.  He was the head of a princely family that has lived in Carinthia, Austria, for more than 400 years.   He is survived by seven children,  19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Prince Heinrich was born on January 29, 1925 at Schloss Welzenegg in Klagenfurt, the eldest son of Johannes Prince von Orsini und Rosenberg and Countess Marie Larisch von Moennich. 

He attended school in Bavaria, and returned to Carinthia after the war.  At the family home in Grafstein, he restored and enhanced the family's agricultural and forestry operations. 

As president of the European Farmers' association,  the Prince von Orsini und Rosenberg actively promoted nature conservation.

He married Countess Eleonore von Goess on July 20, 1947 at Gradisch.    She died on May 21, 2004.

The Prince von Orsini und Rosenberg is Prince Heinrich's eldest son, Johannes, who was born in 1949, and is married to Countess Marie Eleonore von Thun und Hohenstein.  They have two sons, Heinrich and Paul and one daughter, Johanna. 

In January 2010, Prince Heinrich was interviewed by a reporter from the local newspaper, the Kleine Zeitung.  The occasion of the interview was the publication of a book on the Orsini-Rosenberg family by genealogist Hans Pavlik.

Prince Heinrich was only seven when his father died in 1932, and he succeeded to the title.  He and his mother moved to Salzburg, and then he was sent to school in Bavaria.  He returned to serve as a lieutenant in the Bamberger Reiter.  During the war, he was captured by the British and imprisoned in Schloss Welzenegg.  The prince was not sure if this was coincidence or fate.

He said he had a "solid, no doubt-free faith in God," and after the war, established himself with a "unparalleled career" as a farmer and landowner.

He had wanted to be a diplomat, but he realized the "value of farm work for the preservation of nature," and used his skills to build up the family estate.

Prince Heinrich also had strong views on the then political situation in Carinthia.  "Our reputation is gone, everyone in parliament and government should resign, and not stand for re-election."

He was 70 years old when he learned to wind surf and snorkel at the family vacation home in Cayman Islands, where locals called him Mr. Orsini.

In an unpublished memoir, the Prince talked about his "rich life," and his struggles with God, "even when no misfortunes take place."   He wrote that this was due to "the effect of education.

http://www.kleinezeitung.at/kaernten/kaerntnerdestages/2254857/einfach-fuerstlich.story

Death of the Prince of Orsini und Rosenberg

Johannes Orsini-Rosenberg gibt im eigenen sowie im Namen seiner Brüder Ferdinand, Markus und Mathias Orsini-Rosenberg, seiner Schwestern Ladislaya Nadherny-Borutin, geb. Orsini-Rosenberg, Henriette Crain, geb. Orsini-Rosenberg und Andrea Littlejohn, geb. Orsini-Rosenberg, seiner Gemahlin Marie-Eleonore Orsini-Rosenberg, geb. Thun-Hohenstein, seiner Schwägerinnen Dr. Gabriele Orsini-Rosenberg, geb. Lukan, Huberta Orsini-Rosenberg, geb. Trauttmannsdorff, seines Schwagers Guy Littlejohn, seiner Kinder, Neffen und Nichten, Großneffen und Großnichten, seiner Tanten sowie im Namen aller Verwandten, Nachricht, dass es Gott dem allmächtigen Herrn gefallen hat, seinen lieben Vater

 Seine Durchlaucht
Heinrich Fürst von Orsini und Rosenberg

Ritter des Ordens vom Goldenen Vließ
Ehren-und Devotionsritter des souveränen Malteser Ritterordens
Träger des goldenen Ehrenzeichens der Republik Österreich
Träger des goldenen Ehrenzeichens des Landes Kärnten und des Landes Steiermark
Ehrenbürger der Marktgemeinde Grafenstein
sowie zahlreicher weiterer hoher Auszeichnungen

am Sonntag, 11. Dezember 2011 im 87. Lebensjahr, gestärkt durch die heiligen Sakramente, zu sich zu rufen.

Das feierliche Requiem mit anschließender Beisetzung in der Familiengruft findet am Samstag, dem 17. Dezember 2011, um 12 Uhr im Schlosshof Grafenstein statt. Ein Rosenkranz wird am Freitag, dem 16. Dezember 2011, um 18 Uhr im Schlosshof Grafenstein gebetet.
Von Kranzspenden bitten wir abzusehen und stattdessen Spenden für soziale Zwecke auf das Konto der Pfarre Grafenstein, Konto Nr. 6213 bei der Raiffeisenbank Grafenstein, BLZ 39320, IBAN: AT08 3932 0000 0000 6213, BIC: RZKTAT2K320 zu überweisen.

Schloss Grafenstein                                                                                                           Schloss Stein
A-9131 Grafenstein                                                                                                       A-9772 Dellach

Bulletins regarding the health of the Prince Consort

December 14, 1861

"His Royal Highness the Prince Consort has had a quieter night and there is some mitigation of the severity of the symptoms."

At 10:40 a.m, the following telegram was dispatched:

"There is a slight change for the better in the Prince this morning." 

This was followed by bulletin from Windsor Castle at 4:30 p.m.

"His Royal Highness the Prince Consort is in a most critical state."

Windsor Castle, Saturday Night, December 14.

"His Royal Highess the Prince Consort became rapidly weaker during the evening and expired without suffering at 10 minutes before 11 o'clock."

All the bulletins were signed by the Prince Consort's four doctors: James Clark, Henry Holland, Thomas Watson, & William Jenner.

By four p.m., it was apparent to all that Queen Victoria's husband would not survive the night.  The Queen, the Prince of Wales, Princesses Alice and Helena and the Prince and Princess of Leiningen "were all with their illustrious relative during all of this mournful and trying period," according to The Times.

Just before nine in the evening, a telegram was "forwarded from Windsor to the city, stating that Prince Consort was then dying fast."   Without suffering, Prince Albert "continued to slowly sink, so slowly that the wrists were pulseless long before the last moment had arrived, when at a few minutes before 11, he ceased to bring, and it was all over."

A son for the Duchess of York

December 14, 1895


The Duchess of York gave birth to a son at York House, Sandringham, this morning.  The New York Times reports that "mother and child are well."

This is the second child for the Duke and Duchess of York.  In June 1894,  the Duchess gave birth to Prince Edward, who is third in line to the throne.  The new prince, whose name was not announced, is fourth in line.

The death of the Countess of Southesk

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December 14, 1945

The Countess of Southesk died today of "acute bronchitis" at London Hospital.  She was 52 years old.

The Countess was the wife of the Earl of Southesk and a first cousin of King
George VI.

According to the New York Times, the Countess was a "keen angler," and particularly "skilled at salmon fishing." She also took an "active interest in her husband's model farm at Elsick in Kincardineshire."

She was thirteenth in line to the British throne.  In 1943, she was one of five Counselors of State appointed by King George VI "during his absence on a visit to Africa."

The Countess of Southesk was born Lady Maud Alexandra Victoria Georgina Bertha Duff, the second daughter of the late Duke of Fife and the late Princess Louise, the Princess Royal, eldest daughter of King Edward VII.

In 1905, after King Edward VII named Princess Louise as the Princess Royal, he created her two daughters as princesses with the rank of Highness.   Princess Maud stopped using her own title after she married the then Lord Carnegie, now the 11th Earl of Southesk, in November 1923. 

The Countess is survived by her husband, Lord Southesk, and their son, James George Alexander Bannerman, Lord Carnegie, who was born in 1929.    She is also survived by her older sister, HRH Princess Arthur of Connaught, who is also the Duchess of Fife in her own right.

Another archduke opts out

December 14, 1909

It was officially announced today in Vienna that Archduke Heinrich Friedrich of Austria, brother of Crown Princess Louisa of Saxony and Archduke Leopold Salvator, is "on leave with the stoppage of all emoluments."

The Los Angeles Times reports that the announcement was made by Emperor Franz Joseph in response to Heinrich's long desire to "abandon his rank and title" in order to marry a young Munich girl who is not noble. 
Heinrich is an artist with a "distaste for court like and military duties."  He has lived for some years now in Munich.

There is a precedent for this announcement.  Archduke Ferdinand Karl "ran away"earlier this year from his military duties in order to marry the daughter of a court official. He has since assumed the surname Burg and lives as a private citizen.

Archduke Leopold was a major general in the Austrian army when he renounced his titles in 1902 before marrying an Bavarian actress.  This marriage ended in divorce.  Leopold, who is now known as Leopold Wolfing, now lives in Switzerland.

Archduke Johann Salvator took the name Johann Orth when he married an actress named Milly Stiebel.  He set sail for Chile in July 1890, and then disappeared without a trace.

Wilhelmina & Hendrik arrive in The Hague

December 14, 1901

Queen Wilhelmina and Prince Hendrik of the Netherlands arrived in The Hague this afternoon, reports the New York Times.  Flags were on display throughout the capital.  Local residents came out to show a "great loyal demonstration.  This was viewed as an impartial display "bestowed on the Queen and the Prince Consort, at least there was no open display of hostility" toward Prince Hendrik.

The queen and her husband left the railroad station and drove through crowded streets to the residence of Queen Emma, the Queen Mother, who "welcomed them within sight of the public, kissing Queen Wilhelmina warmly and shaking hands" with her son-in-law. 

Crowds gathered outside the palace and sang the National Anthem, and Queen Wilhelmina "responded by appearing on the balcony."

Victoria's letter expressing grief

and I know how she must of have felt

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8954977/Lost-letter-reveals-Queen-Victorias-pain-after-death-of-Prince-Albert.html

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Condition of the Prince Consort




December 13, 1861

The following bulletin was issued earlier today from Windsor Castle:

"His Royal Highness the Prince Consort passed a restless night, and the symptoms have assumed an unfavourable character during the day."

The bulletin was signed by the Prince Consort's four doctors:  James Clark, Henry Holland, Thomas Watson and William Jenner.

Shortly before 2 a.m., the Prince of Wales left the South-Western Railway station by special train, having received a message that "his presence was required at Windsor Castle."

Bail for Princess Catherine


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December 13, 1921

Princess Catherine Radziwill was held today on $1,000 bail "on a charge of violating the hotel act," according to the New York Times.  She was charged with failing to pay $1,239.00 to the Hotel Embassy.

Her attorney asked for "consideration from the court on the ground that she was of royal blood and closely connected with 'diplomatic circles,'" but the Assistant District Attorney told the Magistrate that the princess had served eighteen months in detention in South Africa for "swindling Cecil Rhodes in a forgery of $200,000."

The District Attorney told the court: "If the Princess will kindly take the stand I will prove my assertion."

Princess Catherine, who is also known as Mrs. Catherine Mary Kolb-Danvin,  is 58 years old and the author of Behind the Veil at the Russian Court, The Austrian Court from Within, and several other books, under the name of Count Paul Vassili.

On October 12, she was held on $2,500 bail for the same complaint.  The manager of the Hotel Embassy filed a complaint against her, stating she had not paid her hotel bill from last April until October 7, when she left the hotel.  She had evaded paying the bill by "saying that she had not received expected funds from her bankers in London."

She has been Mrs. Kolb-Danvin since her marriage to a Frenchman, which followed the death of her first husband, Prince Wilhelm Radziwill.  She is the daughter of Count Adam Rzewski of Poland.  She had three children by her first husband. Her eldest son was killed early in the war.

The former princess is fluent in French, English, and German, and can also speak Russian and Polish. She has always held "revolutionary views."

Queen Carola is dying

December 13, 1907


Queen Carola, the widow of King Albert of Saxony, is dying, according to the Los Angeles Times.   The queen's condition is described as "hopeless."  She is suffering from nephritis.

Earlier today, the queen received the last sacraments.  She is not "expected to live through the night."

Princess Christina of Hesse (1933-2011)





HH Princess Christina of Hesse, the eldest daughter of the late Prince Christoph of Hesse and Princess Sophie of Greece and Denmark, died at Gersau, Switzerland, on November 21, 2011.  She was 78 years old.

Princess Christina Margarethe was born at Schloss Kronberg on January 10, 1933.  She was married twice.  Her first marriage took place at Kronberg in August 1956 when she married Prince Andrej of Yugoslavia, youngest son of King Alexander I and Princess Marie of Romania.  This marriage ended in divorce in 1962.

Prince Andrej filed for divorce on the grounds of adultery.  He received custody of the couple's two children,  Princess Maria Tatiana and Prince Christopher.

Soon after the divorce was granted, Princess Christina married Robert Floris van Eyck in December 1962.   This marriage was dissolved by divorce in 1986.

For many years, Princess Christina lived  in Gersau, Switzerland, with her sister, Princess Dorothea, the widow of Prince Friedrich of Windisch-Graetz.

She is survived by her daughters, Princess Maria Tatiana of Yugoslavia, Mrs Thune-Larsen and Helen van Eyck and her younger son, Mark van Eyck, and four grandchildren.  A son, Prince Christopher of Yugoslavia, died in 1994.  She also is survived by by her two younger sisters, Princesses Dorothea and Princess Clarissa of Hesse, her two younger brothers,  Princes Karl and Rainer of Hesse, her half brother, Prince Georg of Hannover and her half sister, Princess Frederika of Hanover, Mrs. Cyr.

[Note: one source has stated that the date of death is November 22.  This is incorrect, according to the family.]

Princess Christina's mother, Princess Sophie, the fourth daughter of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg, was 15-years-old when her engagement to Prince Christoph of Hesse was announced on June 8, 1930.  (She turned sixteen on June 26.)  On the same day, her sister, Princess Cecilie, became engaged to Hereditary Grand Duke Georg Donatus of Hesse and By Rhine.

Princess Sophie and Prince Christoph were married at Kronberg on December 15, 1930.  She was the first of Prince and Princess Andrew's children to marry.  

On January 10, 1933, the Associated Press reported that Princess Christoph of Hesse "today gave birth to a daughter."

Monday, December 12, 2011

In the Royal Dog House

King Juan Carlos' son-in-law, Iñaki Urdangarin, will no longer take part in official ceremonies.  Iñaki, a former handball player, is married to the king's younger daughter, Infanta Cristina.  They live in Bethesda, Maryland, with their four children.

One can only wonder how these accusations are affecting the couple's marriage.  It is only a matter of time before Cristina must make a decision about her future with Iñaki.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/spains-royal-palace-distances-itself-from-kings-son-in-law-over-questioned-business-dealings/2011/12/12/gIQAxAoIpO_story.html#weighIn


http://www.euronews.net/2011/12/12/spanish-royal-family-member-denies-mishandling-money/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/spain/8953121/Spains-king-freezes-out-son-in-law-over-corruption-scandal.html

Royal news of the day

December 12, 1891

The Chicago Daily Tribune is reporting the following news stories today:

Grand Duke George Alexandrovich of Russia, second son of Tsar Alexander III, who was "reported to be in a hopeless condition," is now said to be "convalescent."

Princess Victoria Mary of Teck, the fiancee of Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence, is the "acknowledged royal beauty of England," and if "her intended spouse should live," she will "make the fairest Queen Europe has ever seen, with the sole exception, probably of the unrivaled Eugenie de Montijo."

Although Queen Victoria has declared that the Duchess of Fife's "infant should only rank of noble birth," it is "nevertheless the English law" that in the event that Prince of Wales' two sons die without issue, the children of the Duke and Duchess of Fife shall succeed to the throne.

Royal engagement: Bavaria-Saxe-Coburg





December 12, 1899

Princess Mathilde of Bavaria is betrothed to Prince August of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, according to a New York Times dispatch.  The engagement was announced today.

Princess Mathilde Marie Theresia Henriette Christine Luitpolda was born on August 17, 1877.  She is the sixth child of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Archduchess Marie Therese of Austria.   Her grandfather, Luitpold in the Prince Regent for King Otto who suffers from mental illness.

The New York Times, however, named the wrong brother.   Princess Mathilde's fiance is August's younger brother,  Prince Ludwig  Gaston Clemens of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, who was the fourth child of Prince Ludwig of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and Princess Leopoldina of Brazil.  

Prince August was married in 1894 to Archduchess Karoline of Austria.

Prince Ludwig is seven years older than his future wife.  A date for the wedding was not announced.

A royal Greek wedding

December 12, 1907

Prince George of Greece and Princess Marie Bonaparte were married today in Athens with the "splendid and elaborate rite of the Greek Church," reports the New York Times. 

The couple were married at the cathedral in Athens in the presence of the King and Queen of the Hellenes,  Greek officials and members of the diplomatic corps.

Prince George, second son of King George,  and Princess Marie were married in a civil ceremony in France on November 21.  The Greek Orthodox church does not recognize civil marriages.

Iñaki Urdangarin's statement regarding the scandal

“I profoundly regret the serious damage to the image of my family and that of the king’s household, which has nothing to do with my private activities.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/12/world/europe/duke-of-palma-under-scrutiny-in-fraud-scandal.html?ref=world

Friday, December 9, 2011

Princess Claire defends her husband

It has been open season on Prince Laurent Belgium for some time now.  Laurent, the youngest child of King Albert and Queen Paola, has been the topic of numerous negative stories.  Some of the reports are true.  Some are uncorroborated.

Last week, the Belgian channel RTBF aired a program on Prince Laurent, where he was described as greedy and abusive toward women.  One of his former girlfriends described his alleged abusive behavior.

On Tuesday night , Prince Laurent and his wife, Princess Claire, attended the opening of a new animal shelter.  Prince Laurent has been active supporter of animal rights for some years.  The new shelter is supported by the prince's foundation.

Prince Laurent denied the allegations that he cares more for animals than women.  He told the media that the most important thing is to be able to look at oneself in the media at night.

Princess Claire then moved toward the microphone, and spoke directly to the journalists:  "That is enough. You also hurt three children.  These insinuations are not true!"

http://www.7sur7.be/7s7/fr/1768/Prince-Laurent/article/detail/1358883/2011/12/06/La-princesse-Claire-Ces-insinuations-blessent-trois-enfants.dhtml

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Troubles for the son-in-law

More problems for Iñaki Urdangarin, husband of Infanta Cristina of Spain, younger daughter of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia.

http://www.elpais.com/articulo/english/Royal/family/looks/at/ways/to/deal/with/son-in-law/s/possible/indictment/elpepueng/20111208elpeng_13/Ten

Miss Cornwallis-West marries Prince of Pless


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December 8, 1891

Miss Mary Theresa Olivia Cornwallis-West, the eldest daughter of Col. Cornwallis-West, MP, and Mrs. Cornwallis-West, was married today at St, Margaret's Westminster, to Prince Hans Heinrich of Pless,  reports the New York Times.

There was a "brilliant gathering at the church of relatives and friends."  The most prominent of guests were the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Prince and Princess of Saxe-Weimar,  Prince Heinrich Pless XI, the father of the groom; Count Deym, the Marquess and Marchioness of Headford, Count Hochberg, Lord Sackville, and "all the members of the Diplomatic Corps in London, including Mr. Henry White, Secretary of the American Legation.

Miss Cornwallis-West wore an "empire gown of white satin, edged with a cloud of silk malines tulle, caught up with garlands of orange blossoms."   The gown had a "low bodice and was completed with an underdress of silk embroidery, in empire design."  Her train was five yards in length, and was made of brocade, "draped from the shoulder, with a silver collar."

The bride wore a crown of diamonds, a gift from her husband, and a "necklace, buckle, and an aigrette of diamonds."

The wedding reception followed the ceremony at the bride's family home in London at 30 Portman Square.   The newlyweds will spend their honeymoon in Paris and on the Riviera.


When the new Princess Hans Heinrich of Pless departed for the honeymoon, she wore a traveling dress made of Russian green velvet. The gown's skirt was "trimmed with Egyptian embroidery of delicate tints, intermixed with gold and bordered on either side  with a piping of otter."  The gown is covered by  a long Louis XVI coat "of the same velvet, having a large revere and collar and sleeves of embroidery to correspond with the dress."  The coat is also edged with otter fur.

Prince Hans Heinrich of Pless, 30, is the eldest of three sons of the Prince of Pless, a "Silesian magnate and Senator of the German Empire.   Prince Hans Heinrich, who is known as Henry, serves as a captain in the Imperial Hussars. He has also spent time in Germany's diplomatic service and served as an attaché in Paris and as Secretary of the German Legation in London.   He does not currently serve in the German Empire's diplomatic service, but "is likely to be called upon to resume it."   His father has given him one of the family castle's, Schloss Fürstenstein, near Salzbrunn in Silesia.

The newlyweds will divide their time between the Schloss and England.

The princess' mother, Mrs. Cornwallis-West has been described by the New York Times as a "society beauty."




Wilhelmina declares war on Japan

December 8, 1941

Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands has issued a 500-word proclamation to her people, stating that the kingdom of the Netherlands considers itself at war with Japan," reports the Associated Press.

The Japanese sea and air forces "without a preceding declaration of war have made surprise attacks on American and British territory. Thus, war has been forced upon the republic of the United States and on the British empire. Neither the safety of the territory of our empire in the East nor the bond which ties us to our British allies nor the specific associations between the Netherlands and the United States allows the government of the kingdom to remain innocent.

"The kingdom considers itself at war with Japan because of aggression, which aims at destroying peace-loving nations, one after the other can, must, and will be resisted in firm alliance."

Queen Wilhelmina made the proclamation in London, where she is now living, after fleeing the German occupation of her country earlier this year.

Prince Joachim's wedding postponed

December 8, 1915

A dispatch to the Exchange Telegraph Company from Amsterdam to the New York Times is stating that Kaiser Wilhelm II has postponed the wedding of his youngest son, Prince Joachim, to Princess Marie Auguste of Anhalt.

The original message came from Cassel, Prussia, and is seen as authoritative.  "The marriage was to have taken place before Christmas.  The Emperor and Empress hope that the war will be ended by February, and they therefore postponed the marriage ceremony until that time.  Should the war not have been concluded by the date set for the wedding the ceremony will be extremely simple."

The King of Sweden is dead


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December 8, 1907

The New York Times and other newspapers are reporting the death of King Oscar II of Sweden.   The king died this morning at 9:10 a.m., at the palace in Stockholm.

The king's eldest son, Gustav, has succeeded to the throne and will be known as King Gustav V.

Members of the late king's family, including the aged Queen Sophie, Crown Prince Gustav, and members of the Swedish government.  "Great crowds" gathered outside the palace learned of the king's death when the palace flag was lowered to half staff.  Thousands "stood about the palace with bowed heads and tearful eyes" long after the official announcement was made of the "loss of their well-beloved sovereign."

All of Sweden is "stricken with grief," as King Oscar was more than "the ruler of his people."  He had "endeared himself to them as an intimate and personal friend."

The official statement read:  "We declare upon oath that his Majesty King Oscar II, expired peacefully at 9:10 o'clock this morning in the castle at Stockholm, at the age of 78 years, 9 months and 17 days, as the result of calcification of the cerebral and cardiac blood vessels."

The king was unconscious for the final hours of his life, and "up to the end he gave no sign of recognizing those about him."   Queen Sophie was described as "grief-stricken" because her husband could "not bid her farewell."

After the king was pronounced dead, most everyone in the room left, leaving the royal family.  Queen Sophie, "surrounded by her children and grandchildren, knelt and prayed."

At one p.m.,  King Gustav V "took the oath of office before the Cabinet and Court assembled in the grand gallery."   The other male members of the royal family swore allegiance to the King, "who embraced and kissed them, giving his favorite brother, the giant Carl, a hearty slap on the back." 

King Gustav V read his proclamation and "announced his motto: "With the people for the Fatherland.'"

In the afternoon, a memorial service was conducted in the palace chapel, which was attended by nearly all members of the Royal Family, with exception of Queen Sophie and the new Queen Victoria, who is not expected to return to Sweden until tomorrow.  

King Oscar II reigned for almost thirty-five years.  He came to the throne in 1872, succeeding his eldest brother, King Carl XV.  In 1857, he married Princess Sophie of Nassau.    He is survived by Queen Sophie, and four sons,  King Gustav V,  Prince Oscar (who renounced his rights to the throne when married Miss Ebba Munck), Prince Carl, and Prince Eugene.

The new heir to the throne is King Gustav V's elder son, Crown Prince Gustav Adolf, who is married to Princess Margaret of Connaught.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Phasing out the Infantas?

The Royal Household in Spain is looking at the possibility of further limiting the size of the Royal Family.  This has been confirmed to the Spanish newspaper, ABC. 

The first reports of a change surfaced about a decade ago, and raised the possibility that when the Prince of Asturias married and had children, the Palace would reduce the official activities of the Prince's two sisters, Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina.    The two Infantas would be in a similar position as King Juan Carlos' two sisters, Infanta Pilar and Infanta Margarita, who are considered members of the King's family, but are not members of the Royal Family.

Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina do not receive state support for their official duties.  But Zarzuela Palace has acknowledged that there are no plans to change the current structure of the Royal Family.

Belgians learn of King's marriage

December 7, 1941

Joseph Ernest Cardinal van Roey, Archbishop of Malines, today announced the morganatic marriage of King Leopold III to Miss Marie Lillian Baels, the daughter of the former Belgian minister of Agriculture.  

The marriage took place three months ago according to the Cardinal's letter that was "read in all Catholic churches in Belgium today," reports the New York Times.

The news came "as a complete surprise."  Many residents of Brussels "made pilgrimages all day" to the Chateau de Laeken where the King and his wife, who will be known as the Princess de Rethy, share his "voluntary detention" as "Belgium's prisoner of war No.1."

Queen Ena likes exile

December 7, 1935

Queen Ena of Spain has no regrets about being in exile, according to a close family friend who is vacationing in Menton, France.

The unnamed informant told a United Press reporter that she is "enjoying personal freedom for the first time in her life."

"A reigning queen's life is all duty, and my stenographer working from 9 to 5 has a better job and a more enviable existence.  I haven't the authority to speak for His Majesty, but I think I am safe in saying that she has no regret over losing her job as Queen.

"The greatest part of a queen's time is taken up with bowing to iron-clad court etiquette, submitting to compulsory ceremonies that are tiresome and boring.

"Over and over they must extend fingertips to be kissed by pompous court officials.  Even in receiving their equals, queens or princesses from other courts, whether on state occasions or in private, they are denied the privileges of intimate talks, and must limit themselves to monotonous 'ready-made' conversations.
"The route is much harder on old queens, and these are usually the most unhappy of all.  Many queens have been bereaved through political assassinations and are mourning the loss of a husband, son or brother, although the monotonous court routine must be continued.  The expression 'happy as a queen' is meaningless, and I'm positive that Queen Ena has no regrets but is enjoying the personal freedom which was denied her before the revolution."

Infanta Eulalia asks for forgiveness

December 7, 1911

The New York Times reports today that King Alfonso of Spain has received a letter from his aunt, Infanta Eulalia, "asking him to pardon her, and saying she had acted in a moment of forgetfulness."   She wrote that she had "no intention of wounding the royal family nor had any political motive."

Infanta Eulalia ended her letter by saying that she is "an affectionate aunt and a true and loyal Spaniard."

Who will be Alfonso's bride?

December 8, 1905

ABC, a Madrid-based newspaper recently asked its readers to vote on their choice for King Alfonso XIII's bride.  The voting closed on December 1.

As of November 19, the eligible royal princesses in order of votes were:
Princess Olga of Cumberland, 22; Princess Victoria Luise, 18;  Princess Gertude of Bavaria, 21; Princess Patricia of Connaught, 19;  Princess Marie Antoinette of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, 21; Princess Victoria Eugénie of Battenberg, 18, and Princess Louise of Orléans, 23.

The final winner has not been announced, reports the New York Times.  It is also not known if the young Spanish king will "follow the popular voice in choosing his consort."

Is Ena preparing to become a Catholic?

December 7, 1905


According to the New York Times today, the "Vatican has not received any communication concerning the marriage" of King Alfonso XIII of Spain to Princess Ena of Battenberg,  except a "report from Spanish clergy saying it would be impossible for a new Queen to enter Spain" without having first become a Roman Catholic.

If King Alfonso has chosen Princess Ena to be his bride,  it is believed that her "conversion to Catholicism will be announced before the marriage."  It is also understood that the princess is already preparing for the conversion "under the tutelage of ex-Empress Eugénie" who lives in Farnborough, England.  Eugénie is very close to Princess Ena, and looks upon her as a daughter, and if rumors are to be believed, Eugénie will leave Ena a "large fortune."

Queen Wilhelmina's marital difficulties

December 7, 1901

Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands' "domestic infelicities" are the talk of the European courts, reports the New York Times today.   The "romantic halo surrounding the young Queen has only helped to "accentuate public curiosity and sympathy" for her marital problems.

The alleged failure of her marriage may have "grave political consequences for Europe," and recent developments are being "followed closely" by diplomats and government officials. 

There are others who feel that the situation "will blow over for the present," but there may be "grave apprehensions for the future."

The British royal house is more concerned in the situation in Hesse, where Grand Duchess Victoria Melita is "on the verge of separation from her husband."   Victoria Melita was only eighteen when she married her first cousin, Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig of Hesse and by Rhine.    The marriage has proved to be "one of the most unsatisfactory among all the royal matches."  Many believe that the marriage would never have taken place without Queen Victoria's "imperious influence" in her two grandchildrens' lives.

Victoria Melita is the second daughter of The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.  The Duke' eldest daughter, the Crown Princess of Romania is also said to be unhappily married.  However, recent reports of a separation  have been met with "official denials."

But no one in England would be surprised if the Crown Princess and her husband were also separating.

Duke of Cambridge's daughter-in-law going into trade

December 7, 1901

Mrs. George Fitzgeorge, daughter-in-law of the Duke of Cambridge, will soon be opening a "hygienic beautifying concern in the heart of Mayfair," reports the Chicago Daily Tribune.   Mrs. Fitzgeorge hopes to "rid her fashionable friends of wrinkles and other blemishes."

Colonel George Fitzgeorge is a Colonel in the British Army, and once served as an equerry to King Edward VII when he was the Prince of Wales.  The Duke of Cambridge is a first cousin to the late Queen Victoria.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Royal engagement: great pleasure

Embed from Getty Images 

 December 7, 1891

The announcement of the betrothal of the Duke of Clarence and Princess Victoria Mary of Teck has caused an "immense amount of pleasurable excitement" in London when the news "became generally known last evening, according to a special cable to the Chicago Daily Tribune.

Princess Victoria Mary is "very popular," and "thoroughly an Englishwoman in sentiment, manner and action."  She is the only daughter of Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge and her husband, the Duke of Teck.

The Duke of Clarence, eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, was a guest at a house party at the country home of the Danish Minister at Luton Hoo in the Chiltern Hills, near Bedford.  The Duchess of Teck and her daughter were also at the house party.

It has "been long known that the young couple were devoted to each other."  They often managed to slip away from the other guests, and "their quiet love-making furnished  many scenes for close observers of the courtship."   The Duke returned to London yesterday, and "informed his father of his desire to marry Victoria."

The Prince of Wales had no objection to the matter.  He told his elder son that he needed to go to Windsor and seek Queen Victoria's consent.   This was done rather quickly, as the Queen's consent was "cheerfully given."

An official announcement was made in the evening.  The date of the wedding has not been set, but it is expected to take place at St. George's Chapel, Windsor.  After the marriage, the couple is expected to live in "an elegant suite recently prepared" for the Duke of Clarence at St. James's Palace in London.

Princess Isabelle engaged

December 6, 1941

Princess Isabelle de Ligne and  Carlos de Saavedra y Ozores, Marques de Villalobar y de Guimarey are engaged to be married, according to a United Press dispatch from Vichy, France.   The couple will be married on December 13 at the bride's home, Schloss Beloeil, near Mons, Belgium.

Princess Isabelle is the second of four children of Eugène, Prince of Ligne, and his wife, Philippine de Noailles.  She has an older brother, Hereditary Prince Baudouin, and a younger sister, Princess Yolande, and a younger brother, Prince Antoine.  None of her siblings are married.

Prince admits he's the dad



December 6, 1937

Viennese actress Nora Gregor married Prince Ernst Rüdiger von Starhemberg four days ago after his first marriage was annulled. Today, the Prince acknowledged that he is the father of his new wife's three-year-old son, Heinrich.

He has petitioned the Swiss birth registry office in Lucerne, where Heinrich, was born, to "re-register the child."  

Ludwig Draxler, the former Austrian Minister of finance, represents the "wealthy and politically prominent prince, told the Associated Press that he "expected no serious complications."   Under Austrian law,  Heinrich was legitimated by his parents' marriage.

The little boy, born on October 4, 1934, was originally registered with the name Heinrich Rüdiger Gregor.

A family friend has admitted that the little boy is hidden and being guarded by detectives.   Heinrich's whereabouts are secret "because of threats" made by his father's political enemies to "kidnap him should his father re-enter Austrian politics."

The newly married couple are expected to leave shortly for Switzerland, where the prince "planned to attend personally to re-registration of the birth certificate."

Princess Victoria gets injunction against book

December 6, 1927

Princess Victoria of Schaumburg-Lippe, a younger sister of former Kaiser Wilhelm II, has obtained an injunction against Rochus von Reinfelden, a writer who has penned a new book about the princess and her loves.

According to the Associated Press's dispatch, a Berlin court issued a preliminary injunction against the publication of The Love Romance of Princess Victoria and Alexander Zubkoff.   The ruling noted that "there was danger that the publication may contain opinions and claims which ought to be interdicted even if the persons described are historical characters.
Von Reinfelden's book is said to "contain details" about Zubkoff's earlier life, as well as to "dwell at length on Victoria's youthful love" for Prince Alexander of Battenberg, Prince of Bulgaria.

Soapy debut for Theodora Greece

London-born actress Theodora Greece made her debut yesterday on the CBS soap, The Bold & the Beautiful.  The 28-year-old actress is HRH Princess Theodora of Greece and Denmark.


http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/tv/soap_royalty_ErXhaH7ZBot22Vl43sN56J

Monday, December 5, 2011

A divorce for the Aga Khan

Karim Aga Khan IV and his second wife, Begum Inaara, were divorced on November 30.  At the end of September, a French court awarded the Begum 60 million Euros in the divorce settlement.

Now the marriage is officially over, and the Begum Inaara is no more.  As a part of the divorce decree, she must stop using the title Begum, and revert to her previous name, Gabriele Prinzessin zu Leiningen.

They have one son, Prince Aly Muhammed.

The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismailis sect of Islam, was seen as the guilty party during the marriage.  He apparently commited adultery while he was married to the former Gabriele Thyssen.

Prince Karim has been seen in public with  Beatrice von der Schulenberg. 
It is not known if the Aga Khan will marry Beatrice.   She is the daughter of Danish folk singer Frederik von Pallandt and Dorte Holm-Jenson.   He later became involved with a drug gang and was shot dead by contact killer in 1994.   Beatrice was raised in London where she met and married German-born Jeffrey von der Schulenberg, a management consultant.  They had four children before their divorce in 2005.

Beatrice met the Aga Khan at a part in 2006.

 For seven years, he was involved in a relationship with Austrian-American model Pilar Goess, who died of a brain tumor in 1999.

The Aga Khan's first marriage to Sarah Crocker Poole, who became Begum Salima ended in 1995.  She ceased to be the Begum and became known as Princess Salima Aga Khan. She lost the style Highness after the divorce.

The Aga Khan expects woman to be "both subservient and decorative," according to a profile of his eldest son, Prince Rahim by Mark Hollingsworth.  At the beginning of his marriage,  Prince Karim told Gabriele: "I determine things. You obey."

Karim likes his ladies.  Not long after his marriage to Sally Crocker Poole, he began a series of adulterous affairs.  One of his mistresses, Italian Milena Maffei, "hung around for years in the hopes that he would divorce" his first wife.  Sally received £20 million in her divorce settlement.   After the divorce, she auctioned off her jewels, which brought her a further £17.5 million.  She has homes in Geneva and London, where she lives with her third husband,  French lawyer Philippe Linzop.

Nazis want Michael to marry a Bavarian princess

December 5, 1941

King Michael of Romania is in Florence, Italy, where he is visiting his mother, Princess Helen.  He is expected to consult her about a "marriage offer received through German authorities," reports United Press, which received the report today in Vichy, France.

It is understood that Nazi officials want Michael to marry eighteen-year-old Princess Irmingard, the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria and his wife, Princess Antonia of Luxembourg.

Princess Antonia is a younger sister of Grand Duchess Charlotte, who is now living in the United States.

The Germans are "reportedly anxious" for King Michael to marry and "provide the Romanian throne with an heir" in order to prevent the possible return of King Carol II, who is now in Mexico.

Princess Aleene drops divorce suit

December 5, 1941

Princess Aleene of Liechtenstein has dropped a divorce suit against her husband, Prince Johann, because "we have patched up our disagreement."

The Princess, who filed suit in Ft. Worth, Texas, spoke an AP reporter today.  She married Prince Johann ten years ago in London.

Former Empress of Mexico is dying


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December 5, 1925

The Associated Press is reporting that former Empress Charlotte of Mexico is "gravely ill," and is "sinking rapidly.   She is suffering from "acute bronchitis with pulmonary congestion," according to a statement released by her doctors.  Queen Elisabeth of the Belgians has been at Charlotte's bedside, and the royal family "has been informed of the patient's condition hourly."

Charlotte, who suffers from mental illness, is the widow of Emperor Maximilian.  She is the daughter of King Leopold I of the Belgians, and, thus, the aunt of the present King Albert.  She was born at Laeken on June 7, 1870.   In 1857, she married Archduke Maximilian of Austria, who later became Emperor of Mexico.

Empress Charlotte is 85 years old.

Rumors about Prince Hendrik: not true

December 5, 1901

The Paris correspondent for The Times of London "quotes a dispatch from The Hague correspondent of The Temps," regarding the "reports of a serious quarrel" between Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands and her husband, Prince Hendrik.

The Temps' correspondent states that the "malicious rumors" about the marital strife between the Queen and Prince Hendrik are the "fabrications of cheap Socialist papers" in the Netherlands.

"It is a most happy thing that there is no domestic strife.  The Prince is kind and affectionate.  The Queen loves her husband, and harmony has always prevailed."

Friday, December 2, 2011

Alfonso bars wedding of son Jaime



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December 2, 1931

The Associated Press is reporting that Infante Jaime of Spain has been "prevented" by his father, King Alfonso, from "marrying the girl of his choice.

Jaime, the second son of King Alfonso and Queen Ena, "informed his parents a few days ago" that he was going on a "little automobile trip," from Fontainbleau, were the royal family have been living since they were exiled from Spain earlier this year.

Persons close to the king stated that the Infante Jaime had planned to travel to Bayonne where he had planned to marry secretly.   Nothing is known about the putative bride except that she was Spanish.

All of the "necessary papers had been made ready for the ceremony" when friends of the family learned of the preparations and notified Queen Ena who then told the king.

Alfonso then "instructed" his son to "write a letter of renunciation to the girl."  Infante Jaime has complied with "his father's order."

Infante Jaime, a deaf mute, recently underwent several operations to improve his hearing.  With the help of "scientific instruction," he has learned German, French and Russian.   

His elder brother, Infante Alfonso, suffers from hemophilia, and Don Jaime has been mentioned "as a possible heir apparent to the throne."