Friday, November 30, 2012

Grand Duke Alexis to wed French princess


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November 30, 1888

Emperor Alexander III of Russia has given his permission for his younger brother, Grand Duke Alexis, to marry Princess Helene of OrlĂ©ans, the daughter of the Count of Paris, according to a dispatch from St. Petersburg to the Chicago Daily Tribune.

Grand Duke Alexis Alexandrovitch is the fourth son of the late Alexander II and Empress Marie Alexandrovna.  He was born January 14, 1850.

Princess Helene is the third of eight children of the Count and Countess of Paris.  She was born at Twickenham on June 13, 1871.


[For more information on Grand Duke Alexis: 

http://royalbooknews.blogspot.com/2012/11/grand-alexis-of-russia.html ]

Pope stops wedding

November 30, 1892

The Holy See has "declined to sanction" the marriage of Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria to Princess Marie Louise of Bourbon-Parma, daughter of the former Duke of Parma.  The Prince sought approval of the marriage, but he stipulated that any children born of the marriage will be raised in the Greek Orthodox faith.

Prince Ferdinand and Princess Marie Louise are Roman Catholics, but the faith of most Bulgarians is Orthodox.

The princess' father, Duke Roberto, will not allow her to marry Ferdinand unless the he agrees that the children be raised as Roman Catholic.

Wilhelmina to marry

November 30, 1898

It has been "definitely decided" that Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands and Prince Wilhelm of Wied will marry, reports the Chicago Daily Tribune.  An official announcement will not be made until a decision is made regarding Prince Wilhelm's official status.  The prince is 26 years old.

Don Jaime to marry

November 30, 1898

The New York Times is reporting that a "marriage has been arranged" between Don Jaime, son of Don Carlos, the Spanish pretender, and a Bavarian princess. 

The name of the princess has not been made public.

Grand Duchess Vladimir in London to see support

November 30, 1912

Although the visit of Grand Duchess Vladimir of Russia is described as unofficial, she has accepted the "constant escort of Anthony Drexel and allowing him to make up intimate little dinner parties" where she can meet people who are "fashionable and entertaining," reports the Los Angeles Times.

Many believe there is a more serious reason for the Grand Duchess' visit.  There are "grave questions of state" regarding the health of the young Tsarevitch Alexis, the heir to the throne.   Few believe that that he will recover from his latest illness. 

The question on many minds is who will be the heir apparent if young Alexis dies.  The Emperor's younger brother, Grand Duke Michael, ran off several months ago, and married a divorce commoner, a marriage that was not approved by Nicholas II.

It also being whispered that the Grand Duchess is in England to "secure the personal support" of King George V and Queen Mary for her eldest son, Grand Duke Kyril, who is third in line to the throne after Alexis and Grand Duke Michael.

The Grand Duchess's second son, Grand Duke Boris, has accompanied her on this trip, and "match-making intent."  Boris, is a "gay young man," but in England, he has hardly left his mother's side, "conducting himself in an exemplary manner."

Grand Duchess Vladimir might be considering George V's only daughter, Princess Mary, as a wife for Boris.  However,  Princess Mary is only fifteen years old, and unlikely to marry for several years.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

George to marry Mary

November 29, 1892


It is "generally understood" that the betrothal of Prince George, Duke of York, younger son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, to Princess Mary of Teck,  will be "officially announced" after the first anniversary of the Duke of Clarence, reports the Chicago Daily Tribune.

Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence, died on January 14 of pneumonia.  The marriage of the Duke of Clarence and Princess Mary was to have taken place on February 27.



Another possible royal engagement announcement


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November 29, 1898

The Chicago Daily Tribune's latest special cable refers to "reports in court circles" that Prince George of Greece is betrothed to Princess Victoria of Wales.

Such a marriage "would unite two of the most interesting personalities" among Europe's young royals. 

The marriage would be "exceedingly popular" in Britain as Prince George, the second son of King George of the Hellenes,"possesses all the robust virtues, including good seamanship," which would certainly appeal to the "English ideal of manhood."

The Greek people idolize Prince George, and he is also the "pride of his family."   There is no other royal can approach him in "stature, vigor, and daring."

Thus, it is not a surprise that Prince George's sterling characters and his love of the sea should appeal to the "unusually lofty ideal" held by Princess Victoria.   She is said to be one of the most self-willed" members of the British royal family, and her "matrimonial prospects" have caused some anxiety to her father and grandmother, Queen Victoria, as she has repeatedly stated that she would "marry for love or not at all."

Princess Victoria and Prince George are first cousins as Victoria's mother, Alexandra, and George's father, King George, are siblings.

Official announcement: Alexandra to marry


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November 30, 1962

Princess Alexandra of Kent is to marry the Hon. Angus James Bruce Ogilvy, second son of the Earl and Countess of Airlie, according to the official announcement made earlier today.

The Princess, 12th in line to the throne, will celebrate her 26th birthday on Christmas Day. She is the daughter of Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, and the late Duke of Kent.  Her older brother, Prince Edward is now the Duke of Kent.

Mr. Ogilvy is 34 years old.  According to the New York Times, he "holds directorships in several large companies."

His family has been "closely associated with the royal family for many years."  Lord Airlie is the Lord Chamberlain to Queen Elizabeth II and also to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

Princess Alexandra and Mr. Ogilvy have known each other for eight years.  The date and place of the wedding was not announced.

Ena leaves London

November 29, 1928

Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain and her two daughters, Infanta Beatriz and Infanta Maria Cristina, left London this morning for home, reports the Associated Press.  Princess Mary and the Duke and Duchess of York were at the train station to say goodbye.

Olympia Arco writes about photography

Countess Olympia von und zu Arco-Zinneberg writes about photography for the New Yorker.

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/photobooth/olympia-arco#slide_ss_0=1

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Princess Tatiana and Prince Nikolaos of Greece


Oh, would I love to get my hands on the March 2011 issue of Vanity Fair (Espana).  The magazine profiles the young couple .
Here is a link to the original article in Spanish with several photographs.


http://www.revistavanityfair.es/articulos/tatiana-y-nicolas-de-grecia-en-vanity-fair-1/11431/page/2


Queen Elena dead


November 28, 1952

Queen Elena of Italy died today at her villa in Montpellier, France, reports the Associated Press.   She was 79 years old.

The former queen of Italy was the widow of King Vittorio Emanuele III and the mother of King Umberto II.  She had been undergoing treatment for cancer for three years.

Queen Elena had been living in exile since the abdication of her husband in 1946.  The Italian monarchy came to an end on June 18, 1946, following a vote for a republic by the Italians.


Although Elena's marriage to Vittorio Emanuele was seen as a "love match," it also had "political advantages" for Italy.   Italy now had an opportunity to extend its influence in the Balkans and "introducing in the Italian royal strain the rugged qualities of the Montenegrin people."

Princess Elena, daughter of Prince Nicholas of Montenegro, was born on June 8, 1873.  She married the then Prince of Naples on October 24, 1896.  Three weeks before her marriage,  Princess Elena was received into the Roman Catholic faith from the Orthodox church.

When her husband succeeded to the throne in 1900, following the assassination of his father, Umberto I, Queen Elena was "hailed as the most beautiful" sovereign in all of Europe.

Queen Elena was known for her "years of devotion to good works," especially to the "promotion and welfare of underprivileged children."  She believed it was important -- her divine right -- "to nurse and raise her own children."

She and her husband were the parents of five children: Princess Jolanda (1901), Princess Mafalda (1903), Prince Umberto (1904), Princess Giovanna (1907) and Princess Maria in 1914. 

"I really love them," Queen Elena once said her children.

She founded the first nursing school in Italy, and studied nursing so she "might raise the profession of nursing."

The first years of her marriage were difficult due to the cool reception she had received from the Italian people.  A male heir was not born until ten years after her marriage.  It was her love for children that eventually endeared her to the Italian people.

Her husband abdicated on May 9, 1946.  They settled first in Alexandria, Egypt.  Vittorio Emanuel died on December 28, 1947.  It was only after his death, did the public learn of Queen Elena's poor health.  She had suffered a stroke after learning of her daughter, Princess Mafalda's death in a German concentration camp in August 1944. 

She also became blind in one eye.  During the American occupation of Italy,  Queen Elena received treatment by United States specialists at the 300th General Hospital in Naples.

Isabel Neilson weds Count von Ostheim

November 28, 1932

Miss Isabel Neilson and Count Hermann von Ostheim were married today in civil and religious ceremonies in Paris.  The civil ceremony took place in the 17th Arrondissement.  This was followed by the religious wedding at the Hotel Raphael, which was officiated by the Rev. Dr. Cochrane of the American Church, reports the New York Times.

Miss Neilson is the daughter of Francis Neilson, formerly of Chicago, and former Member of Parliament, and Mrs. C. O'G Neilson of Paris and London.

The bride was given away by her brother-in-law, Captain H.J. Melville.  She was attended by her sister, Mrs. Melville.  The Hereditary Prince of Hohenlohe-Oehringen was Count Hermann's best man.

The bride and groom and their families attended a luncheon after the wedding.  In the afternoon, the newlyweds departed on their honeymoon to Spain and North Africa.  They will return to Paris next spring after visiting Greece and the Dalmatian coast. 

Count von Ostheim is a third cousin of the late Grand Duke Wilhelm Ernst of Saxe-Weimar, who died in 1923.  The Count's first marriage to actress Wanda Lottero, ended in divorce.

Royal wedding: Greece-Roumania

November 28, 1920

The recently announced engagement between Crown Prince George of Greece and Princess Elisabeth of Romania has "created world-wide interest," according to the Los Angeles Times.

The interest is due to the possibility that George may ascend to the Greek throne and Princess Elisabeth is the daughter of Queen Marie of Romania, "who has been so prominent in war work for her stricken country."

Ernst Ludwig to help Isadora Duncan

November 28, 1908

Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig of Hesse and By Rhine, described by the Detroit Free Press, as one who dabbles "a great deal in art, is "expending large sums" of money on art work and theatre.  He is planning to help the American dancer Isadora Duncan to spread "her gospel of the true artistic dance."

The Grand Duke, who has the support of several "South German capitalists," has managed to persuade Miss Duncan to move her dance school from Berlin to Darmstadt.  He has provided a hall and other facilities at no cost to Miss Duncan.

The dancer has stated that she will accept no pupils over the age of five.  Her students will receive lessons in the "elementary sciences" as well as music and dancing.

Another Princely baby!

Princess Ludwig of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn gave birth to a son, Vincenz Alexander, on November 20 in Salzburg.  

The former Countess Philippa Spannocchi aus Springzenstein married Prince Ludwig in August 2011.   The couple live in Salzburg, where Prince Ludwig heads Gössl Gwandhaus.

Prince Ludwig is the fifth of seven children of the Prince and Princess of Sayn-Wittgensstein.  

http://www.gwandhaus.com/

http://www.sayn.de/fuerstenhaus/familie-aktuell


Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Princess Elisabeth breaks hearts



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November 27, 1912

Princess Elisabeth of Romania is "one of the most prominent Red Cross workers in the Balkan war," reports the Chicago Daily Tribune in an exclusive dispatch.

The eldest daughter of Crown Prince Ferdinand and Crown Princess Marie is said to be one of the "famous beauties of Europe."  She certainly does not fit into the "idea held by most Americans" that royal princesses are "pale, anemic, listless puppets, used chiefly in political trades."

This princess is described as "tall and slender," and is "self-possessed and fair."  She is also "flesh and blood and fire."   This princess can write, ride, golf, cook, sew.  She can "operate a typewriter" and a sewing machine.  

The exclusive dispatch also notes that Princess Elisabeth can "manage a fractious horse," and "flirt desperately."

She has turned all her "energies and sympathies" into relief work.  The princess is said to be "brainy and resourceful, and "has more prestige and influence than many rulers."

The princess has been able to raise money to fund nurses and surgeons, and has arranged for the purchase of much needed medical equipment to care for the "sick and wounded soldiers."

The princess is only nineteen-years-old, but she must be considered as one of the "great European powers.   In her "brief but active life," she has apparently "broken many hearts."   But she has made amends by tending the wounds of so many Balkan soldiers.

For now, Princess Elisabeth's love affairs, which have been the thoroughly discussed by the wags in Europe, have been put aside as she concentrates solely on her hospital work.

Serbian crown for Duke of Connaught?


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November 27, 1908

There are "persistent rumors" in the Viennese press regarding the status of King Peter of Serbia, who is "likely to resign," reports the New York Times.

Should this happen, the National Assembly will meet in Belgrade and "offer the crown to the Duke of Connaught," the younger brother of King Edward VII.

It is "evident that these rumors" originated with the very "close relationship" between Downing Street and the Serbian government.  For three years following the murder of King Alexander and Queen Draga, the British Foreign Office "refused to have anything to do with Belgrade" until King Peter agreed that regicide has no place in the government.

The two countries have achieved a closer relationship in the last two years.  Bit should the rumors be confirmed, and "the crown offered to the Duke of Connaught," it is unlikely that he will "accept so arduous and thankless a burden."

The Duke of Connaught has already turned down the offer of one throne, having renounced the right of succession (for himself and his son) to Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, as his elder brother, the Duke of Edinburgh, who was the reigning Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, died a year after his only son.

The Duke serves as Field Marshall, Commander in Chief and High Commissioner in the Mediterranean.  He is unlikely to accept the offer of Serbia's crown, should it be offered to him.

New royal engagement


The engagement of Princess Alexandra Galitzine and Thibault Lancksweert was made official in today's Carnet Mondain.

L´Archiduchesse Anne Gabrielle d´Autriche,
Le Prince et la Princesse Piotr Galitzine
sont très heureux de vous faire part des fiançailles de leur petite-fille et fille
Alexandra
avec Monsieur Thibault Lancksweert

* * *
Monsieur et Madame Dominique Lancksweert
sont très heureux de vous faire part des fiançailles de leur fils
Thibault
avec la Princesse Alexandra Galitzine


The Princess is the daughter of Prince and Princess Piotr Galitzine (nĂ©e Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria.)   Mr. Lancksweert is the son of Mr. Dominique and Countess Anne-Rose de Liedekerke.   The family are Belgian nobles. 

Archduchess Maria Anna is the daughter of Archduke Rudolf of Austria, a son of the late Emperor Karl I of Austria.

Thibault was born in New York in 1983.  His father has worked for numerous financial companies, including Morgan Stanley, where he served as the Managing Director for the Investment Banking Division, London France and Belgium.   Mr. Lancksweert received his MBA from the University of Dallas in 1979.

 The Lancksweerts currently live in Kensington, West London. Thibault is the eldest of five children. He has two sisters, Alexandra and Sybille, and two brothers, Christian and Louis.

Countess Anne-Marie is youngest of five children of  Count GĂ©rard de Liedereke and Countess Marie Bernadette de Spoelberch. One of Anne-Rose's sisters, RĂ©gine, is married to Prince LĂ©onel de Merode.

Thibault is an Assistant Vice President for Barclays Capital in Hong Kong. He received degrees from the Copenhagen Business School, UniversitĂ© Catholique in Louvain, Belgium, and INSEAD.  He joined Barclays Capital in February 2011, having worked previously for Credit Suisse in London.

Princess Alexandra received a Bachelor's degree in Asian Studies in 2010 from UniversitĂ© catholique in Lovain.  She learned Chinese and Biblical Hebrew.  She minored in Theology.

She is currently a student at Beijing Normal University, where she is majoring in the Chinese language.  The Princess is fluent in English, French, German, Russian and Mandarin.

Alexandra, who was born in San Jose, California, in 1986, is the third of six children of Princess and Princess Piotr.  She has two older sisters,  Xenia, married to Alberto Matta Maya, and Tatiana, and one younger sister, Maria, and two younger brothers, Dimitri and Ioann.


Prince Piotr was profiled in a 2009 article in the Chicago Tribune. 

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2009-09-13/business/0909130118_1_royal-title-russia-prince

http://harrisschool.uchicago.edu/Blogs/DIC/?p=922

Monday, November 26, 2012

Adding to my collection

the engagement of Prince Franz Josef of Liechtenstein and Countess Gina von Wilczek

The Prince of Liechtenstein  1940s or early 1950s

An Italian postcard of Grand Duke Adolf of Luxembourg

Three new (old) postcards added to my collection.

 Do I have any readers in Liechtenstein or Luxembourg? I know there are at least 12 new postcards of the Grand Ducal family, including individual cards for the children, the engagement, and perhaps now even the wedding.   I have not seen a new Liechtenstein postcard in years.  The most recent card I have is of the Prince and Princess (he is wearing a red tie), but nothing of the Hereditary Prince and Princess and their family.  I would love to add more new cards to my collection!

2013 Royalty Weekend - Ticehurst

ROYALTY WEEKEND


Ticehurst and Flimwell Church of England Primary School,

Steellands Rise, Ticehurst, East Sussex, TN5 7DH, UK

Saturday and Sunday, 6-7 April 2012



Speakers include:

Margreeth Popp on Princess Marianne of the Netherlands

Neil Rees on The Duke of Buckingham and the French Royal Family at Stowe House

Ted Rosvall on The Lesser Known and Hidden Away Royals

Christophe Vachaudez on More Belgian Royal Jewels

John Wimbles on Marie Coburg’s Last Visit to England

Charlotte Zeepvat with one of her magnificent slide lectures

And Richard Thornton who is planning a fiendish quiz

 
There will also be other royal authors present including Janet Ashton, Robert Golden, Coryne Hall and Ilana Miller


Booksellers van Hoogstraten of the Hague will be in attendance, and there will be a bring and buy Royal Ephemera sale.

Cost: for all lectures, tea, coffee and snacks, two buffet lunches & one evening meal with wine:

£110 for those paying in sterling before Feb 28th 2013

£115 for those paying with Paypal; or sterling later than Feb 28th 2013

Cheques in sterling payable to "Mrs S M Woolmans" and to be sent to 12 Lockswood, Brookwood, Woking, Surrey, UK, GU24 OHL. Payment can be accepted by PayPal for overseas attendees. Further details from royalweekend@gmail.com or call 0044 (0) 208 319 0696.

The von Preussens

The male line descendants of Prince Friedrich Georg of Prussia and Lady Brigid Guinness bear the surname von Preussen.  This marriage was recognized as equal, and their children are entitled to the HRH and Prince or Princess of Prussia, although as British nationals, they cannot use foreign titles legally.   Socially is another matter. 

All five of Lady Brigid's children have benefited from the Guinness inheritance.  All are multimillionaires.


Prince Nicholas was born May 3, 1946.  On February 27, 1980, he married the Hon. Victoria Mancroft.  The marriage ended in divorce several years ago.  He has been involved in property development for many years.

They have four children, Beatrice (1981), Florence (1983). Augusta (1986) and Frederick (Fritz), who was born in 1990.

Beatrice is a designer. She studied plastics and metal work at Brighton University.  She lives in Brighton.

  http://www.beatricevonpreussen.com/#/childrens-illustration

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-1019128/What-like-come-debutantes-ball-Five-women-remember.html

Florence, known as Florrie, is a stylist for OKA, the "upmarket furniture store, owned by Viscountess Astor, mother of Samantha Cameron.  She lives in Kensington next door to her boyfriend, Nick Kinder.  She began dating Kinder in early 2011 after the end of her four year relationship with financier Nat Rothschild, a tax exile.   Prior to dating Rothschild, she was involved with Jake Astor, Samantha Cameron's half-brother.

Augusta made her debut at the Crillon Ball in 2005.   Fritz is attending Leeds University.

Prince Andrew's two children,  Tatiana (1980) and Alexander (1984) were discussed in a previous post.

http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2012/11/al-and-mica-still-going-strong.html

Princess Victoria was born February 22, 1952.  She is married to Philippe Achache and they have two sons, George (1980) and Francis (1982).  Victoria is an artist.  http://www.achache.net/    George is involved in property management.

Francis designs and sells high quality t-shirts. 

http://www.wix.com/talks/your-stories/francis-achache/

The youngest of the five children are the twins: Prince Rupert, who married Ziba Rastegar-Javajeri, an Iranian, in 1982, and Princess Antonia wed Charles Wellesley, the Marquess of Douro.

Prince Rupert has two daughters, Brigid (1983) and Astrid (1985).  He and his family live at Patmore Hall, which he inherited from his mother, Lady Brigid Ness.

http://etlandnet.wordpress.com/2011/09/27/winning-the-argument-preserves-privacy-and-security-the-result-of-the-patmore-hall-public-rights-of-way-claims-is-published/


Brigid von Preussen is current working on her Ph.D at Columbia University in New York City.

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/arthistory/graduate/phd-students.html#von-Preussen

Brigid and her younger sister, Astrid, attended Wycombe Abbey. Astrid works for the FAO, Rural Infrastructure and Agro-Industries Division.  She studied at Cambridge University.

 Princess Antonia is the wife of the Marquess of Douro, heir to the Duke of Wellesley.  They were married in London in February 1977.  The couple have five children:  Arthur (1978) who is married to Jemma Kidd; Lady Honor (1979), the wife of the Hon. Orlando Montagu, younger son of the 11th Earl of Sandwich; Lady Mary (1986), Lady Charlotte (1990) and Lord Frederick (1993).

Lord Mornington works for Charterhouse Capital Partners.  He attended Oxford and Columbia University, where he received a MBA.  Lord and Lady Mornington are the parents of a set of twins born in January 2010: Lady Mae and Arthur Wellesley, who bears the courtesy title Viscount Wellesley. 

http://www.charterhouse.co.uk/team/arthur-mornington?searched=mornington&advsearch=oneword&highlight=ajaxSearch_highlight+ajaxSearch_highlight1


Lady Honor founded the Wellington Food Shop, at the Duke of Wellington's country estate, Stratfield Saye.  The shop was opened by the Duchess of Cornwall in 2005.  She and her husband have two children.  Mr. Montagu is a partner with the privately held Odey Asset Management.

http://www.stratfield-saye.co.uk/wellington-farm-shop/farmshop-about-us/

http://berksandbucks.greatbritishlife.co.uk/article/produce-with-pedigree-3938/

Lord Frederick is a student at the University of Bristol, where he is majoring in biochemistry

Lady Mary and Lady Charlotte attended Wycombe Abbey.

Lady Douro has a BA in English from King's College in London.  She is the president of the Guinness Partnership, whose Patron is the Prince of Wales.

http://www.guinnesspartnership.com/

Lord and Lady Douro are very close friends of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

King Simeon receives honorary degree

On November 23, King Simeon of Bulgaria received an honorary degree from Bucharest University.  

Crown Princess Margarita of Romania and her husband, Prince Radu, attended the ceremony.


"It is an honor to bestow the title on an impressive contemporary personality, on a close friend of the Romanian people,' said chairman of the University Senate Vlad Nistor."


http://actmedia.eu/daily/king-simeon-ii-awarded-honorary-degree-of-bucharest-university/43272



Al and Mica: still going strong!!

Embed from Getty Images


One wonders what would Frederick Alexander von Preussen's paternal grandmother, Lady Brigid Guinness, think about her 27-year-old grandson's romance with 43-year-old soul singer, Mica Paris, the mother of two children. 

They met in December 2008 at the "swanky 606 jazz club in west London.

"We didn't stop talking for about six hours, " Mica told Fabulous Magzine in February 2009.  "It was a meeting of minds.  I could never communicate with someone who was immature and Al's certainly not that."

Alexander, known as Al, responded: “Our relationship is perfect. It’s a meeting of minds, heart,  body and soul. I’m so proud to call Mica my girlfriend. Yes, there’s an age  gap, but it doesn’t matter to us. I feel totally at ease with a woman as long as there’s a mental connection, which there most definitely is with  Mica.”

Although Richard Kay describes toyboy Al as Prince Frederick Alexander of Prussia, the young man is legally Frederick Alexander von Preussen.  He was born in London on November 15, 1984, the younger of two children of Prince Andrew of Prussia and Alexandra Blahova. 

Andrew is the second child of the late Prince Friedrich Georg of Prussia, fourth son of Crown Prince Wilhelm, and Lady Brigid Guinness, daughter of the 2nd Earl of Iveagh.  Andrew's marriage is morganatic, and his two children -- he also has a daughter, Tatiana -- are not considered members of the Prussian royal family.  Tatiana is an architect, and is a member of the board of the Guinness Partnership. 

http://www.guinnesspartnership.com/about-us/about-guinness-south/meet-the-guinness-south-board/tatiana-von-preussen.aspx

http://www.vppr.co.uk/about-vppr.html




The male line descendants of Prince Friedrich have the surname von Preussen. 

The late Lady Brigid, who left her princely husband -- he was found dead in the Rhine river in 1966 (death ruled as drowning)  -- for Major Anthony Ness, was one of the Guinness heirs.  Her sister, Lady Honor, was the wife of Paul "Chips" Channon.

Andrew's older brother, Prince Nicholas, is divorced from the Hon. Victoria Mancroft.   His younger siblings are Princess Victoria, Prince Rupert and Princess Antonia, who is married to the Marquess of Douro, heir to the Duke of Wellington.
Embed from Getty Images

Mica (pronounced Misha) Paris was born Michele Wallen on April 27, 1969 in south London.  Her parents were born in Jamaica.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2238427/Edie-Campbells-hair-raising-style-Model-opts-cut-waist-length-locks.html

http://fabulousmag.co.uk/2009/08/23/the-singers-new-24-year-old-toyboy-is-a-prussian-prince/

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Cocktails-with---Mica-Paris_10865685

http://www.artistdirect.com/artist/alexander-von-preussen/6891396

Another royal engagement in Luxembourg?

Rumor has it that Prince FĂ©lix of Luxembourg is about to announce his engagement to German-born Claire Lademacher.   They have been a couple for several years.   She is the daughter of Hartmut and Gabriele Lademacher, who live in Usingen, Germany.

Miss Lademacher is a Visiting Researcher at Georgetown University's Kennedy Institute of Ethics.  Her project was "an ethical evaluation of organ donation."  

Georgetown University is located in Washington, D.C.

Earlier this month, Miss Lademacher and Macey Henderson, both Visiting Rsearchers, explored "organ procurement policies" in the US, Germany and SAustria.  This talk, held on November 2, was part of the Cookie Friday Bioethics Speaker Series. 

http://guevents.georgetown.edu/event/over_my_dead_body_incentivizing_organ_donation#.UJ0TO4di6M4

http://engage.bioethics.georgetown.edu/content.php?pid=396647&sid=3306614

http://www.wort.lu/en/view/new-royal-engagement-for-luxembourg-50b36c11e4b02aeeddcecab8


http://kennedyinstitute.georgetown.edu/programs/visitingresearchers-lademacher.cfm

http://nachrichten.rp-online.de/panorama/eine-deutsche-ist-die-liebe-der-luxemburger-1.3082819

and http://lux-arazzi.blogspot.com/2012/11/luxarazzi-101-claire-lademacher_26.html

Friday, November 23, 2012

A Princely Baby

The Hereditary Prince and Princess of Furstenberg are expecting their first child, reports the German magazine, Bunte.  The expected date of birth has not been announced.  This will be the couple's first child.

The Hereditary Prince's younger brother, Prince Antonius, became a father for the second time on November 23 when his wife, Mathilde, gave birth to a son.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Felix and bride have arrived in USA

November 20, 1952

The newly married Archduke Felix and Archduchess Anna Eugenie of Austria arrived earlier today at New York International Airport at Idlewild in Queens  They had traveled from London "on a tourist flight," following their marriage in France.

The couple will stay for two weeks with the Archduke's mother, former Empress Zita, at her home in Tuxedo, New York.  They will then drive to Mexico City.

Otto celebrates 30th birthday in New York

November 20, 1932

The "recently founded" Free Austrian  Movement hosted a dinner tonight at Essex House in New York City in honor of the thirtieth birthday of Archduke Otto, reports the New York Times.

Otto is the pretender to the former Austrian throne, and the eldest son of the late Emperor Karl I.

In a brief speech, Otto thanked the more than 500 guests who attended the dinner, and expressed "complete solidarity" of the Free Austrian Movement "with the cause of the United States."  He added that a "victory for America will be a victory for our own country."

The funds raised at this dinner will help with the "relief of Austrian citizens stranded in Europe and Africa."

Royal Death: Queen Maud of Norway

November 20, 1938

Queen Maud died "in her sleep early today from heart failure." She was 68-years-old. She had undergone an operation last Wednesday for the removal of an abdominal obstruction. The queen's death was unexpected, and thus, her husband, King Haakon, who was staying at Buckingham Palace, was unable to reach Maud's bedside in time. Only a nurse was with her when she died.

Britain's King George VI and his wife were in Hertfordshire for the weekend with Queen Elizabeth's brother. He phoned King Haakon to express his condolences. The King and Queen returned to London later in the day. King Haakon called on Queen Mary, who was one of Maud's close friends, as well as her sister-in-law.

The most important baby in the British Empire

Embed from Getty Images
November 20, 1928

The "most important baby in the British empire" is having to rave the "orgy of being photographed for the newspapers, reports the Chicago Daily Tribune.

She is Princess Elizabeth of York, the 2 1/2-year-old daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York.

The princess is important because she is, for now, in the direct line of succession to the British throne.  She has a "very good chance of one day being Queen Elizabeth II."

Everyone wants a photo of the little princess.  She is said to be a "delightful baby," and most editors want to publish her photograph, even if "she were not a possible future queen."

Princess Elizabeth's uncle, the Prince of Wales, is the heir apparent.  He remains unmarried, and "seems unlikely" to ever marry.  This means Elizabeth's father, the Duke of York, remains second in line to the throne.

The princess' position would change only if the Prince of Wales married and had children or if "she should have the bad luck to have a brother." 

Succession to the British throne is based on male primogeniture, brothers before sisters, sons before daughters.

But if the Prince of Wales died without male issue, the Duke of York would become the heir apparent, and Elizabeth, if she never had a brother, would be next in line.

A son for Karl and Zita

November 20, 1912

Archduchess Zita of Austria, the wife of Archduke Karl, gave birth to a son before dawn at Reichenau, near Vienna, reports the New York Times.  The infant is the couple's first child. 

Archduke Karl is second in line to the Austro-Hungarian throne as the heir presumptive, Archduke Franz Ferdinand's marriage is morganatic. He and his wife, the Duchess of Hohenberg, are the parents of two sons and a daughter.   The children are not heirs to the dual thrones.

Thus, Archduke Karl, who married Princess Zita of Bourbon-Parma, in October 11, follows his uncle in the succession.

Emperor Franz Joseph was awakened early this morning with the news of the birth.  He has said he will go to Reichenau "to act as godfather" to the infant archduke.

Archduke Karl and Archduchess Zita's marriage is said to be a love match.  They were able to marry "with the aid of Emperor, who frequently says he only wishes the younger generation to be happy."

The new baby is third in line, and may one day succeed to the throne.

The marriage of Archduke Christoph of Austria

Archduke Christoph of Austria and Adelaide Drapé-Frisch will marry on December 29, 2012 at the Basilica of Saint Epvre in Nancy, France, according to a poster on the Noblesse & Royautes blog.

http://www.noblesseetroyautes.com/nr01/evenements-futurs/

The marriage of HRH The Princess Elizabeth and Lt. Philip Mountbatten

What a good looking guy!








All photos: Marlene A. Eilers Koenig Collection
Princess Elizabeth, heiress presumptive, married Lt. Philip Mountbatten, ne Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, on November 20, 1947.

Today is Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh's 65th wedding anniversary!

What a year!  The Diamond Jubilee, the Summer Olympics, and a marital milestone!

http://life.time.com/history/queen-elizabeth-and-prince-philip-photos-from-the-royal-wedding-1947/#1

Queen Alexandra (1844-1925)






All photos: Marlene A. Eilers Koenig Collection

Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, consort of King Edward VII, born Princess Alexandra of Denmark
December 1, 1844-November 20, 1925.

Monday, November 19, 2012

the Princess and the ravens

An interview with Princess Auguste of Bavaria

http://www.faz.net/aktuell/beruf-chance/auguste-von-bayern-die-prinzessin-und-die-rabenvoegel-11961542.html#Drucken

Duke Ludwig in Bavaria marries

Novwember 19, 1892

Duke Ludwig in Bavaria, younger brother of Duke Karl Theodore, head of the dalcal house, was married today to Antonie Barth.  

This is Duke Ludwig's second morganatic marriage. His first wife, Henriette Mendel, died in November 1891.   She had been created as Baroness von Wallersee at the time of marriage.

Duke Ludwig's new wife has been ennobled by the Regent of Bavaria with the name von Bartolf.

Queen Maria Cristina to hand throne over to Don Carlos

November 19, 1898

A curious story is making the rounds in diplomatic circles, which, "from its source, is entitled to some weight," according to the Associated Press.

It appears there will be a change in dynasty in Spain, and the change will be peaceful.  Queen Maria Cristina, regent for her young son, King Alfonso XIII, is said to be "convinced to the hopeless of her son ever reigning," and has been advised by the Austrian Emperor to leave Spain with her family. 

This will take place after the peace treaty is signed by Paris, which is expected to take place within a few days.

Don Carlos will be proclaimed as King.   Everything has been arranged, and " army and clergy are alleged to be agreeable to the change." 

As soon as "things are running smoothly, " Don Carlos will abdicate in favor of his son, Don Jaime.

Archduke Felix and bride bound for the USA

November 19, 1952

The newly married Archduke Felix of Austria and his bride, the former Princess Anna-Eugenie of Arenberg are planning to honeymoon in the United States, reports the AP.  They arrived in London late this afternoon from Beaulieu, France, where they were married, and will board a flight to New York tonight.

Alexander and Marie return to Belgrade

November 19, 1928

King Alexander and Queen Marie of Yugoslavia returned to Belgrade today after visiting Paris, reports the New York Times.  They were greeted at the train station by Prince and Princess Paul of Yugoslavia and Premier Koroshetz.

Disappointment in Italy: another girl born to Queen Elena

November 19, 1902

Queen Elena of Italy was "accouched of a daughter this morning in Rome," reports the New York Times.  The queen, and her infant daughter are "doing well."  The new princess has been named Mafalda.

The "accouchment occurred a month earlier than expected," as King Vittorio Emanuele was shooting on Monte Cristo Island, when he was suddenly called back to Rome. 

The birth of another princess is a "great public disappointment.  Had the Queen given birth to a son, he would have been proclaimed the Prince of Rome.

This is the second daughter for the king and queen.  Princess Jolanda Margherita was born at Rome on June 1, 1901.

Prince Friso: an update

His Royal Highness Prince Friso, 19 November 2012
 
On behalf of the Royal Family, the Government Information Service wishes to issue the following communiqué.
 
Since the skiing accident of His Royal Highness Prince Friso, the Government Information Service has indicated that it would make announcements on medically significant changes in the health situation of the Prince.
Prince Friso has recently begun to show signs of limited awareness; a state commonly known as minimal consciousness. The prognosis continues to be very uncertain and the medical team remains gravely concerned. It will take many months to get more clarity.
The Royal Family, and Princess Mabel and the children in particular, are grateful for the restraint shown by the media since the Prince’s accident. They request the media to continue respecting their privacy.
Princess Mabel would again like to thank the many people who have sent messages of sympathy. ‘This is the most challenging period of my life. My love for Friso, the support of family and friends, and the many signs of compassion give me strength in these difficult times.’

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/netherlands/9688763/Dutch-Prince-in-coma-showing-signs-of-minimal-consciousness.html

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Duchess Marie and her brood

Marlene A. Eilers Koenig Collection
The Duchess of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha with her children: Hereditary Prince Alfred, and Princesses Marie, Victoria Melita, Alexandra and Beatrice.

Sisters catching up

Marlene A. Eilers Koenig collection

Empress Alexandra of Russia and her older sister, Princess Irene (Princess Henry of Prussia) having an intense discussion.  Looks like Irene is heading to the tennis court or just coming back.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Royal death: Princess Marie of Hesse and By Rhine

November 16, 1878



The New York Times has received a dispatch from Darmstadt, stating that Princess Marie, the youngest child of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Hesse and By Rhine, has "just died of diphtheria."

The 41-year-old Grand Duke and four of his children are also suffering from the disease.

Princess Marie Victoria Feodore Leopoldine is the sixth and youngest child of Grand Duke Ludwig IV and his wife, Alice, a daughter of Queen Victoria.

Princess Marie, who was known as May, was born on May 24, 1874, her grandmother, Queen Victoria's birthday. 

The other children are Princess Victoria, Princess Elisabeth, Princess Irene, Hereditary Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig, and Princess Alix.

The Grand Duke succeeded his uncle, Ludwig III, in June 1877. 

Isabel Neilsen to marry Count

November 16, 1932

Isabel Neilson's engagement to Count Hermann von Ostheim was announced today in London by her parents, Francis Nelson of Chicago and Mrs C.O Neilson of Paris and Queensgate Terrace, London.

Mr. Neilson is the former MP for Hyde in Cheshire.   Miss Neilson's parents are divorced. Her mother is the former Catherine O'Gorman, whom he married in 1893. 

Neilson is a native of Birkenhead, England.  He resigned form Parliament in 19016, "after disagreeing with the policies of the British Government," reports the New York Times.

Count von Ostheim was born Prince Hermann of Saxe-Weimar, a third cousin of the late Duke Wilhelm Ernst of Saxe-Weimer. Prince Hermann was a notorious spendthrift who racked up large debts.  His precarious financial situation forced the Grand Duke to strip him of his title and succession rights.  He was created Count von Ostheim. 
  In 1909, he married Wanda Paola Lottero, an actress.  The marriage ended in divorce after only two years as Paola, who had an affair with King Constantine I of the Hellenes, got tired of having to support her husband.

In 1918, Count Hermann married Suzanne Aagot Midling, who died last October. 

The date of the wedding was not announced.

Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar has died


November 16, 1902

Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar died early this morning at his home on Portland Place, in London, reports the New York Times.  He was 79 years old.

He suffered from an attack by appendicitis several days ago and "succumbed to congestion of the kidneys," which further compromised the Prince's frail health.

Prince Edward was born at Bushy Park,  1823 on October 11, 1823., and had lived "nearly all of his life in England, and "served with distinction in the British Army.  During his life, he served as a Privy Councilor, a Field Marshall, Colonel of the First Life Guards, and he also received numerous British decorations.

He was the eldest son of Duke Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach and Princess Ida of Saxe-Meiningen, daughter of Georg, Duke of Saxe-Meiningen.  

Prince Edward and his family maintained a close relationship with members of the British royal family.  Princess Ida was the sister of Queen Adelaide, consort of William IV.

In 1851,  Prince Edward married Lady Augusta Catherine Gordon-Lennox, the daughter of the 5th Duke of Richmond and Gordon.  Although the marriage was considered morganatic, according to the Saxe-Weimar house laws,  Queen Victoria granted Lady Augusta the title of Princess Edward of Saxe-Weimar in England in 1886.   In Germany, Augusta was known as the Countess of Dornburg, which was created for her by the Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar on the day before her wedding.

The Prince is survived by his widow.  The couple did not have any children.



Thursday, November 15, 2012

Norwegian Crown Princess heading to Florida

November 15, 1952

Crown Princess Martha of Norway and her two daughters, Princess Ragnhild and Princess Astrid, are now en route to Florida for a month's "recuperative stay," report the AP.

The Crown Princess, the wife of Crown Prince Olav, heir to the throne, is "suffering from a lingering case of jaundice."

Michael comes to England to search for bride

November 15, 1938

Crown Prince Michael of Romania arrived earlier today in London with his father, King Carol II, reports the Los Angeles Times.  Father and son are said to be on "the lookout for a possible English bride."

The British "would be delighted" if Michael found a British bride because it would give the country a "strong influence" in Southeastern Europe where "the Nazis are now increasing the German influence."

Michael, now 17, is a "big, strapping boy," and is one fourth English through his late grandmother, Queen Marie, a British princess.

English is the primary language at the Romanian court as Michael and King Carol are said to speak it "almost perfectly."

For some time, King Carol II was persona non grata in British court circles due largely to his affair with Elena Lupescu.  He was "excoriated as the playboy King" and he was not welcome at Buckingham Palace, when he visited London.

But "recent political developments" has meant a change in attitude toward King Carol, and he is seen in a more favorable light by the British.


This visit is an official state visit for the Romanian sovereign.  The Duke of Kent met the King and the Crown Prince aboard the Sikh, the latest British destroyer and "escorted them across the channel.

King George V, dressed in the uniform of a Field Marshall, waited with the Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, at Victoria Station.

The two kings and the Crown Prince got in a carriage for the short ride to Buckingham Palace, where they were greeted by Queen Elizabeth.

Carol and his son quickly changed into morning dress and drove to Marlborough House to see Queen Mary.  In the days when Carol "was deprived of his throne and separated from his wife," Queen Mary refused to "have him at the palace, despite his mother's intercessions."

One of the first things King George did today was to make Carol a Knight of the Garter.  Crown Prince Michael was made a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.


Grand Duke Michael's daughter marries Prince George of Battenberg

Marlene A Eilers Koenig Collection
November 15, 1916


Countess Nadejda de Torby, younger daughter of Grand Duke Michael Mikhailovitch of Russia and Countess Sophie de Torby was married today to Prince George of Battenberg, reports the New York Times.

The marriage was "witnessed" by King George V, Queen Mary, Queen Mother Alexandra and other members of the royal family.

The couple were married according to the rites of the Anglican Church and the Russian Orthodox church.

Princess Helen: royal nurse

November 15, 1912


Princess Helen, the wife of Prince Nicholas of Greece, a son of King George I, is "performing splendid work at Larissa," reports the Chicago Daily Tribune.  The princess, with the "assistance of several English nurses," has been caring for the thousands of Greek and Turkish casualties who are brought from the front in ox-drawn wagons and are carefully transferred to Red Cross railway carriages."

Princess Helen "has complete control of the railway arrangements," and is often seen on the platform "personally helping in the work of supporting and carrying the patients."

Onkel Bertie and Willy discuss a betrothal

November 15, 1902

One of the topics discussed by Kaiser Wilhelm II during his recent visit to King Edward VII was the betrothal of his eldest son, Crown Prince Wilhelm to Princess Alice of Albany,  the King's niece, reports the New York Times.

Princess Alice is nineteen years old and is said to be a "charming girl."   Her mother, the Duchess of Albany, accompanied the Kaiser to England on board the imperial yacht Hohenzollern, and then traveled with him to Sandringham.

Princess Alice and the Crown Prince are second cousins, and are said to be "mutually sympathetic."    The young Princess has become "quite Prussianized " as she has lived in Germany with her mother for most of the last three years.   She has been under "close observation from time to time" by the German Emperor and Empress, as they searched for just the right bride for their eldest son.

Such a dynastic alliance as this marriage would be is seen as bringing Great Britain and Germany "closer together."  Such an alliance would be very unpopular in Germany.

Princess Alice's younger brother, Charles Edward, is the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and has become a "thorough little German."  He is attending military school in Potsdam.

Princess Alice is the daughter of the late Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, youngest brother of King Edward VII.  He died in 1884, several months before the German-born Duchess of Albany gave birth to Prince Charles Edward.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Royal engagement: Italy-Bourbon-Parma




November 14, 1938


Princess Maria of Italy, the youngest child of King Vittorio Emanuele of Italy, is to marry Prince Louis of Bourbon-Parma, according to the official announcement made earlier today.

The Princess, 24 next month, is the youngest of five children.    Her fiance, Prince Louis, who turns 39 next month, is the 15th of 18 children of Duke Roberto I of Parma.  He is a brother of former Empress Zita of Austria, whose eldest son, Archduke Otto, who was often linked with Maria.

Prince Louis has been a frequent visitor to his sister's estate near Viareggio, Italy.  The Royal family has a summer home at San Rossore, which is close to Viareggio.  It was at Viareggio where Maria and Louis first met.  After "seeing a great deal of each other for a number of years," Louis finally decided to ask Maria to marry him, reports the New York Times.


In the past few years, Princess Maria has been reported engaged to Prince Sigvard of Sweden and Archduke Otto.  "Rumor, mingled perhaps with high politics" also brought her name in connection with the divorced King Carol II of Romania.    Tongues also wagged when Prince Kyril of Bulgaria visited the Italian royal family at Sam Rossore in 1932. 

Prince Kyril's brother, King Boris, is married to Maria's older sister, Giovanna.

But the most persistent rumors centered on a marriage between Archduke Otto and Princess Maria.  The rumors lasted for eight years, despite the damper "cast over those reports in 1933," with a statement published in Mussolini's newspaper, Popolo d'Italia, which described the rumors to be "colossally absurd." 

"The news that Master Otto is against racism leaves us completely indifferent. Fascism has such a doctrine, force, novelty and future that it can't enter the petrified brain of this relic of the past."

Prince Vincenz zu Windisch-Graetz to marry

November 14, 1912

The Marquise de Fontenoy reports today on the forthcoming marriage of Prince Vincenz zu Windisch-Graetz and Princess "Lotti" zu FĂĽrstenberg.

Prince Vincenz is a diplomat.  He was recently attached to the Austrian legation at Sofia, and served for a "year or more" at Austria's embassy in Washington, D.C., as a member of the Ambassador's staff, where his "modest, quiet ways, and perfect freedom from all pose and affection made him a general favorite."

The marriage is scheduled to take place on November 20 at Donaueschingen, the bride's family home.

Kaiser Wilhelm II and Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne, are both expected to attend the wedding.  Both men are on "terms of great intimacy" with the bride's father, Max, the Prince of FĂĽrstenberg.

Prince Vincenz is the eldest son and heir of Alfred, the Prince of Windisch-Graetz, who served for several years as prime minister of Austria.

The family lost their sovereignty at the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire.  The family has, however, "contracted a number of royal and imperial alliances."   Prince Hugo of Windich-Graetz married in 1846 to Princess Luise of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, daughter of the then reigning grand duke.  Prince Otto of Windisch-Graetz is married to Archduchess Elisabeth of Austria, only child of the late Crown Prince Rudolf.

Princess Marie of Windisch-Graetz is the wife of Grand Duke Paul of Meckbenburg-Schwerin, brother of the late Grand Duke.  The late King Alfonso XII was on the verge of marrying a princess of Windisch-Graetz after the death of his first wife, Mercedes.

Russian heir in grave condition


Embed from Getty Images
November 14, 1902

Grand Duke Michael, the heir presumptive to the Russian throne, is said to be in "a very weak condition, according to the New York Times, which bases its report on a dispatch from St. Petersburg to Paris.

The Grand Duke has had to give up a "course of physical exercises," which he had been "pursuing under the guidance" of L.J. Phelan, an American athlete.

His Russian doctors have pronounced his condition to be "hopeless unless the climate of the Crimea works a miracle." 

Grand Duke Michael was born in 1878.  He is the youngest child of Alexander III and the only surviving brother of Nicholas II.  In the event of Michael's death, the heir to the throne would be Grand Duke Vladimir, the Czar's eldest uncle.

Nicholas II and his wife, Alexandra, are the parents of four daughters.  Grand Duke Vladimir has three sons and one daughter.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Alfonso and Beatriz of Spain have arrived in New York

November 13, 1928

Infante Don Alfonso of Spain, a cousin of King Alfonso XIII, and arrived in New York earlier today on the White Star liner Majestic.  He was accompanied by his wife Infanta Doña Beatriz, and their eighteen-year-old son, Prince Alvaro, who recently finished his secondary education at Winchester School in England.

Don Alfonso was received with a 21 gun salute from Fort William en route to the pier.

Infanta Beatriz is the younger sister of Queen Marie of Romania, and a Princess of Great Britain and Ireland.

Infante Alfonso, who wore a "gray lounge suit with a light brown overcoat," met with reporters on board the Majesty.    The Prince spoke of his interest in aviation, and has been a pilot since 1910.  He is a Major in the Spanish Royal Air Force.

"My principal object in coming here is to meet Americans and interest them in Spain.  We have many things in common.  I believe a man named Columbus was sent by Spain to America, and after him there was another called De Soto, who spent some time here.  I hope that Americans will visit Spain next year and see the expositions at Barcelona and Seville.  Americans who take their cars to Spain will find new broad concrete roads.  The King is an automobile 'fan' and loves to go at top speeds, and he has had the roads banked, so he does not have to slow down at the turns.  I would rather fly any day than ride with the King, because I consider it much safer.  He is a marvelous driver and I have motored with him many times, but when he is at the wheel it makes one thoughtful as the milestones whizz by."

Don Alfonso would not confirm nor deny the report that the King and Queen of Spain plan to visit the United States next year.

The British-born Infanta Beatriz is the head of the Spanish Red Cross, and she plans to visit New York hospitals during her three week visit to this country.

Beatriz was "dressed in gray, with a felt hat, slippers and stockings to match."  

The family was met at the pier by Mrs. Consuelo Vanderbilt, with whom they will stay for three days at her home at 640 Fifth Avenue.  Afterwards, they will travel to Long Island, to stay with Mr. and Mrs. Percy Pyne, where they will be "for the remainder of their stay."

They plan to visit Washington, Boston, Niagara Falls and Montreal before returning to Europe on the Majestic on December 7.

Tonight,  Mrs. Vanderbilt hosted the royal party at a performance of The Three Musketeers at the Lyric Theatre.  They arrived with "an escort of motorcycle police and Secret Service men.

Elisabeth of Schaumburg-Lippe's marriage is annulled

November 13, 1928

Gerhart Hauptmann and his wife, and Princess Elisabeth and Benvento Hauptmann
The marriage of Dr. Benvenuto Hauptmann, eldest son of German writer, Gerhardt Hauptmann, and Princess Elisabeth of Schaumburg-Lippe, was annulled today by a Berlin court, reports the New York Times.

The couple were married only three months ago in a pomp filled ceremony at the isle of RĂĽgen. 

The Judge's ruling did not "lay blame for the estrangement on either husband or wife."   Neither the Princess nor her husband appeared at the trial, although both are "sojourning in the capital."

http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2010/06/gerhardt-hauptmanns-son-to-marry.html

Prince Henry found in Schleswig

November 13, 1918


November 13, 1918


Prince Henry of Prussia, younger brother of Wilhelm II, has been "discovered" at the cast;e of Duke Friedrich Ferdinand of Schleswig-Holstein at Eckernförde, on the southeast coast of Schleswig, according to dispatches received in Copenhagen.

Prince Henry has declared himself  "in accord with the new regime in Germany," according to the New York Times.

The Prince was in Kiel at the time of the "naval outbreak."  According to earlier reports, Prince Henry "took flight in haste, pursued the Reds."  One dispatch stated that Princess Irene was with him at the time, and was wounded by a bullet. 

The Tsarina is ill

November 3, 1902

A correspondent for London's Daily Mail has sent a dispatch from Livadia Russia, regarding the current state of Empress Alexandra's health.  She has, according to the report, "fallen into a condition of deep melancholy, which takes the form of preserving silence for long periods, even the the presence of guests."

The Empress' condition is "causing her doctors considerable anxiety."

The reason for Empress Alexandra's melancholy has not been made public.

The Kaiser speaks

A recently found wax cylinder recording of Kaiser Wilhelm's notorious Hun Speech during the Boxer Rebellion.

The speech was made at Bremerhaven on July 27, 1900 as several German transport ships were ready to bring 2000 troops to China.

http://einestages.spiegel.de/s/tb/25969/die-hunnenrede-von-wilhelm-ii-als-tonaufnahme.html

Monday, November 12, 2012

Lord Rosebery to marry Princess Victoria

November 12, 1892

Lord Rosebery, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and Princess Victoria of Wales are betrothed," according to the New York Times.  Rumors of a proposed engagement have been discussed "in society for some time past," but these rumors have been "discredited in well-informed circles."

The Palace has never absolutely denied the rumors, which gives "added credence" to the rumors.

Further credence is given to the fact that Lord Rosebery attended the Prince of Wales 59th birthday celebrations at Sandringham. 

If the story proves to be true,  Princess Victoria, 24, will be the second daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales to "marry outside royalty."  Her elder sister, Princess Louise, is the wife of the Duke of Fife.

Princess Victoria is a "woman of various accomplishments."  Many believe that this union of the "daughter of the heir to the throne with so pronounced and distinguished a Liberal would have a marked political effect."

Lord Rosebery is forty-five years old.  He has four children with his first wife, Hannah de Rothschild, who died in 1890.  

Lord Rosebery is the 5th Earl of Rosebery.  He sits in the House of Lords as Baron Rosebery.

He has a townhouse at 38 Berkeley Square, an estate at Rosebery, Edinburghshire, and other "extensive landed possessions."

Cumberland continues claim

November 12, 1898

The Duke of Cumberland continues to "maintain his claim to Hanover and Brunswick," according to a dispatch to the New York Times.  A letter by the Duke was published in the Neuste Nachrichten, a Brunswick newspaper.

Prince Ernst August, Duke of Cumberland is the son of the late King Georg V of Hanover.  He is married to Princess Thyra of Denmark, youngest daughter of King Christian IX.  

Princess Henry starts her journey to China

November 12, 1898

Princess Henry of Prussia left Berlin today and is en route to Genoa, where she will board a steamer "in order to join her husband at Kiao-Chau, China," reports the New York Times.


The Princess was born Princess Irene of Hesse and By Rhine, third daughter of the late Princess Alice of Great Britain and Grand Duke Ludwig IV of Hesse and by Rhine.  She married her first cousin, Prince Henry of Prussia, younger brother of Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1888.   Her youngest sister, Alix, is the wife of Nicholas II of Russia.

Archduke Friedrich gets back lands

November 12, 1922

Archduke Friedrich of Austria has regained ownership of his Hungarian estates thanks to a redrawing of the map of Hungary, reports the Associated Press.

The Interallied Territorial commission, under the Treaty of Trianon, "had the task of correcting the boundary lines by investigations made on the spot."

Most of these decisions have been in favor of Hungary, which regains about 35,000 acres from the "lost provinces," several villages near the Yugoslavian border, and the "big estates" of Archduke Friedrich, located on the Austrian border, are now back in Hungary.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

A pathetic little story

The men and women who write for the Globe, one of the trashiest of trashy weeklies, make a lot of money.  Seriously.  Big bucks.  For writing fiction.   Really.  Fiction.  Made up!  

http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/93945/Will-Kate-Middleton-Be-Made-Queen-If-She-Has-A-Baby


This story is utter nonsense.  The Queen is NOT going to make Kate Queen when she has a baby. She is not going to bypass the Prince of Wales, and give the keys to kingdom to the Duke of Duchess of Cambridge.

The Queen does not have this power.  Succession to the throne is promulgated by Parliament.   Only Parliament can change the succession.  Not the Sovereign.

Earning a lot of money (I mean a lot of money) for writing this tosh is absolutely obscene and insulting to real journalism.  Perhaps the Globe can hire a fact checker for even half of what the "writers" earn. 

When Queen Elizabeth II dies, the throne will pass to her eldest son, the Prince of Wales.  He will become King Charles III.  William will become the Duke of Cornwall (and, at some point, he will be named as the Prince of Wales.) 

William will become king only after the death of his father. Not before.