King Michael of Romania and Michael of Romania his only son MichaelofRomania.com Home King Michael of Romania has only one son Michael II of Romania who is also known as Mihai Von Hohenzollern II. Michael II descends from Queen Victoria, and the Prussian House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, which provided Romania’s first King, Carol I. King Michael I abdicated on December 30, 1947 and went into exile during communism. Michael II was exiled and raised under protection in United States. Mihai II is proud of his children and grand children that all continue to live in the United States. Now living in California, he continues to promote the interests and culture of his Romanian homeland and considers Bucharest his hometown. This is the official web site authorized by Michael II of Romania. Michael II is the Head of House for the Romanian branch of the Hohenzollern line by agnatic primogeniture law after the abdication of Michael I in 1947. However Mihai continues refer to his Father as King Michael out of respect only. You may contact Michael’s office at Mihai Von Hohenzollern II on facebook.

Contact Michael II's office: Regele Mihai a fost silit să abdice la 30 decembrie 1947. Mihai II este singurul fiu al regele Mihai I al României. Mihai II s-a născut în Elveţia şi a fost crescut în America. Prin Legea salică, Mihai II devenit șeful Casei Regale de România după abdicarea tatălui său la 30 decembrie 1947.....JR, Site Administrator Title Corrected Nicolas Medforth-Mills Recently my nephew had his title removed by my father, Former King Michael I. The act did not surprise me in the least. This is an expected action; for my nephew should never have been placed in a position of succession. Many people may find the concept of royalty to be defunct, but the reality is quite the opposite. Holding the proper title is a serious position and enables the person do very positive and powerful work for the public. As has been explained in previous articles, when my Father abdicated, that position was forwarded to me.

Also, it is most imperative to say, that with all respect to my Father, he was not given proper and accurate information concerning my person after I was evacuated to the United States. He now has the proper knowledge of me and my intent. I am in agreement with him on the matter of my nephew's correction of position. The Kennedy Glasses a Gift From the White House Michael II's Personal Collection: The Kennedy Glasses and Jacqueline Kennedy With The Glasses Our Mother was not Royal, this I have already stated, but the maternal side of our family are American and the United States does not recognize titles of nobility; rather American ideals are that to embrace public service for the benefit of all. Our Mother served the people of the United States through high levels of work that did not allow for public accolades. Her funeral was marked with a flyover by F15s. She could only receive such an honor and acknowledgment posthumously. Our Mother gave myself and my Sister Princess Margarita much to be proud of. Our Mother believed in service, and her work placed her and family at certain government events, which included President John F. Kennedy's inauguration.

The photo is of the glasses she passed to me, that were the glasses used by President Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline during the inauguration. My Mother had valuable things, but the gift of these modest glasses were precious to her and reminded her of an exciting time in her career and of the new possibilities and change that the Kennedy administration began. World War II: So Much Stolen Reflecting on the recent movie “ Woman in Gold ” involving Maria Altmann's fight against the Austrian government to reclaim what was stolen during WWII. The true title of the painting is “ Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I ” and the name 'The Woman In Gold' robbed Ms. Bloch-Bauer of her of her identity. Identity is a very basic right. The movie was a testament to truth, trials, tribulation, and over coming fear. However, the fight for justice and believing in yourself is an inspiration. My campaign to gain my rightful identity and return to truth, involves identity theft and turning very serious wrongs around. The movie showed a lot of aspects that I had to face as a young child and as an adult; however in the end my position will prevail. I want it to be understood that this is not vengeance against my father in any way.

It is simply the truth and justice. I will never withdraw in defeat; quite the opposite. That said, it is also important to point out that this is not just about the Romania Royal Family. Other closely related royal families as well as governments were and are very involved in the wrong doings. As the truths are further revealed, many will hang their heads in shame. I have always worked for and with the people, and Romanians will see this. The people will be the judge. The Decoys: The Prince and the Paupers The maneuver to take young Michael II out of Europe involved security and protection. Situating him in a rural part of the east coast and giving him a new identity was one aspect. However, there was the sad situation of the the stand-ins. The unsuspecting boys were adopted into a family in the Washington DC area, and one into a family in Germany. If danger arose the paper trail would lead to one of these boys. These decoys would most likely end up the target if danger came knocking at the door. Michael II expressed, “I understand how terrible and dark this reality was; valuing one child's life above that of another child's.

There is no adequate way the people responsible can compensate these men for how they were used. It is regretful... the politics of war is ugly. I wouldn't be surprised if another decoy was found to have been placed in Canada or the United Kingdom” Our Mother's Enduring Personality Our mother was a very petite beautiful woman, with an unassuming presence that people gravitated to. She was intelligent and witty with a laugh that one would never forget. Her classic elegance made quite a statement. She moved through life without wearing her experiences on her sleeve. The terrible hurtful darkness she must have felt to be forced to give up her children. A daughter she would never see, and a son to be raised in a way she never approved of; but was forced to remain silent. The political pressures were intense. However, the victors don't always have the last say. The Web of Corruption The discovery, exposure, and discussion of corruption is an important element in the world today. I will begin relating the corruption associated with myself. The two fold importance is not only the relevance to me, but also to the people so they are aware. Our Mother My sister and I were born just a few minutes apart. I was named after my father and an uncle.

Our mother once said that Margaret was her favorite name and so my sister Margarita was given that name after our Mother's close friend and sister in-law Aunt Margaret. Our Mother was a patriot so she entered the war effort by joining the intelligence service. She was fluent in Slavic languages, as well as French. Our mother's family was a perfect example of what used to be referred to as a government family. There were other members of the family working in Washington in various branches of intelligence; and of course it was taboo to discuss this topic. The service recruited within the family and harnessed that family loyalty to serve the government: working with who you know and can control. Our mother was the highest ranking in the family, working domestically and abroad, with family only having a vague knowledge of her whereabouts. I remember her working in Washington at the Pentagon as a liaison. She was not royal, but was our father's equal and became his wife when she became pregnant with us. This of course is when our father's life became complicated among royal circles. This is also the point where corruption and greed began to disrupt my life. It is time to discuss what happened plainly and in direct terms.

Our mother said that giving up her children was the darkest period of her life. The Pope Objects To A Second Marriage To Princess Anne The fact that Pope Pius XII objected to the marriage of our Father and Princess Anne is still a question asked. The simple truth is that Pope Pius did not take issue that our Step Mother is Catholic and our Father is Orthodox. The Pontiff’s objection was very simple that our Father's first marriage produced children; myself and my sister Margarita, and thus the first marriage to our Mother remained valid. Though our Grandmother “Queen Mother Helen” pounded her fists in her meeting with Pope Pius he would not give his blessing to a new and hastily arranged second marriage to Princess Anne. The truth is really quite simple. Pope Pius Stands Firm, Princess Anne Should Not Marry a Man Who Is Already Married Ownership of Responsibility It is well understood and explained that as a young boy, Michael was brought to the states for security, stability, and privacy. However, at this point as time has marched forward, his life and background has been revealed and is of international interest. Responsibility for his safe return and reunion with his people is not just the responsibility of Romania, but of many and most Royal Families of Europe.

Accountability for such an injustice rests on many shoulders. The people would be shocked to know the identity of some of those proud, but shriveling, shoulders. Remember, all secrets eventually are revealed. A Dangerous Post-War World For Michael II of Romania In Post-War Europe Romanovs Male Romanovs Were In Real Danger Including The Hohenzollerns Michael II rarely responds to personal questions, however he is pleased to respond to the confusion regarding his separation from his twin sister and his family. His response was, “It is easy to forget the political situation of Europe in the late 40,s right after such a terrible and devastating war. Though the Romanian Royal Family was responsible for liberating Romania from the Ottoman Empire, bringing the country out of a dark age and modernizing the country before World War II, the memory of the Royal Family's efforts were virtually erased during communism. With the the line of succession resting on the male child of the last Romanian King, there was a very real danger from the Stalinist regime in Moscow, as well as the post war regime in Bucharest.

As the head of one of the two surviving lines of the Romanovs, my family was well aware of the desire to exterminate Royals; as was the fate of Tzar Nicolas II and his family. The Soviet Empire wanted to keep Romania within the Eastern Block, and a male heir to the Romanian throne was a potential threat that could be easily managed by assassinating a child. Hiding me was not so difficult, considering the technologies and constraints on the news media of the time. Therefore, it was both easy and essential to hide the child king. In recent years with the forthcomings of Edward Snowden and others, it is important to not be naive to the will of government forces protecting secrets and betrayals. Royal Twins There is often confusion of the differences between fraternal and identical twins. Identical twins are genetically identical and are essentially mirror images of each other; and of course are of the same gender. On the other hand, fraternal twins are siblings born together, and although they may look much alike they are genetically different and can be born of opposite genders, as with Michael II and Princess Magarita. Giving birth to twins is often a trait that runs in the family, as is the case for Michael and Margarita's Mother.

As for Michael II, his appearance favors the Hohenzollerns back to Ferdinand and Carol II; more than his own Father does. It is equally interesting and gratifying that his Sister Princess Margarita looks so much like their deceased Mother, who Michael and his children were able to know so well near the end of her life. “Our Mother was always reluctant to talk about the past, but described having to give up her children as an unbearable dark time in her life.” Michael also notes about his Mother “She was truly treated terribly by our Father and even worse by my Grandmother Queen Helen... There is much to be corrected and there are no innocents living in my Father's house.” Parenting and Values of Michael I of Romania Michael II responds to the neglect issue by stating, “Certainly there is no excuse for not accepting parental responsibility. However, regardless of marital and political issues at the time of the birth of myself and my sister, there have been many opportunities to put things right. That said others must shoulder the blame with my Father. There were and are many Royal Houses in Europe with knowledge of the situation and in recent years they have had the opportunity to communicate. They have protected each other.

I make exception to Denmark and appreciate the response and assistance. This statement comes at the time of the date strategically chosen for the official birthday for myself and my sister, March 26, 1949. A date that would be an acceptable match for the marriage date of our Father to Princess Anne. We are indeed older and not born in March.” The True Life of Michael I of Romania: Duping the Public There is not a society or culture that condones the abandonment of a child. How a person cares for their child is the reflection of ones true character and where they should belong in society. Michael II has been asked to comment about his exile and he has been generous to his Father and has given him plenty of opportunity to show a change in maturity and of character. However it is time to bring the truth forward and dispel the fairytail of the white knight that married a Danish princess. Michael II will begin to publicly reflect on the past, a life in exile, and the greed that has protected a false king. The False King: Michael I of Romania People automatically assume that when a person of power makes decisions, they actually have the authority to make such decisions. Former King Michael I portrays that he is still head of the Romanian Royal Family.

Abdication is final. Salic law was intact and applicable when he abdicated in 1947. Therefore his title was passed to his only son and first born. Former King Michael I did not have the authority to change or attempt to change Salic law and place Princess Margarita in a position above her twin brother. The line of succession is to be determined by Michael II; and he has his line. Saving The Line of The Romanian Royal Family It has been a recurring question as why Michael was brought to the United States and did not remain in Europe. As head of the Romanian Royal Family since his Father's abdication, Michael II's safety became the key issue. Early, when communism had just been forced upon the Romanian people the only male child of the Royal line was a danger to the new regime and Stalinist tactics were a very real concern in Europe. Also the American operative closely tied to the family took the responsibility of rescuing, protecting, and safely bringing Michael into exile in the United States. She was also instrumental in the development and implementation of his cover. The Woman Who Saved The Romanian Royal Family Line Don't lie, but don't tell everything you know...Don't act too smart...

A young child has not yet mastered the science of rationalizing or lying; they are innocent. For Michael he learned enough at a young age not to trust. A young child has a mind that takes in everything and remembers perfectly, however he knew not to disclose his memories to his protector. For Michael the memories are vivid of the people connected to his early years; from his family to the time with the order that protected him. Perhaps that is where he developed the skill to hide and be very silent. “I could hide directly in front of someone and not be seen”. How to blend in was a key for his safety. Where do you safely hide the boy that is head of the Romanian Royal Family so he will blend in and not be found? His American adventure would begin briefly in Washington D.C. and from there his hiding place; very rural New England. The transition was not an easy. New environment and many new faces. An major element of the strategy was a new name. Michael spent a lot of time rebuking this and remembers repeatedly say, “ That IS not my name.” it was difficult to accept the changes.

"The first time I met you you couldn't speak English well and you brought M&Ms" is how Michael's cousin and childhood friend remembers the arrival. "That was at XXXXXXX's home on XXXXXXX in Washington.... you broke a lamp." It was all so unfamiliar and frightening for a small boy. This is where the drop off occurred and Michael would leave for rural New England to begin a new life with a new name in America, but it would never feel quite like home. "That is not my name!" Michael also had to adjust to being alone. The connection twins have with one another is well known. The studies of twins who have been separated from a young age are particularly interesting.... Even into his early adulthood, people would try to dispel the notion of a twin; but Michael never gave into the game. "Twins are very sensitive to each other and my Sister is no exception. As one of my children looks just like her I am constantly reminded of my sister and our connection." Along with an entire new venue young Micheal II also had to adjust to being moved around a lot. It was as if he was lulled into a very false sense of reality.

A few years ago a confession was made to him by a person who was close to him during those difficult young years. “ I always felt bad for you because you never had a childhood.....you had to grow up quickly. You were moved around and had to live with total strangers; for your protection.” King Michael - definition of King Michael by The Free Dictionary King Michael - definition of King Michael by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Thesaurus , Encyclopedia , Wikipedia . Mi·chael (mī′kəl) n. An archangel who appears in the Hebrew Scriptures as a protector of the Jews and in the New Testament as a leader of the angels in their war against Satan. [Hebrew mîkā'ēl, who (is) like God? : mî, who; see my1 in the Appendix of Semitic roots + kā, like + 'ēl, God; see ʔl in the Appendix of Semitic roots.] Michael n 1. (Biography) 1596–1645, tsar of Russia (1613–45); founder of the Romanov dynasty 2.

(Biography) born 1921, king of Romania (1927–30, as part of a three-part regency; 1940–47), who relinquished the throne (1930–40) in favour of his father, Carol II. He led the coup d'état that overthrew (1944) Antonescu but was forced to abdicate (1947) by the Communists 3. (Biography) Saint Michael Bible one of the archangels. Feast day: Sept 29 or Nov 8 Mi•chael King Michael of Romania - The Full Wiki The Full Wiki More info on King Michael of Romania Wikis King Michael of Romania: Wikis Advertisements Note: Many of our articles have direct quotes from sources you can cite, within the Wikipedia article! This article doesn't yet, but we're working on it! See more info or our list of citable articles . Did you know ...

(Redirected to Michael of Romania article) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Michael 20 July 1927 – 8 June 1930 (&0000000000000002.0000002 years, &0000000000000323.000000323 days) 6 September 1940 – 30 December 1947 (&0000000000000007.0000007 years, &0000000000000105.000000105 days) Sinaia , Romania Michael (born 25 October 1921) reigned as King of the Romanians ( Romanian : Maiestatea Sa Mihai I Regele Românilor, literally "His Majesty Michael I King of the Romanians") from 20 July 1927 to 8 June 1930, and again from 6 September 1940, until forced to

 abdicate by the communists backed up by orders of Stalin to the Soviet armies of occupation on 30 December 1947.

He is also a Prince of Hohenzollern [1] [2] [3] . A great-great-grandson of Queen Victoria by both of his parents and a third cousin of Queen Elizabeth II , he is one of the last surviving heads of state from World War II , [4] [5] [6] [7] the others being Simeon II of Bulgaria [8] and former King Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia . Contents 11 References Early life Michael was born in the Foişor Castle or Peleş Castle , Sinaia , Romania , the son of Carol II of Romania (then- Crown Prince of Romania) and Princess Elena of Greece . He was born as the grandson of the then-reigning King Ferdinand of Romania . When Carol II eloped with his mistress Elena "Magda" Lupescu and renounced 'temporarily' his rights to the throne in December 1925, Michael was declared the heir apparent . He succeeded to the throne upon Ferdinand's death in July 1927.

In August 1927 he appeared on the cover of Time magazine: he is the longest-surviving person to have appeared on the magazine's cover.[citation needed] Rule Advertisements 1930s and the Antonescu era A Regency , which included his uncle, Prince Nicolae , Patriarch Miron Cristea , and the country's Chief Justice (Gheorghe Buzdugan, from October 1929 on Constantin Sărăţeanu) functioned on behalf of the 5-year-old Michael during the 1927–1930 period. [9] In 1930, Carol II returned to the country at the invitation of politicians dissatisfied with the Regency, and was proclaimed king by the Parliament , designating Michael as Crown Prince with the title "Grand Voievod of Alba-Iulia ". In November 1939, Michael joined the Romanian Senate , as the 1938 Constitution guaranteed him a seat there upon reaching the age of eighteen.

[10] In September 1940, the pro- German anti- Bolshevik régime of Prime Minister Marshal Ion Antonescu staged a coup d'état against Carol II, whom the Marshal claimed to be 'anti-German'. Antonescu suspended the Constitution, dissolved the Parliament, and re-installed the 18-year-old Michael as King by popular acclaim. (Although the Constitution was restored in 1944 and the Romanian Parliament in 1946, Michael did not either subsequently take a formal oath or have his reign approved retroactively by Parliament.) Michael was crowned [11] with the Steel Crown and anointed King of Romania by the Orthodox Patriarch of Romania, Nicodim Munteanu , in the Patriarchal Cathedral of Bucharest , on the day of his accession, 6 September 1940. [12] Although King Michael was formally the Supreme Head of the Army and entitled to appoint the Prime Minister with full powers named 'Leader of the people' = " Conducător ", in reality he was forced to remain only a figurehead until August 1944. [13] The young King Michael of Romania.

Turning against Nazi Germany Main article: King Michael's Coup In 1944, World War II was going badly for the Axis powers , but the military dictator Prime Minister Marshal Ion Antonescu was still in control of Romania. As of August 1944, the Soviet conquest of Romania had become inevitable, being expected in a few months according to Encyclopedia Britannica . [14] On 23 August 1944, Michael joined the pro- Allied politicians, a number of army officers, and armed communist-led civilians [15] in staging a coup against Antonescu , whereas it was recognized in the late 1970s that King Michael ordered his arrest by the Royal Palace Guard. On the same night, the new Prime Minister, Lt. General Constantin Sănătescu —who was appointed by King Michael—gave custody of Antonescu to the communists (in spite of alleged instructions to the contrary by the King), who delivered him to the Soviets on 1 September.

[16] [17] In a radio broadcast to the Romanian nation and army, Michael issued a cease-fire just as the Red Army was penetrating the Moldavian front, [15] proclaimed Romania's loyalty to the Allies, announced the acceptance of the armistice offered by Great Britain , the United States , and the USSR , and declared war on Germany. [18] However, this did not avert a rapid Soviet occupation and capture of about 130,000 Romanian soldiers, who were transported to the Soviet Union where many perished in prison camps. [15] Although the country's alliance with the Nazis was ended, the coup sped the Red Army 's advance into Romania. [15] The armistice was signed three weeks later on 12 September 1944, on terms the Soviets virtually dictated. [15] Under the terms of the armistice, Romania recognized its defeat by the USSR and was placed under occupation of the Allied forces with the Soviets, as their representative, in control of media, communication, post, and civil administration behind the front.

The coup effectively amounted to a "capitulation", [19] an "unconditional" [20] "surrender" [14] [15] . It has been suggested that the coup may have shortened World War II by six months, thus saving hundreds of thousands of lives. [21] King Michael was the last monarch behind the Iron Curtain to lose his throne. At the end of the war, King Michael was awarded the highest degree (Chief Commander) of the Legion of Merit by U.S. President Harry S. Truman . He was also decorated with the Soviet Order of Victory by Joseph Stalin "for the courageous act of the radical change in Romania's politics towards a break-up from Hitler 's Germany and an alliance with the United Nations , at the moment when there was no clear sign yet of Germany's defeat," according to the official description of the decoration. He is the only surviving recipient as of 2009. [22] This box: view • talk • edit The reign under communism In March 1945, political pressures forced King Michael to appoint a pro-Soviet government dominated by the Romanian Communist Party .

Under the communist régime King Michael functioned again as little more than a figurehead. Between August 1945 and January 1946, during what was later known as the "royal strike," King Michael tried unsuccessfully to oppose the first communist government led by the communist Prime Minister Petru Groza , by refusing to sign its decrees. In response to Soviet, British, and American pressures, [23] King Michael eventually gave up his opposition to the communist government and stopped demanding its resignation. He did not pardon former Marshal Antonescu, who was sentenced to death "for betrayal of the Romanian people for the benefit of Nazi Germany, for the economic and political subjugation of Romania to Germany, for cooperation with the Iron Guard , for murdering his political opponents, for the mass murder of civilians and crimes against peace ". Nor did King Michael manage to save such leaders of the opposition as Iuliu Maniu and the Bratianus , [24] victims of communist political trials, as the Constitution prevented him from doing so without the counter-signature of communist Justice Minister Lucreţiu Pătrăşcanu (who was, himself, later eliminated by Gheorghiu-Dej 's opposing communist faction).

The memoirs of King Michael's aunt Princess Ileana [25] quote Emil Bodnăraş —her alleged lover, [26] Romania's communist minister of defense, and a Soviet spy [27] —as saying: "Well, if the King decides not to sign the death warrant, I promise that we will uphold his point of view." Princess Ileana was skeptical: "You know quite well (...) that the King will never of his free will sign such an unconstitutional document. If he does, it will be laid at your door, and before the whole nation your government will bear the blame. Surely you do not wish this additional handicap at this moment!" Forced abdication Abdication act, 1947 The Standard of the King In November, 1947, King Michael traveled to London for the wedding of his cousins, The Princess Elizabeth (the future Queen Elizabeth II) and The Duke of Edinburgh , an occasion during which he met Princess Anne of Bourbon-Parma , who was to become his wife.

According to unconfirmed claims by so-called Romanian 'royalists', King Michael did not want to return home, but certain Americans and Britons present at the wedding encouraged him to do so; [28] Winston Churchill is said to have counseled Michael to return because "above all things, a King must be courageous." According to his own account, [29] King Michael rejected any offers of asylum and decided to return to Romania, contrary to the confidential, strong advice of the British Ambassador to Romania. However, on 30 December 1947, King Michael I was forced at gun point (by either Petru Groza or Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej , depending on the source) to abdicate Romania's throne in his own Royal Palace which was surrounded by the Tudor Vladimirescu army units loyal to the Communists. [30] [31] [32] Later the same day, the Communist-dominated government announced the 'permanent' abolition of the monarchy and its replacement by a People's Republic , broadcasting the King's pre-recorded radio proclamation [33] of his own abdication.

On 3 January 1948, Michael was forced to leave the country, followed [34] over a week later by Princesses Elisabeth and Ileana, who collaborated so closely with the Russians that they became known as the King's "Red Aunts." [35] There are several accounts as to why King Michael abdicated. As recounted by Michael himself, the Communist Prime Minister Petru Groza had threatened him at gun point [36] [37] [38] [39] and blackmailed him that the government was to shoot 1,000 arrested students if King Michael didn't abdicate. [40] In an interview with The New York Times from 2007, Michael recalls the events: “It was blackmail. They said, ‘If you don’t sign this immediately we are obliged’ — why obliged I don’t know — 'to kill more than 1,000 students' that they had in prison.” [7] According to Time magazine, [1] the communist government threatened Michael that it would arrest thousands and steep the country in blood if he did not abdicate.

However, according to the book Special Tasks: The Memoirs of an Unwanted Witness -- A Soviet Spymaster, the autobiography of the former leader of the Soviet intelligence agency NKVD , Major General Pavel Sudoplatov , the Deputy Soviet Foreign Commissar Andrey Vyshinsky personally conducted negotiations with King Michael for his abdication, guaranteeing part of a pension to be paid to Michael in Mexico . [41] According to a few articles in Jurnalul Naţional , [42] [43] Michael's abdication was the result of his negotiations with the Communist government, not of a blackmail, which allowed him to leave the country accompanied by the goods he requested and by some of the royal retinue. [43] According to the Albanian communist leader Enver Hoxha ,who recounts his conversations with the Romanian Communist leaders on the monarch's abdication, King Michael was threatened with a pistol by the Romanian Communist Party leader Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej rather than Petru Groza so as to abdicate—recount which lacks any factual evidence.

He was allowed to leave the country accompanied by some of his entourage and, as confirmed also by the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev recounting Dej 's confessions, [44] with whatever properties he desired, including gold and rubies . [45] Hoxha does say in his book that the Romanian communist leaders had threatened King Michael with their loyal army troops, which had encircled the royal palace and its troops loyal to King Michael. According to Time magazine, [46] in early 1948 there had been negotiations between King Michael and the communist government over the properties he left behind in Romania and those negotiations delayed his denunciation of the abdication as illegal. There are reports [47] [48] [49] [50] [51] that Romanian communist authorities, obedient to Stalin , allowed King Michael to part with 42 valuable Crown -owned paintings in November 1947, so that he would leave Romania faster. [49] Some of these paintings [52] were reportedly sold through the famed art dealer Daniel Wildenstein .

One of the paintings belonging to the Romanian Crown which was supposedly taken out of the country by King Michael in November 1947, returned to Romania in 2004 as a donation [47] [53] [54] made by John Kreuger, the former husband of King Michael's daughter Princess Irina . In 2005 Romanian Prime Minister Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu [55] denied these accusations about King Michael, stating that the Romanian government has no proof of any such action by King Michael and that, prior to 1949, the government had no official records of any artwork taken over from the former royal residences. However, according to some historians, such records existed as early as April 1948, having been, in fact, officially published in June 1948.

[56] According to Ivor Porter's authorized biography, [57] Michael of Romania: The King and The Country (2005), which quotes Queen-Mother Helen 's daily diary, the Romanian royals took out paintings belonging to the Romanian Royal Crown on their November 1947 trip to London to the wedding of the future Queen Elizabeth II; two of these paintings, signed by El Greco , were sold in 1976. According to recently declassified Foreign Office documents, when he left Romania, the exiled king Michael's only assets amounted to 500,000 Swiss francs . [58] Recently declassified Soviet transcripts of talks between Joseph Stalin and the Romanian Prime-Minister Petru Groza [59] [60] show that shortly before his abdication, King Michael received from the communist government assets amounting to 500,000 Swiss francs . King Michael, however, repeatedly denied [61] [62] [63] that the communist government had allowed him to take into exile any financial assets or valuable goods besides four personal automobiles loaded on two train cars.

Life after the loss of the throne Monarchical styles of Alternative style Sir In January 1948, [1] Michael began using one of his family's ancestral titles, "Prince of Hohenzollern," [2] [64] instead of using the title of "King of Romania." After denouncing his abdication as forced and illegal in March 1948, Michael resumed use of the kingly title. On 10 June 1948 in Athens , Greece , he married Princess Anne of Bourbon-Parma (b. Paris , 18 September 1923). They lived first in Britain [65] and later settled in Switzerland . The Communist Romanian authorities illegally stripped him of his Romanian citizenship in 1948. He became a commercial pilot and worked for an aircraft equipment company. He and his wife have five daughters. In 1992, three years after the revolution which overthrew the Communist dictatorship, the Romanian government allowed Michael to return to his country for Easter celebrations, where he drew large crowds. In Bucharest over a million people turned out to see him.

[66] Michael's popularity alarmed the government of President Ion Iliescu , so Michael was forbidden to visit Romania again for five years. In 1997, after Iliescu's defeat by Emil Constantinescu , the Romanian Government restored Michael's citizenship and again allowed him to visit the country. He now lives partly in Switzerland at Aubonne and partly in Romania , either at Săvârşin Castle in Arad county or in an official residence in Bucharest—the Elisabeta Palace —voted by the Romanian Parliament by a law concerning arrangements for former heads of state. According to the succession provisions of the Romanian kingdom's last democratically approved monarchical constitution of 1923, upon the death of King Michael without sons, the claim to the Crown devolves once again upon the Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen family, (see " Line of succession to the Romanian throne ").

However, on 30 December 2007, on the 60th anniversary of his abdication, King Michael signed the Fundamental Rules of the Royal Family of Romania, [11] [67] by which he designated Princess Margarita as heiress to the throne with the titles of "Crown Princess of Romania" and "Custodian of the Romanian Crown." On the same occasion, Michael also asked the Romanian Parliament that, should it consider restoring the monarchy, it should also abolish the salic law of succession. Political positions Michael cannot be said to have encouraged monarchist agitation in Romania and royalist parties have made little impact in post-communist Romanian politics. He takes the view that the restoration of the monarchy in Romania can only result from a decision by the Romanian people. "If the people want me to come back, of course, I will come back," he said in 1990.

"Romanians have had enough suffering imposed on them to have the right to be consulted on their future." King Michael's belief is that there is still a role for, and value to, the monarchy today: "We are trying to make people understand what the Romanian monarchy was, and what it can still do" (...for them). [68] According to a 2007 opinion poll conducted at the request of the Romanian Royal House, only 14% of Romanians were in favor of the restoration of the monarchy. [69] Another 2008 poll found that only 16% of Romanians are monarchists. [70] Michael has undertaken some quasi-diplomatic roles on behalf of post-communist Romania. In 1997 and 2002 he toured Western Europe, lobbying for Romania's admission into NATO and the European Union , and was received by heads of state and government officials.

In December 2003, allegedly to the "stupefaction of the public opinion in Romania", [71] [72] Michael awarded the "Man of The Year 2003" [73] prize to the then Prime Minister Adrian Năstase , leader of the PSD party, on behalf of the tabloid [74] VIP. The daily Evenimentul Zilei subsequently complained that 'such an activity was unsuited to a king and that Michael was wasting away his prestige', with the majority of the political analysts 'considering his gesture as a fresh abdication'. [71] One notes that such commentaries implicitly admit that Michael still is a king of Romania, albeit without his throne, and that they would like to retain the status quo on the 'basis' of unproven speculations which are often repeated that "he might be unfit to rule again as a parliamentary king".[citation needed] Personality and personal interests Michael has had a reputation for taciturnity .

He once said to his grandmother, "I have learned not to say what I feel, and to smile at those I most hate." Before getting to know his future wife, Anne of Bourbon-Parma , Michael had a romantic relationship with, among others, a Greek woman, Dodo Chrisolegos, a protégée of the former Romanian Communist Party leader Ana Pauker . [75] Some claim that political influences had been exerted upon King Michael through this liaison . [75] [76] Michael is passionate about cars, [77] especially military jeeps. [78] [79] He is also interested in aircraft, [80] having worked as a commercial flight pilot [81] during his exile. On 10 May 2007, King Michael received the Prague Society for International Cooperation and Global Panel Foundation's 6th Annual Hanno R. Ellenbogen Citizenship Award , previously awarded to Vladimir Ashkenazy , Madeleine Albright , Václav Havel , Lord Robertson , and Miloš Forman . [82] On 8 April 2008, King Michael and Patriarch Daniel were elected as Honorary Members of the Romanian Academy .

[83] [84] The family Dutch abdication: Monarchs who have given up the throne - Telegraph Netherlands Dutch abdication: Monarchs who have given up the throne Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands will step down on Tuesday, after 33 years on the throne. Here are some other monarchs who have abdicated. Dutch Queen Beatrix Photo: AFP 3:50PM BST 29 Apr 2013 – BRITAIN: Edward VIII was forced to abdicate after only several months in power on December 12, 1936, in order to marry divorced American Wallis Simpson, thus avoiding a major constitutional crisis. His younger brother Albert took over the throne under the name of George VI in May 1937. He was the father of the current Queen Elizabeth II. – ROMANIA: Michael I was forced to abdicate by the communists in December 1947, before going into exile several months later.

– ITALY: Victor-Emmanuel III, the king of Italy since 1900, abdicated on May 9, 1946 because of his collaboration with the fascist regime of dictator Benito Mussolini. His son, Umberto II, nicknamed the “May King”, went into exile in June of the same year the day after a referendum setting up the republic. – BELGIUM: King Leopold III, on the throne since 1934 but controversial because of some of his actions during the Second World War, abdicated on July 16, 1951 in favour of his son Baudouin I in order to avoid the possibility of major civil unrest after his return to the throne after six years in exile. – EGYPT: King Farouk I abdicated in July 1952 during the revolution led by Colonel Gamal Abdul Nasser, 16 years after his accession to the throne. His son, Fuad II, succeeded him, but was forced to join his family in exile after the proclamation of the republic less than a year later in June 1953.

Related Articles Romanian Abdication | Twilight Strategy Romanian Abdication Romanian Abdication 1947 King Michael I, a westernized monarch, was forced to abdicate his throne at gunpoint. Romania was thereafter declared a democratic socialist republic. After the death of its first communist leader, Gheorghiu-Dej, Romania was ruled by Nicolae Ceausescu, second only to Stalin in cruelty to his own people. Time: Early War Removed after event: Yes As USSR An unimportant event. No decent US player contests Romania, and so this card is always played for Ops. Occasionally it might be headlined, if you’re deathly afraid of Defectors and have nothing better to dump, or if you need a European non-battleground ASAP. The only thing to keep an eye out for is Independent Reds. You’ll almost always want to trigger Independent Reds first rather than give the US 3 influence in a country bordering the USSR. This is especially true if Truman Doctrine is not out, since the US would have the option of playing to take Romania and +1VP each time Europe Scoring comes out.

As US I’m happy to play this as soon as I can, so that Independent Reds can be merely situational instead of worthless. Although the Romania Abdication/Independent Reds/Truman Doctrine combo is nice, it’s not worth it to pursue it on your own. If you play Romanian Abdication, and the USSR plays Independent Reds later, then hey, why not Truman away the 3 influence for Romania. But it’s otherwise not worth 3 Ops and 2 Action Rounds to score +1 VP on Europe Scoring. One Response to Romanian Abdication paddyodoors January 3, 2012 at 10:56 am Spot on. An addition: one consideration for Romanian Abdication that I have as either the US or the USSR player is the event’s interaction with Destalinization. As the US player, if I have Romanian Abdication in my hand on T1, I will generally hold off on playing it until late in the turn or after Destalinization is played (if at all), in the hopes of not giving the USSR free IPs which he can reposition with ease. After T1, the USSR player should have an easy time regardless of whether R.A.

has been played, so as the US I wouldn’t delay playing the card any more. As the USSR player, I will generally hope to have this event sooner rather than later so that Destalinization is made even easier. However, I would not hold off triggering Destal just to wait for R.A. The one instance where I could see doing that is if, during T1, I am under the Red Scare/Purge and I have both Romania and Destal; in that situation, my IP placement for T1 is going to be pretty slim, so the 3 free IPs from R.A. would go a long way to a successful Destal. None of these considerations are huge. Just something to consider when all other things are being equal.

Romania prince stripped of title by former king for lacking 'modest moral principles' - Telegraph Romania Romania prince stripped of title by former king for lacking 'modest moral principles' Romanians shocked by move against popular prince, in country that holds family in high regard despite formally being a republic Romania's former King Michael stands next to Prince Nicholas on the balcony of his residence in Bucharest Photo: AP By AP 6:06PM BST 11 Aug 2015 Romania 's former King Michael has stripped his only grandson of his royal title in a move that has stunned Romanians. Michael said in a statement that he had withdrawn the royal titles and privileges from the popular Prince Nicholas because the family should be led by someone who is "modest, well-balanced and with moral principles". The popular Nicholas, 30, who was third in line to the throne after his aunt and his mother, has lived in Romania for five years, is unmarried, and is known for his dedication to ecology, cycling and literacy. In April, he cycled from the northern region of Transylvania to the Black Sea port of Constanta in a 625-mile journey to raise money for children's issues.

The king's statement on Monday sparked speculation that a jealous relative had sought to edge Nicholas out of the succession. Nicholad's popularity has grown since the surprise announcement and his Facebook page has 23,000 likes. Reports say he has left Romania. In real terms, the title means little, as Romania is a republic. But Romanians associate their royal family with elegance and dignity that they say their politicians lack. The head of the royal house looks after the family's properties and bestows honors. In a statement on Tuesday, Nicholas thanked people for his support. "The royal life means leading my life in a way I find hard to accept," he said. "For this reason, I accept with a lot of pain in my heart the decision of His Majesty King Michael for me." The third-in-line to the throne is now Nicholas' sister, Karina de Roumanie-Medforth Mills, spokesman for the royal house Ioan-Luca Vlad confirmed. Michael, 93, abdicated in 1947 when the communists came to power, and settled in Switzerland. He was banned from Romania during communism, but authorities finally allowed him to visit in 1992.

The statement, released on Monday, was signed on Aug. 1. Europe's royal families have been informed.

Question: King Michael abdicated in 1947 from which throne?
Answer: Romania