Tag Archives: Not So Dead Royalty

August 30th

02 Sunday Feb 2014

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No major events.

Birthdays:
1334 – Peter I of Castile is born to Alfonso XI of Castile and Maria of Portugal. He would be king twice, first from 1350 until 1366, then again from 1367 until 1369. His reign was interrupted by his half-brother, Henry of Trastamara, the future Henry II. Because of the civil wars, Peter is remembered as both the Cruel, and the Just, by the opposing sides of the war.

1808 – Princess Ludovika of Bavaria is born in Munich. She was the daughter of Maximilian I Joseph, King of Bavaria, and Karoline of Baden. Ludovika married the Duke in Bavaria, her cousin, Maximilian Joseph. They had ten children, and Ludovika lived out her days in Munich, dying in 1892.

1813 – Princess Mathilde Caroline of Bavaria is born as a daughter of King Ludwig I of Bavaria. She married a Hessian Grand Duke, also named Ludwig, in 1833. They would have no children, and Mathilde died in 1862.

1842 – Alexandra Alexandrovna is born in St. Petersburg Russia to Tsar Alexander II and Tsarina Maria Alexandrovna. She was the couple’s first child, and was doted on by her parents. Sadly at age 6, she caught infant meningitis, and died suddenly. Her mother would cry at the mention of her name for years to come.

1870 – Princess Alexandra of Greece is born as a daughter of King George I of Greece and Queen Olga. She was a sister of King Constantine I, and is thus an aunt of Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Queen Elizabeth II. She married at age 19, to Russian Grand Duke Paul Alexandrovich, son of Tsar Alexander II. It was a happy marriage and they would have two children. But during her second pregnancy, she fell, and went into a coma after delivering the child, and died a few days later. She was 21 years old.

1917 – Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich of Russia is born in Finland. He was a descendant of Alexander II of Russia, and his family has escaped the Russian Revolution. After the executions of the Romanov family, he was a claimant of the Imperial titles of the Tsars until his death in 1992.

1946 – The future Queen Anne-Marie of Greece is born in Copenhagen. She is the daughter of King Frederick IX of Denmark and Queen Ingrid, and her elder sister is the current Danish Queen, Margarethe II. In 1964, she married Constantine II of Greece, and they ruled until Greece was declared a Republic in 1973. She currently resides in the UK.

Deaths:
1483 – Louis XI of France died at age 60. He had been King since 1461, after the death of his father, Charles VII. As king he fought with the Burgundians but also technically ended the Hundred Years War, with the Treaty of Picquigny. After crushing rebellions, he was able to strengthen royal power and the French Economy.

August 29th

29 Wednesday Jan 2014

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Events:
1756 – Frederick the Great of Prussia attacks Saxony, starting what’s called the Seven Years War, over territorial disputes with the neighboring German nations and Austria.

1825 – The Kingdom of Portugal officially recognizes the independence of Brazil. In 1822, Brazil would declare itself its own empire.

1968 – Crown Prince Harald of Norway married Sonja Haraldsen, after dating in secret for nine years. She was not of royal status, so there was concern of a scandal. The couple rule today as King Harald V and Queen Sonja.

Birthdays:
1729 – Maria Anna Sophia of Saxony is born to King Augustus III of Poland and Maria Josepha of Austria. She was one of 15 children, and the sister of Frederick Christian, Elector of Saxony, Queen Maria Amalia of Spain, and French Dauphine Maria Josepha. This makes Maria Anna the aunt of French Kings Louis XVI, Louis XVIII, and Charles X. In 1747, she married the Elector of Bavaria, Maximilian III Joseph. The marriage was childless, and Maximilian died in 1777, but Maria would outlive him by 20 years, remaining in her adopted homeland.

Deaths:
1526 – King Louis II of Hungary, Croatia, and Bohemia died while fighting the Ottomans during the Battle of Mohacs. He had been king for ten years, after the death of his father, Vladislaus II. Louis was only twenty at the time of his death, and was childless, in his marriage.

Enjoy your day!

August 26th

21 Saturday Dec 2013

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Events:

1346 – The Battle of Crecy takes place as part of the Hundred Years War between France and England. The battle was a major one in the early times of the war, and an important victory for England, who heavily used their famous longbows.

Birthdays:

1469 – Ferdinand II of Naples is born in Italy to king Alfonso II of Naples and Ippolita Maria Sforza. He became king in 1495, when his father abdicated. The French army soon invaded, and Ferdinand would be overthrown. He would be restored the following year, but die shortly after reclaiming his throne.

1819 – Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha is born in Germany to the Ducal family. In 1840, he married his young first cousin, Queen Victoria of Great Britain. They would have nine children, and he would be a major influence on Victoria, who was completely devoted and dependent on him. Given the title Prince Consort, he undertook many public causes and was a devoted father to his children. His early death at age 42 plunged Victoria in mourning, from which she would never fully emerge from.

1826 – Princess Alexandra of Bavaria is born as a younger daughter of Ludwig I of Bavaria and Theresa of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Alexandra never had children, or married. Instead she devoted her life to religious and literary pursuits. She would publish several books of poetry and produce plays. Her life was overshadowed by eccentricities and possible mental illness, however.

1944 – In not-so-dead royalty, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester is born in England as the son of Prince Henry and Princess Alice. He was the youngest grandchild of King George V and Queen Mary, and is a first cousin to Queen Elizabeth II. He undertakes many royal duties and patronages.

Deaths:

1850 – French King Louis Phillippe I died in British exile. He was a member of the Orleans branch of the French royal family, and was declared king in 1830, after the overthrow of Charles X. Initially popular, his policies eventually led to his downfall and forced abdication in 1848.

August 15th

27 Tuesday Aug 2013

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Events:
1760 – The Battle of Liegnitz took place in Prussia between the forces of King Frederick the Great and the Austrians, being led by Ernst von Laudon. It would be a sound defeat for the Austrians, who lost almost 5000 soldiers in 30 minutes.

Birthdays:
1171 – Alfonso IX of Leon is born to King Ferdinand II of Leon, and Urraca of Portugal. He became King in 1188, and ruled until 1230. He convened the Cortes of Leon, which is said to be the oldest form of Parliament in Europe. He had been excommunicated by the Pope for a time, because of his unsanctioned marriage to Berengaria of Castile. When he died, his son, Ferdinand succeeded him. Ferdinand was already King of Castile, through his mother’s claim, thus uniting the two regions of Spain.

1769 – Napoleone Buonaparte is born on the island of Corsica. Later, while serving in the military in France, he adopted the French spelling of his name, making it Napoleon Bonaparte. He would move up through the ranks in the military, then in 1799, Bonaparte was declared First Consul of France. Five years later, he was given the title ‘Emperor of the French’. Through the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century, he captured most of continental Europe, but after a failed invasion of Russia, things collapsed, with his eventual abdication and exile to the island of Elba. Napoleon escaped captivity on Elba, returned to France, and attempted to reclaim his throne, but he was thwarted again, and sent back to exile on the British controlled island of St. Helena, where he died in 1821.

1950 – Anne, Princess Royal of the United Kingdom was born today in 1950 to the future Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip.

Deaths:
1038 – Stephen I of Hungary dies in Hungary. He had been Grand Prince of Hungary from 997 until about 1000, when he became the first king of Hungary. He was also a champion for the early Christian church in the nation, and was later sainted. He would unify Hungary also under his banner, and is still considered a national hero.

1057 – MacBeth, King of Scotland died in battle. He had been King of Alba since 1040, after the death of Duncan I. He was involved in the strife in England, between Godwin, Earl of Essex, and Edward the Confessor. In contrary to the Shakespearean play, he was a good and just ruler.

1369 – Philippa of Hainault died at age 55 in London. She was born in Valenciennes to the Count and Countess of Hainault, Holland, and Zeeland. Her betrothal to the future Edward III of England was at first to gain her father’s support in Isabella, Edward’s mother’s, invasion of England. But Edward and Philippa did love each other and were said to be quite devoted. Edward trusted her enough to leave her as regent during his trips abroad and she would accompany him on some. They would have fourteen children. Philippa was well loved and admired by the people of England for her piety, charity, and compassion.

Have an awesome day!

August 11th

22 Thursday Aug 2013

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Events:
1332 – The Battle of Dupplin Moor took place in Scotland as part of the Second War of Scottish Independence. It was fought between the English backed forces of Edward Balliol, and those loyal to the young heir of the deceased Robert Bruce, now David II. The Balliols would be successful, and Edward would be crowned at Scone, but later he would be overthrown, chased out of Scotland, and died in England.

1804 – Holy Roman Emperor Francis II formally adopted the title ‘Emperor of Austria’ as Francis I, in response to Napoleonic aggression. The Habsburg-Lorraine family wanted to keep Imperial status, in case the Holy Roman Empire were to be dissolved, which it was, two years later.

Birthdays:
1467 – Mary of York was born at Windsor Castle to King Edward IV and Queen Elizabeth Woodville. Not much is known about Mary’s life, other than she died young, at age 14, in London.

1968 – In not so dead royalty, the future Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau is born in the Netherlands. In 2004, she married Dutch Prince Friso, younger son of Queen Beatrix. Because they married without the approval of the Dutch Parliament, Friso and his children with Mabel are excluded from the line of succession. However in 2012, Friso was in a skiing accident, and Mabel was left a widow in 2013.

No major deaths.

Have a great day!

August 8th

19 Monday Aug 2013

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Events:
1503 – Princess Margaret Tudor, daughter of Henry VII of England married King James IV of Scotland. Their son would go on to be James V, and their granddaughter is the famous Queen Mary of Scots.

1553 – Edward VI was lady to rest in Henry VII’s Lady Chapel. His grave was actually unmarked except for a marble slab until 1966. Edward was the only surviving legitimate son of Henry VIII and was about 15 when he died and had been King since age 9.

Birthdays:
1824 – Maria Alexandrovna, future Empress consort of Russia, is born today in Hesse, Germany. She was the daughter of Louis II of Hesse and Wilhelmine of Baden, however Louis was probably not her biological father. She married the future Tsar in 1841, and despite not enjoying the climate, she bore eight children, including the future Alexander III. Alexander was kind to her in public, but had numerous affairs. Maria died in 1880 at age 55, and Alexander remarried morganatically just one month later.

1920 – Prince Carol Lambrino of Romania is born in Bucharest to King Carol II and Zizi Lambrino. The marriage between his parents had been annulled before his birth, under questionable legality. He lived abroad with his mother as a child, but was in contact with his father, who recognized him as his son and heir. In 1955, after the death of his father, Carol sued and won the right to use the Royal family name, and inherited part of his father’s estate. However he would be fought every step of the way by his half-brother, the deposed Michael I of Romania, until Carol died in 2006.

1988 – In not so dead royalty, Princess Beatrice of York is born in London to Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah, Duchess of York. She is currently 6th in line to the British throne and the first female.

Deaths:
1303 – Castilian Infante Henry the Senator died in Spain. He was serving as regent for his grand-nephew, Ferdinand IV of Castile. Henry had grown up as the fourth son of Ferdinand III of Castile and his first wife, Beatrice of Swabia. After the death of his father, he attempted to rebel against his elder brother, now Alfonso X, but the rebellion would fail, and Henry ran to the court of his half-siser, Eleanor, who was Queen consort of England. He had also spent time on expeditions in Africa and fought in Italy.

Have an awesome day!

August 3rd

13 Tuesday Aug 2013

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Events:
No major events.

Birthdays:
1770 – The future Frederick William III of Prussia is born in Potsdam. He was the eldest son of Frederick William II and Frederika Louise. He was said to be shy and quiet as a child, and that carried over when he succeeded his father in 1797. He was slow to bring Prussia into the Napoleonic Wars, which led to an embarrassing defeat for the Prussians. After the war though, he refused to give Prussia the constitution he promised before the war. His eldest son would succeed him as Frederick William IV, and later his younger son, as Wilhelm I, who would unite all of Germany under Prussian rule.

1872 – Prince Carl of Denmark is born in Copenhagen, as a younger son of Frederick VIII of Denmark and Queen Louise of Sweden. He would be the younger brother of Christian X. In 1896, he married Maud of Wales, daughter of the future Edward VII of Great Britain and Queen Alexandra. In 1905, Sweden and Norway dissolved their union, and Carl was asked to be the first monarch of Norway. He asked for a referendum from the people stating they wanted a monarchy, and the people voted overwhelmingly yes. The following year, he and Maud were crowned, with Carl taking the name Haakon VII. He would be a popular King, and rule through both World Wars, and was a fierce resistor of Nazi occupation. He ruled until 1957, when he died at age 85.

1943 – In not so dead royalty, Swedish Princess Christina is born near Stockholm to Prince Gustaf Adolf and Princess Sybilla. She is an elder sister of the current Swedish King, Carl XVI Gustaf. Because she married someone of unequal station in 1974, she is known as Princess Christina, Mrs. Magnusson.

1986 – Also in not so dead royals, Charlotte Casiraghi is born in Monaco to Princess Caroline of Monaco. She is a granddaughter of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, and a niece to the current monarch, Albert II.

Deaths:
1460 – King James II of Scotland died at age 29, when a cannon he was standing next to exploded. He was laying siege to Roxburgh Castle, which was still held by the English. He had been king since 1437, when his father was assassinated. James was just 6 years old, and ruled through regents until 1449. He would be popular with the common people, but he is also known for his struggle with the Douglas family, which culminated with beheading of William, 6th Earl Douglas. His young son would succeed him as James III.

Have an awesome day!

July 30th

09 Friday Aug 2013

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Events:
1635 – The Siege of Schenkenschans began as part of the Eighty Years War. The fortress was being held by Spanish Imperial forces, but the Dutch rebels, being led by the Stadtholder, Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange, were successful, nine months later, in capturing the important fort.

1656 – The Battle of Warsaw takes place as part of the Second Northern War. The belligerents were the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and Sweden, with back up from Germany. It would be a victory for the Swedish, but it would not affect the overall outcome of the war.

Birthdays:
1872 – Princess Clementine of Belgium is born to King Leopold II and Queen Marie Henriette. In 1910, she would marry Prince Napoleon Victor Bonaparte, heir to the Bonaparte claim to the French throne. Unlike her sisters, she married older, and chose her spouse for love. They would have a daughter and a son within the first five years of their marriage. Clementine was widowed in 1926, and would never remarry. She lived to her 82nd year, dying in France.

1936 – In not so dead royalty, Spanish Infanta Pilar, Duchess of Badajoz is born in France. Her father was Infante Juan, Count of Barcelona and Maria-Mercedes of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. The Spanish royal family was exiled at the time, but years later, her brother was restored and is the current King, Juan Carlos I.

Deaths:
1683 – Maria Theresa of Spain died at Versailles. She was the Queen consort of France as the wife of Louis XIV. She stayed out of politics and handled Louis’ numerous affairs, giving him six children. However, only one child would survive into adulthood, a son also named Louis. Her grandson through the younger Louis would go on to be King Phillip V of Spain.

1900 – Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburg, and Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, died in Coburg, Germany. He was the second son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He spent his youth in the Royal Navy, and in 1866, was created Duke of Edinburgh. Alfred also became the first member of the royal family to visit Australia. In 1874, he married Russian Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna, daughter of Alexander II. They would have five children survive adulthood, who include Queen Marie of Romania. Finally in 1893, he became Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha after his brother, the future Edward VII renounced his claim.

Have a great day!

July 23rd

01 Thursday Aug 2013

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Events:
1745 – Charles Stuart, or ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ landed on the islands of Northern Scotland, planning to invade and install his father, James Stuart “The Old Pretender” on the throne of England and Scotland.

1914 – Austria-Hungary would issue to July Ultimatum to Serbia, demanding Austria be allowed to investigate the assassination of Archuduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne. Serbia would go on the reject the ultimatum, kicking off World War I.

1986 – Prince Andrew, Duke of York, married Sarah Ferguson. The wedding took place at Westminster Abbey. The couple had two daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, but divorced in 1996.

Birthdays:
1503 – Anne of Bohemia and Hungary was born today in 1503 in modern day Budapest. She was the daughter of Vladislaus II of Bohemia and Hungary and Anne de Foix. In 1521, she married Austrian Archduke Ferdinand who later became Holy Roman Emperor as Ferdinand I. They had 15 children in all, which include a Holy Roman Emperor and two Polish Queens consort. All of her children were married into the various royal and noble families of continental Europe. She was 43 when she passed away in Prague.

Deaths:
1536 – Henry FitzRoy, Duke of Richmond and Somerset, illegitimate son of Henry VIII died, possibly of tuberculosis, at age 17. At the time of his death, there was a bill going through Parliament disinheriting his half-sister Elizabeth. Part of that bill would have allowed Henry VIII to name his successor, whether illegitimate or not. Some modern historians believe this would have been used by Henry to allow his son to become King should he not have a legitimate son.

Have an awesome day!

July 22nd

31 Wednesday Jul 2013

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Events:
1298 – Edward I of England scored a victory in the Scottish War of Independence at the Battle of Falkirk. William Wallace’s army was ill-equipped against Edward’s longbowmen. The loss would cause Wallace to resign as Guardian of Scotland.

1706 – The Acts of Union were agreed upon by commissioners sent by both England and Scotland. The acts were then sent to each Parliament for passage. These acts would lead to the union of England and Scotland into Great Britian.

Birthdays:
1210 – Joan of England is born to King John of England and Isabella of Angouleme. She married Alexander II of Scotland in 1221 when she was eleven, and he 23. They had no children, but she died suddenly at age 27.

1478 – Phillip I of Castile is born in Belgium to Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I and Mary, Duchess of Burgundy. He married Joanna of Castile, daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. They had six children, two of which would become Holy Roman Emperors, and daughters who were Queen consorts of various European countries. After Isabella died, he and Joanna became King and Queen of Castile until Phillip’s early death in 1506.

1535 – Catherine Stenbock is born in Sweden to humble beginnings. But she was the niece of Margareta Leijonhufvud, who was previously married to King Gustav I of Sweden. After her aunt’s death, Catherine caught his eye, and they married in 1552. They were only married for 8 years before Gustav’s death. She stayed in Sweden and attempted to remarry, but was prevented by politics. She lived out her days and worked with children until her death at age 86.

2013 – A prince is born to Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. He is named George Louis Alexander, and is currently third in line for the British throne.

Deaths:
1461 – A 58 year old Charles VII of France died. He had become King after the military successes of troops led by Joan of Arc. The French were able to finally push the English out in 1453, and Charles had a relatively quiet reign remaining. However, the last part of his time was marred by conflicts with his son, Louis, to the point Charles banished him in 1446, never to see him again. That same son succeeded him as Louis XI.

1832 – Napoleon II, son of Napoleon Bonaparte, died at age 21 of Tuberculosis. He never actually ruled France, and spent most of his life in Austria, known as Franz, Duke of Reichstadt. Its been joked that because he never actually ruled France, he was France’s best leader, since he brought no wars, taxation, or tyranny.

Have a great day!