Eurohistory

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Sweden: Funeral of Princess Lilian of Sweden

The funeral of Princess Lilian of Sweden took place today in Stockholm. By all accounts, it was a a nicely staged send-off to a much-beloved and august woman.

The guest list included:

The Royal Family:

H.M. The King
H.M. The Queen
H.K.H. Crown Princess Victoria
H.K.H. Prince Daniel
H.K.H. Prince Carl Philip
H.K.H. Princess Madeleine
Mr. Christopher O'Neill

H.M. The King's Family:

Princess Margaretha, Mrs. Ambler
H.K.H. Princess Birgitta
Princess Désirée, Baroness Silfverschiöld
Hélène Silfverschiöld and Mr. Fredrik Diterle
Princess Christina, Mrs. Magnuson and
General-Consul Tord Magnuson
Gustaf Magnuson
Oscar Magnuson
Victor Magnuson
Countess Marianne Bernadotte af Wisborg
Countess Gunnila Bernadotte af Wisborg
Countess Monica Bonde
Mr. Patrick Sommerlath

H.K.H. the late Duchess of Halland's Family:

Mrs. Barbara Davis

Prince WILHELMS Descendants:

Countess Bettina Bernadotte af Wisborg

Prince OSCAR BERNADOTTE'S Descendants:

Mrs. Dagmar von Arbin
Count Oscar Bernadotte af Wisborg
Mrs. Catharina Nilert
Count Bertil Bernadotte af Wisborg and Countess Jill Bernadotte af Wisborg
Count Claes Bernadotte af Wisborg and Countess Birgitta Bernadotte af Wisborg

Denmark:

H.M. Queen Margrethe II

Norway:

Princess Astrid, Mrs. Ferner

©Reuters

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Vatican – Habemus Papam: Francis [Franciscus]

The College of Cardinals reunited in Conclve has chosen a Latin American, Cardinal Archibishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Bergoglio as the new Pontiff. He has chosen the name Francis I.

I had hoped for a younger, reformer Pontiff to guide my Church as we adapt to the exigencies of the Modern World...one shall have to wait and see..

From Wikipedia...

Jorge Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires, one of the five children of an Italian railway worker and his wife. After studying at the seminaryin Villa Devoto, he entered the Society of Jesus on March 11, 1958. Bergoglio obtained a licentiate in philosophy from the Colegio Máximo San José in San Miguel, and then taught literature and psychology at the Colegio de la Inmaculada in Santa Fe, and the Colegio del Salvador in Buenos Aires. He was ordained to the priesthood on December 13, 1969, by Archbishop Ramón José Castellano. He attended the Philosophical and Theological Faculty of San Miguel, a seminary in San Miguel. Bergoglio attained the position of novice master there and became professor of theology.

Impressed with his leadership skills, the Society of Jesus promoted Bergoglio and he served as provincial for Argentina from 1973 to 1979. He was transferred in 1980 to become the rector of the seminary in San Miguel where had had studied. He served in that capacity until 1986. He completed his doctoral dissertation in Germany and returned to his homeland to serve as confessor and spiritual director in Córdoba.

Bergoglio succeeded Cardinal Quarracino on February 28, 1998. He was concurrently namedordinary for Eastern Catholics in Argentina, who lacked their ownprelate. Pope John Paul II summoned the newly named archbishop to the consistory of February 21, 2001 in Vatican Cityand elevated Bergoglio with the papal honors of a cardinal. He was named to the Cardinal-Priest of Saint Robert Bellarmino.

As cardinal, Bergoglio was appointed to several administrative positions in the Roman Curia. He served on the Congregation of Clergy, Congregation of Divine Worship and Sacraments, Congregation of Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Congregation of Societies of Apostolic Life. Bergoglio became a member of the Commission on Latin American and the Family Council.

As Cardinal, Bergoglio became known for personal humility, doctrinal conservatism and a commitment to social justice. A simple lifestyle has contributed to his reputation for humility. He lives in a small apartment, rather than in the palatial bishop's residence. He gave up his chauffeured limousine in favor of public transportation, and he reportedly cooks his own meals.

Upon the death of Pope John Paul II, Bergoglio, considered papabilehimself, participated in the 2005 papal conclave as a cardinal elector, the conclave that selected Pope Benedict XVI. A widespread theory says that he was in a tight fight with Ratzinger until he himself adviced crying^{[clarification needed]} not to be voted.^[1] Earlier, he had participated in the funeral of Pope John Paul II and acted as a regent alongside theCollege of Cardinals, governing the Holy See and the Roman Catholic Church during the interregnum sede vacante period. Cardinal Bergoglio remains eligible to participate in conclaves that begin before his 80th birthday on December 17, 2016.

During the 2005 Synod of Bishops, he was elected a member of the Post-Synodal council. Catholic journalist John L. Allen, Jr. reported that Bergoglio was a frontrunner in the 2005 Conclave. An unauthorized diary of uncertain authenticity released in September 2005^[2] confirmed that Bergogolio was the runner-up and main challenger of Cardinal Ratzinger at that conclave. The purported diary of the anonymous cardinal claimed Bergoglio received 40 votes in the third ballot, but fell back to 26 at the fourth and decisive ballot.

On November 8, 2005, Bergoglio was elected President of the Argentine Episcopal Conference for a three-year term (2005–2008) by a large majority of the Argentine bishops, which according to reports confirms his local leadership and the international prestige earned by his alleged performance in the conclave. He was reelected on November 11, 2008.

His Views:

Liberation theology

Bergoglio is an accomplished theologian who distanced himself fromliberation theology early in his career. He is thought to be close toComunione e Liberazione, a conservative lay movement.

Abortion and euthanasia

Cardinal Bergoglio has invited his clergy and laity to oppose both abortion and euthanasia.^[3]

Homosexuality

He has affirmed church teaching on homosexuality, though he teaches the importance of respecting individuals who are homosexual. He strongly opposed legislation introduced in 2010 by the Argentine Government to allow same-sex marriage. In a letter to the monasteries of Buenos Aires, he wrote: "Let's not be naive, we're not talking about a simple political battle; it is a destructive pretension against the plan of God. We are not talking about a mere bill, but rather a machination of the Father of Lies that seeks to confuse and deceive the children of God." He has also insisted that adoption by homosexuals is a form of discrimination against children. This position received a rebuke from Argentine president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who said the church's tone was reminiscent of "medieval times and the Inquisition".^[4]

Church and AIDS

Main article: Roman Catholic Church and AIDS

His doctrinal orthodoxy emphasizes Christ's mandate to love: he is well remembered for his 2001 visit to a hospice, in which he washed and kissed the feet of twelve AIDS patients.

Social justice

He consistently preaches a message of compassion towards the poor, but some^who? observers would like him to place a greater emphasis on issues of social justice. Rather than articulating positions on matters of political economy, Bergoglio prefers to emphasize spirituality and holiness, believing that this will naturally lead to greater concern for the suffering of the poor. He has, however, voiced support for social programs, and publicly challenged free-market policies.

Relations with the Argentine government

Yugoslavia (Serbia) – Interview with Crown Prince Alexander

Vecernje Novosti

Author: Marko Lopusina

HRH CROWN PRINCE ALEXANDER ABOUT THE BURIAL OF HIS ANCESTORS IN MAY

I WILL FULFILL THE LEGACY OF MY GREAT-GRANDFATHER

THE REMAINS OF HM QUEEN ALEXANDRA AND HM QUEEN MARIA WILL BE AT THE ROYAL CHAPEL IN DEDINJE UNTIL THE FUNERAL

The Royal Family of Karadjordjevic has recently officially announced on its website that the state funeral of King Peter II, Queen Alexandra and Queen Maria, who had lived and died in exile, will be conducted on Sunday, 26 May at the Church of Saint George in Oplenac. As we were told at the Royal Palace, Crown Prince Alexander II is currently putting a great effort into organising the funeral of his father, mother and grandmother, and later on his uncle Andrew, at. the Royal mausoleum.

− Her Majesty Queen Alexandra was buried at the cemetery of the Tatoi Palace Royal Cemetery near Athens, and Her Majesty Queen Maria isburied at the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, which adjoins Windsor Castle. The remains of my mother and grandmother will arrive in Serbia in April. They will be laid at The Royal Chapel in Dedinje compound, where the remains of my father, His Majesty King Peter II already are laid. This funeral will fulfill the legacy of my great-grandfather King Peter I who wanted all the Karadjordjevics to rest in one place - said exclusively for the "Vecernje Novosti" Crown Prince Alexander.

The head of the Royal Family was born on 17 July 1945 in London, at "Claridges" where his parents lived in exile. The British government declaredsuite 212 Yugoslav territory. His godparents were King George VI and his daughter, then Princess Elizabeth, now Queen of Great Britain. It wasthanks to Queen Elizabeth that the Karadjordjevic family managed to survive the exile. The first to retreat to England was Queen Maria, who, after thetragedy in Marseilles, where on 9 October 1934 King Alexander was assassinated, lived in retirement in a modest apartment in London.

− It was a painful and difficult time for her – The Regency era, the rise of fascism, the political intrigue in Yugoslavia, war and very traumatic exile toLondon. I visited my grandmother many times in London. She was always very gentle with me. I was 16 when she died. My father and my mother, my uncles, Prince Paul and Princess Olga were all at her funeral. I remember vividly going to the private Burial Ground at Frogmore, where my grandmother was buried next to her great-grandmother, Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert – recollects Crown Prince Alexander.

Crown Prince was schooled in Switzerland, then Military Academy Culver in Indiana, United States, Gordonstuon School in Scotland. After he enrolled in Royal Military Academy of Great Britain and then British army as an officer. His uncle Tomislav was putting him through school since his parents were separated. Crown Prince recalls in dear memories the life with his parents

- When I was a child, my parents lived in London at first, then France, Switzerland, Italy, United States. In exile my father was persecuted by longing for his country, his family and people. He longed to return to his roots. He loved his country, where he spent a happy youth. With joy he was showing me the home in Dedinje with excitement and showed me a picture of Oplenac. The father was hurt by false stories of him that were spread throughout our homeland. King Peter II never abdicated and never took no royal treasures. Neither artwork from the court. I'd like to know where are the missingworks of art that used to be the Royal Palace - now Crown Prince asks.

For the First time Crown Prince Alexander speaks for public about his life during the separation of his parentsin 60’s:

-My parents never divorced. They had difficult times, but always came back together. There was a lot of intrigue and games around my parents. I would visit my parents often in different places where they lived and we were a happy family.

By death of his father King Peter II died in in Denver 1970^th, Crown Prince Alexander II Karadjordjevic became the new Serbian king.

-As heir to the throne-I decided not to use the title of king - says Prince - I believed that it would be pointless in exile. At the same time I was very clear in that time not to waive my rights and titles, or dynastic right to the crown. And then, as now, I sincerely believe that the only way for Serbia is to become a Parliamentary constitutional monarchy. My role as King would be fixing up the image of

Serbia

in the world, mainly through lobbying or through acquaintance with foreign leaders. Every Serbian government needs to know they can count on me – he says about his status, Crown Prince Alexander.

In 90’s Queen Alexandra died Crown Prince’s mother and descendent of Greek Royal Family:

- I was very sad and emotional. I am glad to say that my mother, Queen Alexandra will soon be transferred to Serbia. Her remains will be presented next to my father in the Royal Chapel – says the Crown Prince who has been living in the Royal Palace since 2001.

- When we moved in 2001 to the Royal Palace, I had to sell our property in London in order to obtain necessary refurbishments and maintenance. By mid-2004 when the Royal Compound was returned to the State budget, Karadjordjevic family financed it up keeping – says Aleksandar Karadjordjevic. The transfer of the royal family remains back to Serbia for many represents gathering in unity of church, state and the dynasty.

I am strictly fulfilling the legacy of my great grandfather. Oplenac is truly a beautiful and special place. There are some that think that this is a big step forward to national and historic reconciliation. All great events harbor great work. The return to homeland of my father, mother, grandmother and possibly uncle Andrej is one of those historic endeavors. Joint commitment of government, the church and the Royal House is completely natural.

- I wish to extend my gratitude for support understanding and help to President Tomislav Nikolic and all members of The State Reburial and transfer Committee-said for “Vecernje Novosti” Crown Prince Alexander

SKIING CHAMPION

I love sports, especially skiing and diving. During military career I was a ski champion. Lately I play tennis and dive with special pleasure in exotic seas – reveals Crown Prince Alexander.

NO COMPENSATION

The funeral with state honors is in itself a significant event. We do not need anyone to apologize for the fact that we celebrate and honor history. Again, the event cannot be an excuse for not doing some other serious and important things.

EXCITING FIRST TIME IN SERBIA

- My first arrival to Serbia with my family in 1991 was packed with great emotions. Several tens of thousands citizens welcomed us and I was much moved. It was a dream come true and corner stone of my life.

Monaco – Official Biography of Princess Caroline omits her first marriage

The Princely Family's website has an interesting biography of Princess Caroline of Monaco (aka HRH the Princess of Hannover).

I find it surprising that her first marriage to Philippe Junot, a French playboy with a plethora of amorous conquests, is not mentioned at all!

Princess Caroline, Louise, Marguerite, was born in the Princes Palace, on January 23, 1957.

She received her French Baccalaureat (high school or A level) degree in 1974 with honors and continued her studies at the Sorbonne in Paris where she received a diploma in Philosophy and minors in Psychology and Biology.

She speaks French, English, German, Spanish, and Italian.

In her free time she loves to ride horses, swim, snow and water ski.

During her youth she took ballet lessons at the Marika Besobrasova School of Dance in Monte-Carlo and studied both piano and flute.

In 1979 Princess Caroline was appointed by Her Father and Her Mother, to become the President of the Monegasque Committee for the International Year of Children.

The Princess is sympathetic to the needs of distressed youth and in 1981 founded the association Jeune J'Ecoute. The association has set up a 'youth hotline' where troubled youngsters can talk about their problems on the telephone with qualified people trained in dealing with all sorts of problems that are facing kids today.

Since April 1983, she has been the Honorary President of the Guides de Monaco, which became the l'Association des Guides et Scouts de Monaco in 1992. The Guides are the equivalent to the Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. As a youth she participated in the Guides and benefited from their activities.

Outside of Monaco Princess Caroline has also extended her High Patronage to the 'Peter Le Marchant Trust' located in England, which organizes free barge trips for the handicapped.

Prince Rainier III appointed Princess Caroline by decree on December 17, 1982 as the President of the Garden Club of Monaco, President of the Organizing Committee of the Festival of Monte-Carlo Arts and later renamed the Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo (Springtime Arts of Monte-Carlo) in 1984. It was also his decision she become the President of the "Princess Grace Foundation".

During a press conference in Paris in 1985 Princess Caroline officially announced the creation of the Ballet of Monte-Carlo realizing the wishes of her mother Princess Grace.

Then on March 4, 1988 Prince Rainier III appointed Her Serene Highness by decree as the President of the Board of the "Prince-Pierre Foundation". She has also been the President of the Literary Board of the same foundation since 1988. In 1992 she was appointed the President of the Artistic Board of the Prix International d'Art Contemporain (International Contemporay Art Prize).

In April 1993 Princess Caroline was appointed the President of l'AMADE Mondiale (Association Mondiale des Amis de l'Enfance) or (Worldwide Association of Children's Friends), Princess Grace created this charitable organization in 1963 to protect children from physical and psychological abuse.

On December 2nd, 2003, UNESCO Director General Koïchiro Matsuura has appointed Her Royal Highness the Princess of Hanover as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in recognition of Her personal commitment to the protection of children and the family, and of Her contribution to the promotion of UNESCO's programmes for the education of girls and women.

Princess Caroline married Stefano Casiraghi in 1983.

The couple had three children two boys and one girl : Andrea, Albert, Pierre Casiraghi who was born June 9, 1984, Charlotte, Marie, Pomeline Casiraghi who was born on August 3, 1986 and Pierre, Rainier, Stefano Casiraghi who was born on September 5, 1987.

In October 1990 her husband Stefano was killed in a boat race.

In January 1999 the Princess married His Royal Highness Prince Ernst of Hanover in the Princes Palace. This union resulted in the birth of Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra of Hanover on July 20, 1999.

http://www.palais.mc/monaco/palais-princier/english/h.r.h.-the-princess-of-hanover/biography/biography.388.html

Prussia – A Hohenzollern Pastor

Doing a daily news check, I came across this piece, which I have translated using GoogleTranslate and my editing:

Birkenwerder (MOZ) – timid applause is heard, as the children sing. The strain differs from the face of the new pastor. Kiril Philip Prinz von Preussen has just finished his sermon, his six children sing polyphonic an English hymn and the congregation claps grateful. It was a long journey to this moment on Sunday afternoon, as the Prinz von Preussen in his position as pastor of the Lutheran congregation of Birkenwerder (Oberhavel) is introduced.

(His choice, apparently, caused much concern among the flock) There had been four appeals against the election of the 44-year-olds. They were rejected for legal reasons by the Council of Churches of the Evangelical Church of Berlin's North-East district.

The great-great-grandson of the last German emperor is controversial for his statements and writings. He writes for the conservative weekly magazine "Junge Freiheit", referred to by political scientists as the "voice of the New Right with a bridge to extremism." In a television broadcast with Frank Plasberg Pastor Prinz von Preussen has spoken publicly in the past year for the restoration of the monarchy. Also, due to his consistent stance against abortion, he is criticized.

Philip Prinz von Preussen feels unfair prejudiced. Yes - he suports the protection of all life and does so based on the Fifth Commandment: "Thou shalt not kill." And no - he was not in principle hostile to women and not against women in the priesthood. Also he is concerned about ecumenism - the exchange between the Christian churches.

The congregation of Birkenwerder now is still divided. About 30 community members have re-registered or retired from active church life, it is said by critics of the new pastor. "I cannot imagine that my son is confirmed by the Prinz von Preussen," says a woman who has found a new spiritual home in the neighboring town of Borgsdorf. Numerous members of the church choir have also left the congregation. The reason lies not only in the choice Philip, but also by problems faced by his predecesor, Pastor Kroll, who was the complete opposite from the new pastor. In his youthful exuberance, Kroll even jumped on the altar during the sermon. That was just "too much" for some members of the congregation!

Yet, the sound of wrangling has been quite loud in recent months. Heike Richter, the deputy superintendent who Pastor Philip into office, says that the people have to be willing to give the young pastor a chance. PhilipPrinz von Preussen declared, "We have had a lot of wrestling with each other - but they will return," as he breathes deeply and smiles around the table.

http://www.moz.de/artikel-ansicht/dg/0/1/1115915/

Pastor Philip Kiril Prinz von preussen

The reader may recall where Philip Kiril Prinz von Preussen fits in the Hohenzollern Dynasty. He is the only son of Prince Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia and of his first, and morganatic wife, the late Waltraut Freydag (1940-2010).

Friedrich Wilhelm's marriage to his first wife (he has been married twice more since the couple's divorce and has three children from his second wife) not only caused deep concern to monarchist supporters of the Hohenzollerns, but also seriously affected his parents, Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia and his wife Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna of Russia. She died, from a stroke, just seventeen days after her eldest son's shocking marriage and while visiting her brother's French home, Ker Argonid, in St. Briac-sur-Mer.

Philipp Kiril was born without dynastic rights to the Prussian throne, as were also his siblings. He is married to Anna Christine Soltau and they have six children, two sons and four daughters.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

UK: The Wales' in Jordan

We get lots of quality British royal time, but what about the chic queens and princesses abroad? Thankfully Queen Rania is out and about these days, spending time with the Duchess of Cornwall in Jordan.

Camilla and Prince Charles (oh yeah, he's there too) are in the midst of a royal tour of the Middle East, kicking off the trip with a three-day stay in Jordan. The trip is intended to bolster diplomatic relations between Jordan and Great Britain, but also gives us the fun perk of checking out what Queen Rania's been wearing lately -- she is, after all, a HuffPost Style fave.

Continue reading...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/12/queen-rania-dress-royal-photos_n_2859228.html?utm_hp_ref=style&ir=Style

The Duchess of Cornwall and Queen Rania of Jordan

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Sweden: More on Princess Lilian's Death

STOCKHOLM -- She was one of the better kept secrets of Sweden's royal household: a commoner and divorcee whose relationship with Prince Bertil was seen as a threat to the Bernadotte dynasty.

In a touching royal romance, Welsh-born Princess Lilian and her Bertil kept their love unofficial for decades and were both in their 60s when they finally received the king's blessing to get married.

Lilian died in her Stockholm home on Sunday at age 97. The Royal Palace didn't give a cause of death, but Lilian suffered from Alzheimer's disease and had been in poor health for several years.

She met Sweden's Prince Bertil in 1943, but his obligations to the throne and Lilian's status as a divorced commoner prevented them from making their love public. The couple's sacrifices and lifelong dedication to one another gripped the hearts of Swedes.

"If I were to sum up my life, everything has been about my love," the witty, petite princess said of her husband when she turned 80 in 1995. "He's a great man, and I love him."

Born Lilian Davies in Swansea, Wales, on Aug. 30, 1915, she moved to London at 16 to embark on a career as a model and an actress, showcasing hats and gloves in commercials and taking on small roles in movies. She met British actor Ivan Craig, whom she married in 1940.

After World War II broke out, Craig was drafted into the British army while Lilian stayed behind in London, working at a factory making radio sets for the British merchant fleet and serving at a hospital for wounded soldiers.

At the time, Prince Bertil was stationed at the Swedish Embassy in the British capital as a naval attache. The couple first laid eyes on each other in the fancy nightclub Les Ambassadeurs shortly before Lilian's 28th birthday in 1943. Lilian then invited him to a cocktail party in her London apartment. But it wasn't until he fetched her with his car following an air raid in her neighborhood that the romance blossomed, Lilian recalled in her 2000 memoirs, "My Life with Prince Bertil."