The last king of Romania, ruling from 1927 to 1930 and again from 1940 to 1947, known for his efforts to resist Soviet influence and his role in the country's transition to communism.
Michael I of Romania, also known as Mihai I, was the last king of Romania, reigning from 1927 to 1930 and again from 1940 to 1947. He is known for being the youngest crowned head in Europe at the age of five and his tumultuous reign, marked by exile, restoration, and eventual forced abdication.
Born on October 25, 1921, Michael was the son of Crown Prince Carol and Princess Elena. His early life was marked by controversy when his father's relationship with Magda Lupescu led to his renunciation of his rights to the throne in favor of Michael in 1925. Following the death of his grandfather Ferdinand I in 1927, Michael ascended the throne at the tender age of five.
Given Michael's young age, a regency council was established to govern in his place, comprising his uncle Prince Nicolas, Patriarch Miron Cristea, and Chief Justice Gheorghe Buzdugan. However, the council proved ineffective, and in 1930, Carol returned to Romania and replaced his son as monarch, reigning as Carol II.
In 1940, Carol II was forced to abdicate, and Michael once again became king. Under the government led by the military dictator Ion Antonescu, Romania aligned with Nazi Germany. In 1944, Michael participated in a coup against Antonescu, appointing Constantin Sntescu as his replacement and subsequently declaring an alliance with the Allies.
In 1945, Michael went on a royal strike, refusing to sign and endorse the decrees of the pro-Soviet government headed by Petru Groza. However, eventually, on the morning of December 30, 1947, Groza met with Michael and compelled him to abdicate.
Michael married Princess Anne of Bourbon-Parma in 1948 and had five daughters with her. He spent his later years in exile, eventually settling in Switzerland. Michael passed away on December 5, 2017, at the age of 96. Despite the tumultuous nature of his reign, Michael's bravery and attempts to resist communist influence have earned him a lasting legacy in Romanian history.
Michael's reign spanned a tumultuous period in Romanian history, marked by World War II and the subsequent rise of communism. Despite his efforts to resist Soviet influence, Michael was ultimately forced to abdicate and enter a life of exile. Nevertheless, his bravery and dedication to his country have cemented his place as a significant figure in Romanian history.
Born in 1839
The first ruler of Romania, unifying the country and establishing its independence from the Ottoman Empire, known for modernizing and westernizing the nation.
