Former monarchies historic discussion: France, Germany, Russia etc..

[LouisFerdinand]

Grand Duchess Marie Pavlovna of Russia attended the Exhibition opening of the Romanov anniversary.     
http://www.maryevans.com/history/10614017

[LouisFerdinand]

The baptism of Grand Duchess Tatiana of Russia in 1897     
http://www.maryevans.com/history/10051685

[LouisFerdinand]

William II (1227-1258) was Count of Holland and Zeeland.   
In Aachen on November 1, 1248 he was crowned King of Germany.   
http://www.lookandlearn.com/history-images/YR0440108

[LouisFerdinand]

Footage of King Carol II of Romania and Madam Lupescu leaving Romania
 

[LouisFerdinand]

The news was given to King Wilhelm I of Prussia that war had been declared on France.   
http://www.maryevans.com/history/11048259

[LouisFerdinand]

In 1905 King Carlos I of Portugal received a visit from President Loubet of France.   
http://www.lookandlearn.com/history-images/M500439

[LouisFerdinand]

Early in 1863 Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria was offered the throne of Greece. King Otto I had been expelled from Greece.   
Queen Victoria supported the candidacy of Maximilian. Maximilian declined the Greek throne.

[Curryong]

Early in 1863 Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria was offered the throne of Greece. King Otto I had been expelled from Greece.   
Queen Victoria supported the candidacy of Maximilian. Maximilian declined the Greek throne.

Maximilian declined the Greek throne for several reasons, imo. Neither he nor his wife Charlotte wanted to preside over a country that was being mulled over and supervised by the Great European Powers of the time. It was regarded, after centuries of being an Ottoman backwater, its ancient greatness defiled,  as being impossibly backward. There was no Greek elite to speak of and therefore, unless they took a large retinue with them, no Court. First and foremost however, was the fact that the Hellenic Throne had been offered to half a dozen foreign Princes before him from various European Royal Houses. Maximilian had quite a high opinion of himself and didn't wish to take up what others had rejected.

What was also in the offing in 1863 was of course the carrot of the Empire of Mexico which the subtle and calculating Emperor Louis Napoleon III wished to cultivate and tend as his great plan to expand into the Americas in France's name. And who better to head that Empire than a brother of the Austrian Emperor. As we know, Maximilian wisely wasn't too keen on this lure at first. Mexico had all the disadvantages of Greece combined with being away from Europe and having to maintain the French as a military back up in the country.

However, Charlotte was keen to go and after receiving a Mexican delegation in the late autumn, offering him the throne, and acceding to his request for a referenda to be taken in Mexico, Maximilian agreed. A tragedy waiting to happen!

[LouisFerdinand]

King Louis XVI of France in his workshop   
http://www.lookandlearn.com/history-images/M442589

[LouisFerdinand]

Duchess Cecilie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin: The Last German Crown Princess
   

[LouisFerdinand]

Before his demise, King Louis XIII of France set up a regency council with his wife Queen Anne at its head. This was in defiance of custom. Anne of Austria would have been made the sole regent. Anne had his will annulled by the Parlement de Paris.