King Mihai I of Romania was born on October 25, 1921, in Sinaia, Romania. He was the last king of Romania, serving from 1940 until he was forced to abdicate in 1947. Mihai was the son of King Carol II and Princess Helen of Greece and Denmark.
During World War II, Romania was aligned with Nazi Germany, but King Mihai, who was only 18 at the time, opposed the alliance and worked to extricate Romania from the war. In August 1944, he led a coup against the pro-German government, and Romania switched sides to the Allies.
After the war, the Communist Party took control of Romania, and in 1947, King Mihai was forced to abdicate the throne. He went into exile in Switzerland and later moved to England, where he worked as a farmer and an aircraft pilot.
Despite his loss of power, King Mihai remained a respected figure in Romania and was seen as a symbol of the country’s struggle for democracy and freedom. In 1990, after the fall of communism, he was allowed to return to Romania, and he played a role in the country’s transition to democracy.
As for his wealth, there is limited information available about King Mihai’s personal finances. It is known that his family’s extensive properties and assets were confiscated by the communist government after his abdication. However, he was able to reclaim some of these assets after the fall of communism, including the Peles Castle, a royal residence in Sinaia.
In 2017, following his death, reports estimated his net worth to be around $50 million, which includes the properties and assets he was able to regain control over.
Throughout his life, King Mihai was known for his philanthropy and his support of various charitable causes. He established the King Michael I of Romania Foundation, which aims to promote cultural, social, and educational initiatives in Romania. He also supported environmental causes and was a vocal advocate for conservation efforts.
King Mihai I of Romania died on December 5, 2017, in Switzerland at the age of 96. His legacy as a champion of democracy and freedom continues to inspire people in Romania and around the world.
King Mihai was known for his philanthropy and his support of various charitable causes. He established the King Michael I of Romania Foundation, which aims to promote cultural, social, and educational initiatives in Romania. He also supported environmental causes and was a vocal advocate for conservation efforts.
King Mihai I of Romania died on December 5, 2017, in Switzerland at the age of 96. His legacy as a champion of democracy and freedom continues to inspire people in Romania and around the world.
Timeline of King Mihai I of Romania:
1921 – King Mihai I is born in Sinaia, Romania, to King Carol II and Princess Helen of Greece and Denmark.
1940 – King Mihai I becomes king of Romania at the age of 18, following the abdication of his father, King Carol II.
1944 – King Mihai I leads a coup against the pro-German government, and Romania switches sides to the Allies.
1947 – King Mihai I is forced to abdicate the throne by the Communist Party, and he goes into exile in Switzerland.
1948-1989 – Romania is under communist rule, and King Mihai I remains in exile.
1990 – After the fall of communism, King Mihai I returns to Romania and plays a role in the country’s transition to democracy.
1997 – King Mihai I marries his longtime love, Anne of Bourbon-Parma.
2007 – King Mihai I is diagnosed with cancer and undergoes surgery in Switzerland.
2011 – King Mihai I makes a rare public appearance in Romania, where he receives a standing ovation from thousands of people.
2017 – King Mihai I dies in Switzerland at the age of 96.
King Mihai I of Romania’s life was marked by political turmoil, exile, and a commitment to democracy and freedom. Despite being forced to abdicate the throne, he remained a respected figure in Romania and continued to play a role in the country’s political and social life throughout his life.
Facts about King Mihai I of Romania:
- King Mihai I was the last king of Romania, serving from 1940 until he was forced to abdicate in 1947.
- He led a coup against the pro-German government in August 1944 and switched Romania’s allegiance to the Allies during World War II.
- After his abdication, King Mihai I went into exile in Switzerland and later moved to England, where he worked as a farmer and aircraft pilot.
- King Mihai I was known for his philanthropy and established the King Michael I of Romania Foundation to support cultural, social, and educational initiatives in Romania.
- He was married to Anne of Bourbon-Parma for over 20 years until his death in 2017.
Quotes by King Mihai I of Romania:
- “The road to freedom is a long one, but we can’t give up hope or faith in ourselves.”
- “The value of a country lies in the wisdom of its people.”
- “I never lost my faith in the destiny of my country and my people.”
- “The love of my country and the welfare of my people have always been my highest aim.”
- “As long as the country is more important than the individual, we will make progress.”
