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Carol IIKing of Romania from June 8, 1930 to September 6, 1940
Date of Birth: 15.10.1893
Country:  Romania |
Content:
- King Carol II of Romania: A Controversial Reign
- Official Marriage and Abdication
- Reign and Ascendance to the Throne
- Rise of Fascism and Dictatorship
- Pro-British Orientation and Downfall
- Later Years and Death
- Legacy
King Carol II of Romania: A Controversial Reign
Early Life and ScandalsBorn on October 3, 1893, Carol II was the son of King Ferdinand of Romania. From a young age, he exhibited eccentric and scandalous behavior. He reportedly suffered from priapism, which led him into numerous sexual escapades.
In 1918, Carol secretly married a commoner without royal approval. They had a son, Mircea Carol Lambrino, who was initially disowned by the royal family but later legally recognized as a Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen.
Official Marriage and Abdication
In 1920, Carol married Princess Helen of Greece. They welcomed their son, Michael, the following year. However, in 1925, Carol was stripped of his succession rights after eloping with Elena Lupescu, a woman of Jewish descent.
Reign and Ascendance to the Throne
After his father's death in 1927, Carol returned to Romania in 1930. He deposed his 8-year-old son, Michael I, and ascended to the throne.
Rise of Fascism and Dictatorship
During Carol's rule, corruption escalated, and pro-French figures amassed vast wealth. The fascist "Iron Gaurd" emerged, assassinating Prime Minister Ion Gheorghe Duca in 1933. In 1938, Carol suspended the constitution, dissolved parliament, and established a personal dictatorship. He also banned political parties and unions.
Pro-British Orientation and Downfall
Carol maintained a pro-British stance. However, after losing British support, he was forced to accept the Vienna Arbitration (1940), which ceded Bessarabia to the USSR. General Ion Antonescu overthrew Carol shortly after, and he fled the country.
Later Years and Death
In 1947, Carol married Elena Lupescu in Brazil. He died in Portugal in 1953 and was buried in Curtea de Argeş. His remains were later transferred to Romania in 2003 and then again in 2019.
Legacy
King Carol II remains a controversial figure in Romanian history. His eccentric behavior, scandals, and authoritarian rule left a lasting impact on the country.
