Magda Lupescu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Magda Lupescu |
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| Princess of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen | |
Carol II of Romania and Magda Lupescu
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| Born | Elena Lupescu 15 September 1899 Iaşi, Romania |
| Died | 29 June 1977 (aged 77) Estoril, Portugal |
| Spouse |
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| House | Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen (by marriage) |
| Father | Nicolae Lupescu |
| Mother | Elise Falk |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
Magda Lupescu (born Elena Lupescu; 15 September 1899 – 29 June 1977) was an important figure in Romanian history. She was a close companion and later the wife of King Carol II of Romania. After their marriage, she became officially known as Princess Elena of Romania. Their relationship was a big part of Romanian politics during her time.
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Early Life and Family Background
Elena Lupescu was born in Iaşi, Romania. Her parents were Nicolae Lupescu, a pharmacist, and Elise Lupescu (born Falk). Her mother was from Austria and became a Roman Catholic before she got married. Her father, Nicolae, was born Jewish and changed his name when he became an Orthodox Christian.
Elena was raised as a Catholic. She went to a good boarding school for girls in Bucharest called "Diaconesele." It was run by nuns from Bavaria.
At one point, her family moved to Sulina, a port city. Her father opened a pharmacy there. Later, in 1912, they moved back to Iaşi. Not much is known about her life during World War I (1916–1918).
On 17 February 1919, Elena married Ion Tâmpeanu in Iaşi. He was an officer in the Romanian Royal Army. Their marriage ended in divorce. After the divorce, Elena went back to using her maiden name, Lupescu.
Elena's Relationship with King Carol II
Elena Lupescu first met Crown Prince Carol in March 1923. Carol later became King Carol II of Romania. Two years later, in February 1925, their friendship grew into a serious relationship. This relationship lasted until Carol's death in 1953.
People described Elena Lupescu in different ways. Some said she was clever and spoke her mind. She was tall with red hair, pale skin, and green eyes. Others said she had a rougher look and spoke in a less refined way. Everyone agreed she walked with a unique sway. She was very different from Carol's wife at the time, Crown Princess Helen.
Carol did not try to hide his relationship with Elena. This caused a big public stir. Carol had already caused controversy before. During the war, he had married another Romanian citizen, Ioana "Zizi" Lambrino. This was against Romania's laws for Crown Princes.
In December 1925, Carol attended a royal funeral in England. Afterward, he went to Milan with Elena Lupescu. This made headlines in many Italian newspapers.
Because a king could not marry Elena Lupescu under the laws, Carol gave up his right to the Romanian throne. He also left the royal family and changed his name to "Carol Caraiman." This decision was approved by the Parliament on 4 January 1926. Carol's four-year-old son, Michael, became the next in line to the throne. Carol was not allowed to return to Romania. Carol's wife, Helen, divorced him in 1928.
Carol's father, King Ferdinand, died in 1927. Michael became king, and a group of people, including Carol's younger brother Prince Nicholas, ruled the country for him. This ruling group faced many problems.
Carol returned to Romania on 7 June 1930. He quickly took back the throne. Parliament decided that his earlier decision to give up the throne was not valid. He was declared king on 8 June. Elena Lupescu returned to Bucharest sometime that summer or fall. From then on, she was Carol's partner in almost everything, including his political work.
During King Carol II's rule (1930–1940), Romania faced many challenges. Carol and Elena dealt with money problems, worker protests, and the rise of certain political groups. They became very skilled at managing Romanian politics. Carol would try to influence people with money or force them to leave their jobs. He also dealt with groups that opposed him, like the Legion of the Archangel Michael, also known as the Iron Guard. During this time, Carol and Elena became very wealthy.
Some people believed Elena Lupescu was the real power behind the king. She certainly had a lot of influence over Carol. However, Carol was already a strong leader before he met her. Their relationship was more like a partnership, with Elena being a very important helper to the king.
Elena did not have an official royal title until much later. She did not attend state events with the king until 1938. However, she hosted many important people at her home in Bucharest. These guests included politicians, business leaders, and wealthy families.
In 1938, Carol ended the parliamentary democracy in Romania and declared himself a dictator. But events in the world were changing fast. By 1940, France had been defeated in the war, and Romania was left without allies. Romania was forced to give up parts of its land to the USSR, Hungary, and Bulgaria.
By September 1940, Carol had no more options. He was forced to give up his throne to his son Michael on 6 September. General Ion Antonescu took control of the country. A few days later, Carol, Elena, and their loyal helper, Ernest Urdăreanu, left Romania by train. They faced danger as they crossed the border, with members of the Iron Guard trying to stop them.
Life in Exile
Carol and Elena traveled to Spain, then to Portugal. They eventually settled in Mexico City. When Romania joined the war on the side of Germany, Carol tried to set up a Romanian government from outside the country. But the British and Americans did not support his idea. In 1944, he tried to contact the Soviets, but Stalin never replied.
Elena Lupescu found Mexico City's high altitude difficult for her health. So, in 1944, they moved to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Her health still did not improve. By early 1947, doctors said she had a serious blood condition.
After 22 years together, Carol and Elena Lupescu finally got married in a hotel room in Rio de Janeiro. This happened either on 3 June 1947 or 5 July 1947. It was Carol's third marriage and Elena's second. From then on, she was known as Princess Elena of Romania.
Elena's health got better after they moved to a warmer climate. Carol and Elena eventually settled in Estoril, Portugal. Carol died there suddenly from a heart attack in 1953. His coffin was placed in the royal burial place in Lisbon. Elena lived for another 24 years, and her coffin was later placed next to his.
In 2003, the coffins of King Carol II and Princess Elena of Romania were brought back to Romania. This was done at the request of the Romanian government. They were buried at the Curtea de Argeș Cathedral complex. This is where Romanian royalty are traditionally buried. However, because Elena was not born into a royal family, she was buried in the monastery's cemetery, not in the Royal Chapel.
Images for kids
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Carol II of Romania and Magda Lupescu
