Romania's former king Michael dies aged 96

Romania's former king Michael, who ruled the country during the Second World War, has died in Switzerland aged 96, the royal house said.

Romania's former king Michael dies aged 96

Romania's former king Michael, who ruled the country during the Second World War, has died in Switzerland aged 96, the royal house said.

Michael, one of the few surviving leaders from that period, died on Tuesday lunchtime at his residence in Aubonne, Romania's royal house said in a statement.

His family announced last year that Michael had leukaemia and another type of cancer and was withdrawing from public life, handing over his responsibilities to his oldest daughter Margareta.

Michael, a great-great-grandson to Britain's Queen Victoria, first acceded to the throne in 1927 when he was six, ruling for three years after his father Carol II eloped with his mistress and renounced his rights to the throne.

He became king again in 1940 after Carol abdicated again.

Michael reigned until communists forced him to abdicate in 1947.

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Five dead and more than 100 in hospital in Japanese health supplements scare Five dead and more than 100 in hospital in Japanese health supplements scare
TOPSHOT-PALESTINIAN-ISRAEL-CONFLICT Court orders Israel to halt Gaza famine; Hamas says ceasefire needed
‘Best minds in the world’ working on plans for bridge’s removal ‘Best minds in the world’ working on plans for bridge’s removal
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited