Who was Carol II of Romania? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Carol II

Died At Age: 59

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Magda Lupescu (m. 1947), Helen of Greece and Denmark (m. 1921–1928), Zizi Lambrino (m. 1918–1919)

father: Ferdinand I of Romania

mother: Marie of Edinburgh

siblings: Elisabeth of Romania, Maria of Yugoslavia, Prince Mircea, Prince Nicholas of Romania, Princess Ileana of Romania

children: Carol Lambrino, Michael I of Romania

Born Country: Romania

Emperors & Kings Romanian Men

Died on: April 4, 1953

place of death: Estoril, Portugal

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1

Was Carol II of Romania a popular ruler?

Carol II of Romania's popularity fluctuated during his reign. He faced criticism for his personal life and political decisions, which led to mixed opinions among the Romanian people.
2

What role did Carol II of Romania play in the political landscape of the country?

Carol II of Romania was a controversial figure in Romanian politics. He attempted to assert his authority through various political maneuvers, often facing opposition from different factions within the government.
3

Did Carol II of Romania have any significant impact on the economy of the country?

Carol II of Romania's economic policies were met with mixed results. While he implemented some reforms aimed at modernizing the economy, his rule was also marked by economic challenges and social unrest.
4

How did Carol II of Romania handle foreign relations during his reign?

Carol II of Romania's foreign policy was characterized by shifting alliances and geopolitical considerations. He faced challenges in maintaining Romania's independence and security in the face of regional and international tensions.
5

What led to the abdication of Carol II of Romania?

Carol II of Romania's abdication was the result of political and social unrest, as well as personal controversies that undermined his rule. Pressured by various factions and facing a deteriorating political situation, he ultimately chose to abdicate the throne.

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Childhood & Early Life

Carol II was born in Peles Castle, in the Kingdom of Romania, on 15th October 1893. He grew up under the care of his grand uncle, King Carol I, who was known to be dominating. He excluded Carol’s parents, Crown Prince Ferdinand and Crown Princess Marie, from raising him. Since his mother, Marie, had a bad reputation for having affairs with various other men despite her marriage, King Carol I felt she was not qualified to raise the boy.

As Carol I was childless, he treated young prince Carol as his surrogate son. Growing up, he was emotionally caught between his grand uncle and his mother, as both had different ideas on raising him. Because of this, Carol ended up being a spoilt child, deprived of love.

During his teenage years, he showed a lack of seriousness in life and spent most of his time drinking and partying. He also chased after numerous women. By the time he was 19, he had fathered two illegitimate children. He became a gossip among columnists around the world, and his photographs partying were published in various newspapers.

He was introduced to a Russian princess when he was in his twenties, with hopes that they would marry, but neither of them showed interest.

In 1918, he secretly got married to Zizi Lambrino, a general`s daughter. After his family found out, he was sent off to a monastery, and Zizi was also sent back to her family. Though they had a son, their marriage was annulled. Carol II had to later marry Princess Helen, with whom he had a son named Michael.

Even after his marriage, Carol II didn’t leave his womanizing ways. He disliked royal and aristocratic women, whom he found too formal and preferred more informal, humorous and passionate women.

He eventually fell in love with a married woman named Magda Lupescu. She was Jewish and the wife of an army officer. He ran off to Italy with her in 1925, and after renouncing his right to the throne, he took her to live with him in Paris. His wife eventually divorced him in 1928.

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Accession & Reign

King Ferdinand passed away in 1927, and Michael, son of Carol II and Helen, was put on the throne. He was just five years old at the time. After several consultations with politicians and military leaders, Carol II eventually came back to Romania in 1930. He seized the throne, while his lover Magda Lupescu lived in a mansion in Bucharest.

He took his royal oath on 8th June 1930. He promoted the development of a modern and free economy, and also encouraged cultural initiatives of all kinds during his reign. He is known for maintaining postwar alliances with France and French allies in eastern Europe as well.

An ardent admirer of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and his authoritarian methods, he eventually chose to proclaim a dictatorship in 1938, to counter the growth and political menace of a national fascist group named the Iron Guard. It was partly financed by the Nazis. As Magda was Jewish, they also felt that he was dominated by her.

Eventually, he was left with no choice but to abdicate in 1940. His son succeeded him as the new ruler. He and his wife Magda went into exile with some of his servants.

Later Years & Death

Carol II eventually married Magda in 1947. After the Communist takeover of Romania, a Romanian National Committee was set up in order to oppose the Communist regime.

Carol II made several efforts to join the committee, but he failed as all the factions were opposed to him. The committee members also made it clear that they now regarded King Michael as the legitimate king of Romania.

Carol II was forced to remain in exile till his death, and he also never got to see his son again. His son had no interest in meeting his father, as Carol II had humiliated his mother on several occasions by having affairs with other women. When Carol II passed away on 4 April 1953, King Michael didn’t attend his father’s funeral.

Facts About Carol II of Romania

Carol II of Romania was known for his love of fast cars and was an avid car collector, owning a variety of luxurious vehicles.

Despite being a monarch, Carol II was known for his unconventional lifestyle and often mingled with commoners, showing a more approachable side to his personality.

He was an accomplished pilot and enjoyed flying planes, showcasing his adventurous spirit and love for aviation.

Carol II had a keen interest in the arts and was a patron of Romanian artists, supporting the cultural development of his country during his reign.

Known for his charisma and charm, Carol II was a skilled diplomat and played a significant role in shaping Romania's foreign relations during his time as king.

Carol II of Romania Biography

You wanted to know

Was Carol II of Romania a popular ruler?

What role did Carol II of Romania play in the political landscape of the country?

Did Carol II of Romania have any significant impact on the economy of the country?

How did Carol II of Romania handle foreign relations during his reign?

What led to the abdication of Carol II of Romania?