Her Majesty Queen Anne Returns To Romania

Military and religious ceremonies have marked the return of the body of Queen Anne back to Romanian soil yesterday afternoon as Her Majesty’s coffin arrived at Otopeni Airport in Bucharest in preparation for her funeral on Saturday.  The occasion was as solemn and dignified as it could ever be – and it was also as fitting and appropriate as the much loved wife of Romania’s former monarch, King Michael, could have deserved.

Standing upon the windswept airport apron were Crown Princess Margareta, Prince Radu, Princess Elena, her husband Mr Alexander Nixon, Princess Sofia and her daughter Maria Elizabeth Biarneix. Princess Marie joined them all, having accompanied her beloved mother’s coffin from Switzerland.  The contrast between the brightly coloured blue, yellow and red flags of Romania flying at half mast and the black mourning clothes worn by the royal gathering was a poignant sight to see.

Queen Anne arrived in Romania yesterday before her funeral on Saturday. https://t.co/ogoYniQg0R pic.twitter.com/4fyMb9Q6AG

— Gert's Royals (@Gertsroyals) August 10, 2016

Upon arrival, Queen Anne’s flag-laden coffin was carried by soldiers of the Brigade of Guards 30 Michael the Brave.  In front of them, another soldier carried a large wooden cross.  It was carved with Queen Anne’s name, her years of birth and death and Her Majesty’s monogram of two entwined “A” letters.  His Eminence Archbishop Ioan Robu of the Metropolitan Roman Catholic Church of Bucharest performed the simple religious part of the ceremony with prayers.  He was accompanied by His Grace Bishop Petru Gherghel and a gathering of priests and nuns. Also in attendance were His Eminence Archbishop Nifon of Targoviste with a group of Orthodox priests.

Later on, the coffin was transported to to Peles Castle, where it will lie in the serene and peaceful surroundings of the Hall of Honour for one day, to allow dignitaries to pay their last respects.  Once again, members of the Royal Family of Romania, wearing their mourning clothes, were present as well as representatives of the Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church.  Further prayers were said by Archbishop Nifon of Targoviste and Orthodox priests, assisted by Archbishop Ioan Robu of Bucharest Metropolitan Roman Catholic, and a gathering of Catholic priests.

For more images, please click here.

Filed under Italy, Romania
Tagged Anne of Bourbon-Parma, Crown Princess Margareta of Romania, House of Bourbon-Parma, Prince Radu of Romania, Princess Elena of Romania, Princess Maria of Romania, Princess Sophie of Romania.

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