Nicholas Medforth-Mills (formerly His Royal Highness Prince Nicholas of Romania)

[MarleneKoenig]

It is a rare occasion when I agree with Duc et Pair, but this time I do..

It is as tho' Queen Elizabeth II could arbitrarily remove the Duke of Cambridge from the succession. She CANNOT, because the succession is laid down by law, and not governed by the whim or will of ANY individual.

only parliament can change the succession
Michael is not bound by any Parliament or law ... this is a family issue dealing with succession of a headship.

 

[Lee-Z]

Because this is the Royal Family of Romania, and they have their own policy and etiquette. Ioan-Luca Vlad, the advisor of the Royal Family said at an interview of Nicholas' exclusion:
- If you want to make yourself a trader, you can't be a member of the Royal family.
Ioan Luca Vlad, consilier al Casei Regale_ Principele Nicolae a fost chiar usurat de decizia Regelui Mihai _ Sentimentul de antreprenoriat e foarte greu de dezvoltat in cadrul Casei Regale - Esential - HotNews.ro
Translation

The thing is, as we are reminded here often, you can't compare monarchies with other monarchies and royal families with other royal families, they all have there own laws, etiquette and ways to do things.
Apparently having a "regular" job doesn't combine with the current Romanian royal family and it's useless to state that it does in other royal families

 

[MarleneKoenig]

If this was all over gambling then I agree pay the debts, send him to rehab, tighten the reins, discipline him, keep him busy but to throw it all away over this is overkill. I think they have been quick to judge and punish. They really need to touch base with other royal families, cause the stories they could tell. Michael has 13 descendants and 7 are presently stripped of succession and possibly all related to gambling. Irina was hosting gambling ie cockfighting and he tossed out her children (Michael, Angelica) and great-grandchildren (Kohen, Courtney, Diana) too. Sophie had been stripped and reinstated and I am not sure how that affected her daughter. So possibly only 4 of 13 have never been stripped of succession. When they were stripped, Michael and Angelica admitted they hadn't had contact in years with their grandfather. Elena was informed by letter of her son being stripped of succession and titles. It seems ridiculous at this point if this is all that this is about. This seems to be a very dysfunctional fractured family and that what was really needed was a family intervention. When was the last time all of them were actually together? This has also been handled badly from the PR point of view too.

The story about Nicholas and gambling is pure speculation. The Bucharest newspapers are filled with speculative stories about what happened. I sincerely doubt it is true. Irina lost her title and rights because she plead guilty to a crime, and received a punishment. She and her husband did not take part in the cockfighting but they allowed their property to be used. She made and sold food. They are on probation, they are abiding by the rules, do what it is required for restitution, etc. It is unlikely Michael and Angelica have said anything about losing their rights. They have no interest in family history. Sophie's right was restored after her divorce. Elisabeta is also in line.

 

[MarleneKoenig]

And how do you propose to do this? His pull the ear and put them punishment to be good boy?
Nicolae played and lost the position(if is true). King Mihai took the most difficult but correct decision. As it might cost the monarchy the King first of all knows this

gambling is not the issue. What happened did not happen overnight, and the King's decision was not made in haste.

 

[MarleneKoenig]

The King gave his reason : lack of modesty and moral principles .
His way of living is not the one whished by King Michel.

Do we have proofs ?

Mrs M. Koening must be devasted .

that would Koenig and I am not devastated ... saddened, surprised, but not devastated.

 

[MarleneKoenig]

Could this be possibly a dispute over a girlfriend or a woman (non-royal or someone who is very commoner) that the family thinks it isn't suitable for Nicholas?

NO. I asked that question and was told no.

 

[MarleneKoenig]

Do you at this time know what it is that happened or if/when such a time it will be known by the public (if you do know, I don't expect you to share it if you're not at liberty to do so).

That said, if you don't know what it is, can you say if even not knowing what the cause of this is, you believe the King is justified in his actions?

I tend to take what you have to say on matters such as this rather definitively as I know you're a valued source of information.

I have gleanings (from conversations ) but I was told that King made the right decision, that this had been building up for sometime ... and the word used by different people is behavior .. but I have no idea what happened .. and I doubt, at this time, the family will say anything further. I am not going to speculate.

 

[Cory]

Young Nicholas was not considered fit because he had a different style than the others in the Family but he was loved by the people and the only one that could bring back real popularity for the Family.

 

[MarleneKoenig]

Duc Cockfighting is considered a crime in the US .. animal cruelty. Not a sport.

But that was not the point. I understood Nicholas concluded for himself that his ideas about his future life did not combine well with his position as a member (and future head) of the Royal House.



That was one of the most silly reasons ever to remove a born royal from the place of succession. It is illustrative for the arbitrariness and total lack of fundament concerning the succession rules in the House of Romania.

Imagine that Queen Elizabeth II had stripped her grandson Harry because he was caught binge drinking with a Nazi-uniform? It is in the same category, what are we talking about? Cockfighting (a cruel sport indeed but royals shoot animals all over the world...).





Heu... Princess Margareta married a commoner, Princess Elena married a commoner, Princess Irina married a commoner, Princess Sophia married a commoner, Princess Maria married a commoner...





So many royals have played in casinos. So many royals have made debts. If it was all about this, just pay the debts (as Royal House) and tighten the reins and discipline Nicholas.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

only parliament can change the succession
Michael is not bound by any Parliament or law ... this is a family issue dealing with succession of a headship.

But he is only King thanks to a certain document, the Constitution of (the Kingdom of) Romania, which he once solemnly pledged to maintain and to protect. Not only he has turned away that document, the fundament of his whole existence as King, he has also turned away the House Laws.

Yes, King Michael is not bound by any Parliament but... his handling of the "new succession" is most remarkable and does give the impression of a hop-on, hop-off bus you can take in Bucharest to see the touristic hotspots...

 

[Cory]

But he is only King thanks to a certain document, the Constitution of (the Kingdom of) Romania, which he once solemnly pledged to maintain and to protect. Not only he has turned away that document, the fundament of his whole existence as King, he has also turned away the House Laws.

Yes, King Michael is not bound by any Parliament but... his handling of the "new succession" is most remarkable and does give the impression of a hop-on, hop-off bus you can take in Bucharest to see the touristic hotspots...

Unfortunately I have to agree with you.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

Duc Cockfighting is considered a crime in the US .. animal cruelty. Not a sport.

Is cockfighting enough reason to remove someone from the line of succession?

If yes - is it enough reason to remove the children of the above as well? That sounds like a severe explanation of "The Sins of the Father", to the iniquities passing from the one generation to the other. Really, cockfighting, how abjectable it is (I agree with you on that) is in my eyes not that sort of crime which justifies a removal from the line of succession.

Princess Irina of Romania could have been declared a persona non-grata (she more or less already was). She could have been stripped from her allowance (if she gets any) or other familial privilèges, for the rest her position and that of her children was purely theoretical. But also here: wham! out of the succession! All of them! (For cockfighting). It seem all so heavy-handed and ill-thought in my opinion.

 

[Cory]

At least young Nicholas had a public statement about his situation. His cousins Michael and Angelica did not have so much attention even if they were at least as innocents as Nicholas. Quite an interesting way to treat the grandchildren and a Line of Succession (even if not approved by any Parliament).

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

Because this is the Royal Family of Romania, and they have their own policy and etiquette. Ioan-Luca Vlad, the advisor of the Royal Family said at an interview of Nicholas' exclusion:
- If you want to make yourself a trader, you can't be a member of the Royal family.
Ioan Luca Vlad, consilier al Casei Regale_ Principele Nicolae a fost chiar usurat de decizia Regelui Mihai _ Sentimentul de antreprenoriat e foarte greu de dezvoltat in cadrul Casei Regale - Esential - HotNews.ro
Translation

I think Mr Ioan-Luca Vlad need some lessons about a modern monarchy in 2015. How is Nicholas ever able to earn his living and maintain a royal Household without funding? Is there a fairytale magician bringing him a pot with gold or something?

Speaking about the economically active Dutch royals. I wonder if King Michael, Queen Anne and Princess Beatrix (see picture of these three together) have had some chat about this. I am sure Princess Beatrix would have said that economic activities in certain sectors will be no problem, of course with keeping transparency and staying within the lines, see her own family. I am almost sure that -for an example- Princess Beatrix could have used her formidable network (Bilderberg!) to help Nicholas, like she most likely has helped the De Bourbon de Parmes as well. (Queen Anne is a Princess de Bourbon de Parme, by the way).

 

[Lee-Z]

^^^^^^^ if you had your way you'd make the dutch royal family rule all european countries

 

[HereditaryPrincess]

It will be interesting to see, succession wise, what the outcome of this whole issue will be.

 

[Ish]

I find it odd that Princess Irina hasn't had her title removed from her, particularly given the fact that she was arrested for cockfighting as it is illegal in the US.



It will be interesting to see, succession wise, what the outcome of this whole issue will be.

Irina has had her title and succession rights removed. It wasn't officially announced, but it's on the Romanian Royal Family website.

 

[HereditaryPrincess]

Irina has had her title and succession rights removed. It wasn't officially announced, but it's on the Romanian Royal Family website.

Ah OK, thanks for the correction Ish. I hadn't realised, I'll edit my post as it could be confusing.

 

[Ish]

I have gleanings (from conversations ) but I was told that King made the right decision, that this had been building up for sometime ... and the word used by different people is behavior .. but I have no idea what happened .. and I doubt, at this time, the family will say anything further. I am not going to speculate.

Thank you, Marlene.

I could speculate on what the behaviour is, and I have. I have theories, but I think at this point the discussion is getting a tad out of hand as it is and without anything solid from the family I don't see the point.

That said, you know this family better than any of us. Which means to me that if you're saying the King had a valid reason for doing this and is supported by the family in his actions then I see no reason why we shouldn't accept that the King is justified here. I don't know why he's made this decision, but I know yours is an opinion to trust (particularly in contrast to some of the more reactionary and unreasonable comments that are being thrown around).

I'm saddened to hear this because Nicholas always seemed like he was dedicated to Romania and doing a good job. But I have no doubt that the King is also dedicated and I trust his decision here.

 

[Cory]

The decision is strongly condemned not only by royalists but by the Romanian press and televisions and by very many Romanians. The problem is not the "behaviour" of Nicholas but the real behaviour of other persons who wanted to exclude him because very popular.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

S

Thank you, Marlene.

I could speculate on what the behaviour is, and I have. I have theories, but I think at this point the discussion is getting a tad out of hand as it is and without anything solid from the family I don't see the point.

That said, you know this family better than any of us. Which means to me that if you're saying the King had a valid reason for doing this and is supported by the family in his actions then I see no reason why we shouldn't accept that the King is justified here. I don't know why he's made this decision, but I know yours is an opinion to trust (particularly in contrast to some of the more reactionary and unreasonable comments that are being thrown around).

I'm saddened to hear this because Nicholas always seemed like he was dedicated to Romania and doing a good job. But I have no doubt that the King is also dedicated and I trust his decision here.

The problem is the completely arbitrary and unilateral handling of all this. No any proper Decree with reference to articles in the so-called fundamental laws of the House. No proper and transparent decision on the style, form of address, surname and precedence of the eldest grandson. Nothing. I see no decree, no date, no signature, no seal, nothing. Nothing which indicates the status of the document and the authorithy on which the decision rests.

The same total lack of transparent decrees and proper procedures happened when Nicholas and Elisabeth Medforth-Mills were suddenly renamed in De Roumanie Medforth-Mills. Later only Nicholas, and not his sister with equal birthright, became HRH Prince of Romania. Again without clear procedure and a proper Decree.

The same happened when Princess Sofia was removed, including her daughter. And then returned into the line of succession. The same with Princess Irina and her children. A change on a website... That was it.

I am a monarchist. But this sort of ad-hoc decisionmaking surrounded by clouds of mystery and with a strong smell of arbitrary decisions to the whim of the day really is the best advert for a republic. At least a president can be held accountable and is bound by constitution and law...

 

[Cory]

I do not really know what to believe anymore. Some speak of a quarrel of young Nicholas with his aunt's husband :

http://www.flux24.ro/misterele-reun...earta-violenta-intre-principii-radu-si-nicol/

 

[Benjamin]

S

The problem is the completely arbitrary and unilateral handling of all this. No any proper Decree with reference to articles in the so-called fundamental laws of the House. No proper and transparent decision on the style, form of address, surname and precedence of the eldest grandson. Nothing. I see no decree, no date, no signature, no seal, nothing. Nothing which indicates the status of the document and the authorithy on which the decision rests.

A royal decree was issued--but, as you mention, it does not reference the 2007 house law.

The signature of His Majesty does not look to be as bold and firm as in the past.

I feel this is symbolic of how influential (or not) the King was in this move.

See the document here: http://familiaregala.ro/assets/images/Decret_Regal_12015.jpg

 

[Admiral Horthy]

I do not really know what to believe anymore. Some speak of a quarrel of young Nicholas with his aunt's husband :

Cum a ajuns un fost lider al studentilor comunisti membru in Consiliul Familiei Regale? / SURSE: Cearta violenta intre Principii Radu si Nicolae

If, in fact, are argument with Radu lead to the demotion and exile of Nicholas my respect for the Crown Princess, who I thought showed great poise, dignity and the ability to be Queen one day, has been greatly diminished. If Radu convinced the King that Nicholas was too "modern" or "close to the people" and Margarita did not put her foot down and defend him, what does this say about her?

This whole business is disturbing.

 

[Benjamin]

The Crown Princess was visiting her parents when the decision was taken.

However, one will notice that she does not appear to have been physically present at the meeting of this Royal Council with the King.

For a long time, some people have surmised that perhaps the members of the Royal Family are not quite able to act as they might otherwise were the son-in-law of His Majesty not part of the equation. Who knows how much weight this theory carries in reality. Yet, it is hard not to wonder how things within the Royal House will transpire once Radu expires.

 

[Admiral Horthy]

Reading Nicolas' Facebook page and reading just a couple of dozen or so comments it seems that most people do not support his exile, are not happy with the King and have lost respect for him, and abhor Radu Dadu as an interloper and villian. I even saw a rude comment about the CP.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

Well, Fb... And the people with Nicholas as 'Friend' naturally will act with disappointment and disbelief. The best thermometer is the common Romanian in the street and most likely they could not care less....

 

[LadyFinn]

Who betrayed whom?
Rather hard words in this article too.
Cine pe cine a trădat_ Cum a ajuns monarhia o butaforie. Și de ce ne pasă_ _ Romania Libera
Translation

Historian Diana Mandache
A hot wire, charitable, structured, a good man, intelligent, lovely involved in supporting projects in Romania - books for children, cycling, ecology, he managed to win the hearts of many Romanian.
He managed to learn the Romanian language pretty well in a short time and nothing can convince me to change my opinion I had that this man could do many wonderful things in Romania from the position that he has.
Nicolae Mihai Medforth Mills sau Principele Nicolae _ Diana Mandache _ adevarul.ro
Translation

Historian Manuel Stănescu:
"Nicolae was popular because hewas a young man, a man with a fresh soul in a Royal House which has a certain past. I think there are some things that we don't know, but I am convinced that this gesture of King Michael is deep enough".
"Royal House needs another frontman. I don't see who could replace the image of Nicolae. He was a picture for the future. Princess Margarita has a pretty good image, but does not represent the future. The Royal House has passed, thank goodness, a certain date, with ups and downs, but it desperately needs a future perspective. The Prince was a prospect. Princess Margarita is not seen now as a perspective or in terms of the ability to bring sympathy to the Royal Family. Here we are talking about generations to come, because they were heading towards Prince Nicolae. All the discussion reaches to a point: will Romania ever been able to return to monarchy? Do the Romanians want that?" According to Stănescu, the decision taken by King Michael in respect to his nephew seems hasty at this point. "History will tell us if it was or wasn't," he adds.
Istoria succesiunilor din Casa Regală a României. MAREA PROBLEMĂ pe care Regele Mihai trebuie s-o rezolve după excluderea Principelui Nicolae
Translation

 

[Curryong]

Stories have been emerging on the Internet in the last couple of days that a certain gay club based in Geneva might have something to do with the King's decision. I can't read Rumanian but the gist given in the link seemed pretty plain.

There's supposedly a video about to do the rounds.

 

[Ceallach]

Marlene said he wasn't gay, nor was it about a girl or gambling. Because they left it so vague, there are a lot of rumours.