European Kingdoms

Rumania

Rumania become a principality in 1859 under Ottoman suzerainty when it was formed out of the late-Byzantine and then Ottoman-ruled principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia. The country gained independence from the Ottomans in 1877. Karl of Hohenzollern had been brought in to form a new monarchy for Wallachia, and so became the first king of Rumania in 1881.

Kingdom of Rumania (HOHENZOLLERN)
AD 1881 - 1947

1881 - 1914

Karel I

Charles Eitel Frederick of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen.

1914 - 1927

Ferdinand

Nephew. Daughter Marie m.King Alexander II of Yugoslavia.

1918

Rumania gains the Principality of Transylvania from Hungary, as well as some territory from Russia.

1927 - 1930

Michael / Mihai

Son of Karel II. Born 1921.

1930 - 1940

Karel II

Son of Ferdinand.

1940 - 1947

Michael / Mihai

Used as a fascist figurehead. Exiled.

1938 - 1944

Russia seizes Moldova (former Moldavia) in 1940, before Rumania becomes an active ally of Germany. After some internal strife, the fascists rule Rumania as part of the Axis Alliance with Nazi Germany. The country is governed by a pro-German dictator, with the king powerless.

1940 - 1944

Ion Antonescu

Fascist dictator.

1947

With the USSR occupying the rest of Eastern Europe at the end of World War II, Rumania is taken over by communists and the king is forced to abdicate.

1965 - 1989

Nicolae Ceauçescu

Communist dictator. Executed in a popular uprising.

1989

Communism is discarded and a democratic republic is painstakingly established.

Hereditary Kings of Rumania
AD 1947 - Present Day

1947 - Present

Michael / Mihai

"Prince of Hohenzollern" (1947-48). "King of Rumania" (1948-on).

Frederick William

Heir. Prince, and member of the main family of, Hohenzollern.