On October 15, 2022, a significant milestone was marked in Romanian history as the centennial of the coronation of King Ferdinand I and Queen Marie of Romania was commemorated. This momentous event, which took place in 1922, marked the culmination of the royal couple's tireless efforts to expand the borders of the Romanian kingdom following World War I, a feat largely attributed to Queen Marie's diplomatic prowess at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919.
The coronation ceremony, held at Alba Iulia Cathedral, was attended by prominent international figures, including the Duke of York (later King George VI) and Prince Paul of Serbia, who would later become the Regent of Yugoslavia. The event was witnessed by over twenty thousand Romanians, underscoring the significance of this moment in Romanian history. Today, Nicholas and Alina-Maria of Romania, along with students from the local technical school named after King Ferdinand, honored the legacy of their ancestors by attending a service at Curtea de Argeș Cathedral, the burial place of all the departed kings and queens of Romania1.
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| The royal couple. |
Today, Nicholas and Alina-Maria of Romania commemorated the centennial of the Coronation of Nicholas' great-great-grandparents, King Ferdinand and Queen Marie of Romania.
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The Coronation of King Ferdinand I and Queen Marie of Romania. Photo (c) Tallandier / Bridgeman Images. |
On 15 October 1922, King Ferdinand and Queen Marie were crowned as monarchs of Greater Romania in a lavish ceremony at Alba Iulia Cathedral, which is now known as Coronation Cathedral (Catedrala Încoronării). The importance of this event drew from the fact that the king and queen had overseen a massive expansion of the borders of the Romanian kingdom following World War I; this was greatly due to the diplomatic lobbying of Queen Marie at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919. The coronation was attended by the Duke of York (future King George VI), the Duke of Genoa, Prince Paul of Serbia (later Regent of Yugoslavia), and the ceremony was witnessed by over twenty thousand Romanians.
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| The resting place of the king and queen, Curtea de Argeș. |
Nicholas and Alina-Maria, as well as students from the local technical school named after King Ferdinand, attended a service at Curtea de Argeș Cathedral, the burial place of all the departed kings and queens of Romania. Archimandrite Caliopie Ichim officiated over the ceremony.
As we conclude our reflection on the centennial of the coronation of King Ferdinand and Queen Marie of Romania, we are reminded of the significant impact their legacy has had on the country's history. The royal couple's tireless efforts to expand the borders of the Romanian kingdom following World War I, largely attributed to Queen Marie's diplomatic prowess at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, have left a lasting imprint on the nation's identity. Today, as we commemorate this milestone, we honor not only the monarchs but also the people who have been shaped by their vision and leadership.
The centennial of the coronation serves as a poignant reminder of the power of unity and perseverance in the face of adversity. As we look back on the lavish ceremony held at Alba Iulia Cathedral, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and the role that monarchs like King Ferdinand and Queen Marie have played in shaping our collective history. As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to draw inspiration from their example, embracing the values of diplomacy, determination, and unity that have defined the Romanian people throughout their journey. May the centennial of the coronation of King Ferdinand and Queen Marie serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Romanian people.
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