ELISABETH OF ROUMANIA AS A CHILD ELISABETH (of Romania, Elisabetha Charlotte Josephine Alexandra, 1894-1956, Queen Consort of King George II of Greece, 1922-1924, daughter of King Ferdinand I of Romania and Marie of Edinburgh)

Delightful early cabinet card by A. Brand signed 'Elisabeta' showing her three quarters length in profile loowing down, as a young girl wearing a lacy white dress, her hands clasped in front of her, 6½" x 4½", no place but the photographer is in Sinaia-Ploesci, no date, circa

The young girl went on to have a colourful career. She married the future King George in Bucharest in 1921. It is believed that Prince George's uncle ex-Emperor Wilhelm II arranged the match. Constantine I of Greece gave Elisabeth his castle of Tatoi and bestowed the title Duchess of Sparta upon her. She was queen consort from 1922 to 1923, and afterwards the couple lived in exile. The marriage was unsuccessful, and they were divorced in 1935. George was restored to his throne in November of that year. Elisabeth then returned to live in Romania until its monarchy was abolished after World War II.
She had numerous affairs, including one before her marriage with the acting UK High Commissioner in Constantinople, Frank Rattigan, father of playwright Terence Rattigan. She became pregnant by Rattigan and was forced to have an abortion. This affair resulted in his being expelled from the diplomatic service.
From a Royal Collection.

Item Date:  1904

Stock No:  37284      £375

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