Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha
| Simeon II / Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha / Simeon Sakskoburggotski | |
|---|---|
| Tsar of Bulgaria (Royal), Chairman of the Coalition (Political) | |
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| Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha as Prime Minister of Bulgaria | |
| Reign | 28 August, 1943 - 15 September, 1946 |
| Born | June 16 1937 |
| Sofia, Bulgaria | |
| Predecessor | Boris III of Bulgaria |
| Successor | Kingdom abolished, Communist Republic declared Vasil Kolarov (President) |
| Consort | Margarita Gomez-Acebo y Cejuela |
| Issue | Kardam, Prince of Turnovo Kyrill, Prince of Preslav Kubrat, Prince of Panagiurishte Konstantin-Assen, Prince of Vidin Princess Kalina of Bulgaria |
| Royal House | |
| Father | Boris III |
| Mother | Giovanna di Savoia, Princess of Italy |
| Styles of King Simeon II of The Bulgarians |
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|---|---|
| Reference style | His Majesty |
| Spoken style | Your Majesty |
| Alternative style | Sir |
Simeon II of Bulgaria or Simeon of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (born June 16,
1937) was head of state as the Tsar of
Bulgaria, Tsar Simeon II, from 1943 to 1946. He served as Prime Minister of Bulgaria from 2001 until August 2005. He is known in the English
speaking world as Simeon
Simeon II is one of the last living heads of state from the World War II era and he is also the only monarch in history who later became head of the government in democratic nation-wide elections. His landslide election victory came after 55 years of exile imposed on his family by the communists. It was a first for Bulgaria, for Europe, and for the world. Since he never abdicated, Simeon II is the only living person on Earth who still has the title of Tsar (ancient Slavic modification of the Latin 'Caesar'). [citation needed]
Simeon II, along with Queen Elizabeth II belongs to the House of Wettin. Simeon II is a Knight of the Golden Fleece.
Royal history
- See also: Ancestry of royals of Bulgaria
Simeon is the son of Tsar Boris III and Tsaritsa Giovanna. He became Tsar on August 28 1943 upon the death of his father, shortly after his return to Bulgaria from a meeting with Adolf Hitler.[1] Since Tsar Simeon was only six years old upon assuming the throne, his uncle Prince Kyril of Bulgaria, Prime Minister Bogdan Filov and Army General Mihov were appointed regents.[2]
On 5 September 1944 the Soviet army invaded Bulgaria and, on 9 September 1944, Prince Kyril and the other regents were deposed by a Soviet-backed coup and arrested. The three regents, all members of the last three governments, Parliament deputies, heads of the army and eminent journalists were executed by the Communists in February 1945.[3] Executions of eminent representatives of the high and middle class of Bulgaria continued till the 1950s and the State Gazette issues of those days are full of names of thousands of people who are reported as "disappeared with no trace" ("bezsledno izcheznal").[4]
Path to exile
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Pedigree: Bulgarian ancestry of royals of Bulgaria |
The Royal family (Queen Giovanna, Simeon II and his sister Maria-Louisa) remained under arrest at Vrana Palace, near Sofia. In her Memoirs Queen Giovanna remembers that the Soviet soldiers used to entertain themselves by shooting at random in the direction where she was walking with the children. On 15 September, 1946 a rigged[citation needed] referendum was held in the presence of the Soviet army in Bulgaria. It resulted in over 95% approval for the new communist republic and abolished the monarchy. On 16 September 1946 the royal family was exiled from Bulgaria. However, Simeon II has never signed any abdication papers. The royal family first went to Alexandria, Egypt, where Queen Giovanna's father Victor Emanuel III, exiled King of Italy, lived.[5] There Simeon II finished Victoria College (along with Crown Prince Leka of Albania). In July 1951 the Spanish government of Francisco Franco granted asylum to the exiled family.
Exile in Spain
In Madrid Simeon II graduated from the Lycée Français and studied law and political science. In 1955, upon turning eighteen, he read his proclamation to the Bulgarian people as the Tsar of Bulgaria, in accordance with the Tarnovo Constitution. In 1958 he enrolled at Valley Forge Military Academy and College in the United States, where he was known as "Cadet Rylski No. 6883",[6] and graduated as a second lieutenant. Once again in Spain, Simeon studied law and business administration, and went on to become a businessman.
Career
Simeon spent most of his adult life working as a businessman: for thirteen years he was chairman of the Spanish subsidiary of Thomson, a French defence and electronics group, and he was also an advisor in the banking, hotel, electronics, and catering sectors.
Political activities in exile
Simeon issued several political declarations during his exile through his Royal Chancellery in Madrid directed at the Communist regime in Bulgaria and his exiled compatriots. His early attempts at forming an official government in exile did not come to fruition.[citation needed]
Marriage and family
In 1962 Simeon married a member of the Spanish aristocracy, Doña Margarita Gomez-Acebo y Cejuela. The couple had five children — four sons (Kardam, Kyril, Kubrat and Konstantin) and a daughter, Kalina, all of whom subsequently married Spaniards.[7]
- Kardam (born 1962) married Doña Miriam Ungria y López. They have two sons, Boris and Beltran.
- Kyrill (born 1964) married Doña Rosario Nadal y Fuster-Puigdorfila. They have two daughters, HRH Mafalda and Olimpia, and one son, Tassilo.
- Kubrat (born 1965) married Doña Carla Maria Royo-Villanova y Urrestarazu. They have three sons: Mirko, Lukás and Tirso.
- Konstantin-Assen (born 1967) married Doña María Garcia de la Rasilla y Gortazar. They have twins, Umberto and Sofia.
- Kalina (born 1972) married Don
Antonio "Kitín" Muñoz Valcárcel . They have one son, Simeon.
Political return
| Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha | |
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47th Prime Minister of the
Republic of Bulgaria
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|---|---|
| In office 24 July 2001 – 17 August 2005 |
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| Preceded by | Ivan Kostov |
| Succeeded by | Sergey Stanishev |
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| Nationality | Bulgarian |
| Political party | NDSV |
| Signature |  |
In 1996, fifty years after the 1946 referendum which was held by the Soviet army, Simeon II returned to Bulgaria and was met everywhere by huge crowds, cheering: “We want our King!" [8] He did not, at that point, make any political announcements or political moves.
Some of the estates in Bulgaria that had been expropriated under Communism and were ruled to be his personal property were returned to the Bulgarian royal family. In 2001 Simeon II proclaimed his will to return to Bulgaria for the common good and announced the formation of a new political party, the National Movement Simeon II ("NMSII"), dedicated to "reforms and political integrity." Simeon II himself promised a period of 800 days, after which the Bulgarian people would feel the positive effects of his government and would have higher standard of living.
Simeon II won a land-slide victory in the nation-wide elections held on June 17, 2001, NMSII won 120 out of 240 seats in Parliament, overturning the two pre-existing political parties. Simeon gave an oath as Prime Minister of Bulgaria on July 24, forming a coalition with the ethnic Turkish party Movement for Rights and Freedoms ("MRF"). He gave ministerial positions in his government mainly to technocrats and Western-educated economic specialists. In 2002 his efforts were recognised by his receiving the 2002 Path to Peace Award from the Path to Peace Foundation.[9] In 2005, Simeon formed a new coalition government with the Bulgarian Socialist Party and Turkish ethnic party Movement for Rights & Freedom.
Simeon's popularity declined during his four-year rule as Prime Minister. In particular, the 800 days economic quick fix program did not meet popular expectations. However, the development of Bulgaria's capital markets have moved forward, with the first Eurolev issue in 2004. During his time in power, Bulgaria became a member of NATO and accelerated its accession to the EU.
National Movement for Stability and Progress
At the elections held on June 25, 2005, Simeon's party, NDSV, polled 20% of the vote and remained a second political power, being overtaken by the Socialists (31%). No single party won a majority of seats. As NDSV was initially unwilling to join a coalition with the Bulgarian Socialist party (BSP), BSP tried to form a coalition government with the third political power - the Turkish ethnic party MRF. The new coalition was headed on July 20 by Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev of the Bulgarian Socialist Party. After a close-run failure at the Parliament to win a majority of votes to form a new government, the Bulgarian Socialist Party renewed negotiations with the NDSV. After three weeks of deliberation, Simeon II agreed on 15 August to join a three-party coalition government headed by Stanishev. The new coalition government includes the Bulgarian Socialist Party, National Movement Simeon II and the ethnic Turkish party (Movement for Rights & Freedom). Simeon II was given the unofficial ceremonial post of Chairman of the Coalition's Council.
Views on restoration of the Bulgarian monarchy
Simeon has always declined to comment on whether he believes Bulgaria should restore the monarchy, saying it is a matter for the people of Bulgaria to decide. He gave an oath before the republican constitution at the Parliament as a Prime Minister in 2001. High-ranking representatives of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church declared that they would join an eventual discussion about the restoration of monarchy. However, it has to be taken into account that more than 50% of the orthodox church clergy in Bulgaria was part of the communistic state security services.
Simeon does not take part in political debates. He wishes to be King of his entire people, regardless of political affiliation stating, "The monarch's role is moderation ... to be above parties and politics ... " [10]
Ancestors
| Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha | Father: Boris III of Bulgaria |
Paternal Grandfather: Ferdinand I of Bulgaria |
Paternal Great-grandfather: August of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, 5th Prince of Kohary |
| Paternal Great-grandmother: Princess Clémentine of Orléans daughter of Louis Philippe, king of France and Maria Amalia Bourbon and of the Two Sicilies |
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| Paternal Grandmother: Marie Louise of Bourbon-Parma |
Paternal Great-grandfather: Robert I, Duke of Parma |
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| Paternal Great-grandmother: Princess Maria Pia of the Two Sicilies |
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| Mother: Giovanna di Savoia |
Maternal Grandfather: Victor Emmanuel III of Italy |
Maternal Great-grandfather: Umberto I of Italy |
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| Maternal Great-grandmother: Margherita of Savoy |
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| Maternal Grandmother: Elena of Montenegro |
Maternal Great-grandfather: Nicholas I of Montenegro |
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| Maternal Great-grandmother: Milena Vukotić |
References
Bibliography
Books
- Curley, Walter J.P. (1975) Monarchs in Waiting, London: Hutchinson & Co. (pp.23-25: "Bulgaria: His Majesty King Simeon II")
- Fenyvesi, Charles (1981) Royalty in Exile, London: Robson Books. (pp.153-171: "Czar Simeon of the Bulgars") ISBN 0-86051-131-6
- Dimitroff, Pashanko (1986) Boris III of Bulgaria 1894-1943, London. ISBN 0-86332-140-2
- Groueff, Stephane (1987) Crown of Thorns, Lanham MD. and London. ISBN 0-8191-5778-3
- Lauder-Frost, Gregory (1989) The Betrayal of Bulgaria, Monarchist League Policy Paper, London.
- Aronson, T. (1986) Crowns In Conflict, London: John Murray (Publishers) Ltd. ISBN 0-7195-4279-0
- Hindley, G. (1979) The Royal Families of Europe, London: Lyric Books Ltd. ISBN0 0-07-093530-0
Articles
- The Daily Telegraph, Obituary for "HM Queen Ioanna of the Bulgarians", London, 28 February 2000.
See also
- List of monarchs who lost their thrones or abdicated in the 20th century
House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha
External links
- The first website about Simeon II of Bulgaria focuses on his pre-1995 history
- Financial Times July 2001 Biography
- Saxe-Coburg-Gotha's address, February 10 2005 concerning amending the constitution to bring it in line with EU requirements
- Saxe-Coburg-Gotha's statement, July 5 2002 concerning Bulgaria's candidacy for NATO membership: "The role of the international community should be gradually transformed from crisis response to integration. Palliative measures intended to mitigate yet another crisis cannot bring stability and prosperity. The best solution is the region's integration into the European and Euroatlantic institutions."
- [2] NMSII website
- [3] MRF website
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Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha
Cadet branch of the House of Wettin
Born: 16 June 1937 |
||
| Regnal titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Boris III |
Tsar of
Bulgaria August 28, 1943 – September 15, 1946 |
Monarchy abolished |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by Boris III as Tsar of Bulgaria |
Head of State of Bulgaria as Tsar of Bulgaria August 28, 1943 – September 15, 1946 |
Succeeded by Vasil Kolarov as Chairman of the Provisional Presidency of the People's Republic of Bulgaria |
| Preceded by Ivan Kostov |
Prime Minister
of Bulgaria July 24, 2001 – August 17, 2005 |
Succeeded by Sergey Stanishev |
| Titles in pretence | ||
| New title | — TITULAR — Tsar of Bulgaria September 15, 1946 – present |
Incumbent Designated heir: Prince Kardam |
| Preceded by Prince Alexander Ernst |
Line of
succession to the Saxe-Coburg and Gotha throne 10th position |
Succeeded by Prince Kardam |
| Bulgarian monarchs |
|---|
Asparukh · Tervel · Kormesiy · Sevar · Kormisosh · Vinekh · Telets · Sabin · Umor · Toktu · Pagan · Telerig · Kardam · Krum · Omurtag · Malamir · Presian · Boris I · Vladimir · Simeon I · Peter I · Boris II · Roman · Samuil · Gavril Radomir · Ivan Vladislav · Presian II
Ivan Asen I · Peter IV · Ivanko · Kaloyan · Boril · Ivan Asen II · Kaliman I Asen · Michael Asen I · Kaliman II Asen · Mitso Asen · Constantine I Tikh · Ivailo · Ivan Asen III · George Terter I · Smilets · Chaka · Theodore Svetoslav · George Terter II · Michael Shishman · Ivan Stephen · Ivan Alexander · Ivan Shishman · Ivan Sratsimir
Alexander I · Ferdinand I · Boris III · Simeon II |
| Prime Ministers of Bulgaria | |
|---|---|
| Kingdom of Bulgaria | Burmov • Turnovski • Tsankov • Karavelov • Ehrnrooth • vacant • Sobolev • Tsankov • Karavelov • Turnovski • Karavelov • Radoslavov • Stoilov • Stambolov • Stoilov • Grekov • Ivanchov • Petrov • Karavelov • Danev • Petrov • Petkov • Stanchov* • Gudev • Malinov • Geshov • Danev • Radoslavov • Malinov • Teodorov • Stamboliyski • Tsankov • Lyapchev • Malinov • Mushanov • Georgiev • Zlatev • Toshev • Kyoseivanov • Filov • Gabrovski* • Bozhilov • Bagrianov • Muraviev • Georgiev |
| Communist Bulgaria | G. Dimitrov • Kolarov • Chervenkov • Yugov • Zhivkov • Todorov • Filipov • Atanasov • Lukanov |
| Republic of Bulgaria | Popov • P. Dimitrov • Berov • Indzhova* • Videnov • Sofiyanski* • Kostov • Sakskoburggotski • Stanishev |
| * denotes interim | |
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