# Michael I of Romania

> last king of Romania (r. 1927–1930, 1940–1947)

**Wikidata**: [Q930013](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q930013)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_I_of_Romania)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/michael-i-of-romania

## Summary
Michael I of Romania was the last king of Romania, ruling twice between 1927 and 1947. A member of the House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, he ascended the throne following the abdication of King Carol II and served as a constitutional monarch during periods of political instability and foreign intervention. His reign was marked by the kingdom's dissolution in 1947, transitioning Romania into a communist state under Nicolae Ceaușescu.

## Biography
- Born: October 25, 1857, in Sigmaringen, Kingdom of Württemberg
- Nationality: Romanian (by citizenship), German (by birth)
- Education: Military training in Germany and Romania
- Known for: Last king of Romania, leader during World War II
- Employer(s): Kingdom of Romania (as monarch)
- Field(s): Politics, military leadership

## Contributions
- **Kingdom of Romania**: Served as king from 1927 to 1930 and again from 1940 to 1947, overseeing the country's political and military affairs during critical periods, including World War II.
- **Order of Carol I**: Established in 1906, a Romanian order of knighthood that honored significant contributions to the nation.
- **Order of Ferdinand I**: Founded in 1929, a Romanian order recognizing merit and service to the state.
- **Order of the Crown of Romania**: Established in 1881, a prestigious order awarded to those who served the kingdom with distinction.

## FAQs
**What was Michael I of Romania's role in the Kingdom of Romania?**
Michael I of Romania served as the last king of Romania, ruling twice between 1927 and 1947. His reign was marked by political instability and foreign intervention, ultimately leading to the kingdom's dissolution in 1947.

**Where was Michael I of Romania born?**
Michael I of Romania was born on October 25, 1857, in Sigmaringen, Kingdom of Württemberg.

**What was the significance of Michael I of Romania's reign?**
Michael I of Romania's reign was significant due to the political and military challenges faced during his rule, including the kingdom's dissolution in 1947 and the establishment of a communist state under Nicolae Ceaușescu.

**What awards did Michael I of Romania receive?**
Michael I of Romania received numerous awards, including the Order of the White Eagle, Order of Victory, Jubilee Medal "60 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945," and the Order of the Star of Romania.

**What was the relationship between Michael I of Romania and the United Kingdom?**
Michael I of Romania had diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom, including the award of the Freedom of the City of London and the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour.

**What was the relationship between Michael I of Romania and Switzerland?**
Michael I of Romania had diplomatic relations with Switzerland, including the award of the Order of the White Rose of Finland and the Legion of Merit.

## Why They Matter
Michael I of Romania's reign was pivotal in shaping the political and military landscape of Romania during a critical period of European history. His leadership during World War II and the subsequent dissolution of the kingdom in 1947 had profound implications for the country's future. The establishment of a communist state under Nicolae Ceaușescu marked a significant shift in Romanian governance, influencing the nation's political, social, and economic development for decades. Michael I of Romania's legacy continues to be studied for its role in the broader context of 20th-century European history.

## Notable For
- **Last King of Romania**: Michael I of Romania was the last monarch of the Kingdom of Romania, ruling from 1927 to 1930 and again from 1940 to 1947.
- **Order of Carol I**: Established in 1906, the Order of Carol I was a prestigious Romanian order of knighthood that honored significant contributions to the nation.
- **Order of Ferdinand I**: Founded in 1929, the Order of Ferdinand I recognized merit and service to the state, further cementing Michael I of Romania's legacy.
- **Order of the Crown of Romania**: Established in 1881, the Order of the Crown of Romania was a prestigious order awarded to those who served the kingdom with distinction.
- **Awards and Honors**: Michael I of Romania received numerous awards, including the Order of the White Eagle, Order of Victory, Jubilee Medal "60 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945," and the Order of the Star of Romania.

## Body
### Early Life and Military Career
Michael I of Romania was born on October 25, 1857, in Sigmaringen, Kingdom of Württemberg, to Prince Karl Anton of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen and Princess Josephine of Baden. He received military training in Germany and Romania, preparing for a career in the military. His early life was marked by service in the Romanian Army, where he gained experience and leadership skills that would later be crucial during his reign.

### Rise to the Throne
In 1927, Michael I of Romania ascended the throne following the abdication of King Carol II. His reign was marked by political instability and foreign intervention, as Romania faced significant challenges during this period. The kingdom's dissolution in 1947 transitioned Romania into a communist state under the leadership of Nicolae Ceaușescu, a significant shift in the country's governance.

### Political and Military Leadership
During his reign, Michael I of Romania served as a constitutional monarch, overseeing the country's political and military affairs. He played a significant role in the Kingdom of Romania's response to World War II, including the country's entry into the war and its subsequent occupation by Axis powers. His leadership during this critical period had a profound impact on the country's future.

### Awards and Honors
Michael I of Romania received numerous awards and honors throughout his life, recognizing his contributions to the Kingdom of Romania and his service to the nation. These included the Order of the White Eagle, Order of Victory, Jubilee Medal "60 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945," and the Order of the Star of Romania. His awards reflected the high regard in which he was held by both domestic and international entities.

### Legacy and Influence
Michael I of Romania's legacy continues to be studied for its role in the broader context of 20th-century European history. His reign was marked by significant political and military challenges, ultimately leading to the kingdom's dissolution in 1947. The establishment of a communist state under Nicolae Ceaușescu had a profound impact on Romania's political, social, and economic development, shaping the nation's trajectory for decades. Michael I of Romania's influence extends beyond his reign, as his legacy continues to be a subject of historical and political analysis.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](http://szabadsag.ro/-/elhunyt-i-mihaly-roman-kiraly)
3. [Source](https://www.enkm.cz/michal-i-rumunsky)
4. [Source](https://adevarul.ro/stiri-interne/societate/dupa-25-de-ani-o-reconciliere-de-milioane-de-1602662.html)
5. [An El Greco Is Pulled From an Auction as Romania Objects. An El Greco Is Pulled From an Auction as Romania Objects. 2025](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/07/arts/design/el-greco-painting-christies-romania-government.html)
6. The orders of the White Rose of Finland and the Order of the Lion of Finland
7. [Source](https://romania.europalibera.org/a/regele-mihai-revenirea-acasa/31526641.html)
8. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20160815165228if_/http://www.prazskyhradarchiv.cz/archivKPR/upload/8117-rbl.pdf)
9. [Source](https://www.romaniaregala.ro/jurnal/presedintele-republicii-cehe-oaspetele-familiei-regale/)
10. International Standard Name Identifier
11. BnF authorities
12. [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/05/michael-1-of-romania)
13. [The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/05/obituaries/king-michael-romania-dead.html)
14. [The Independent](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/michael-i-of-romania-king-died-obituary-second-world-war-a8093646.html)
15. [official website](http://www.familiaregala.ro/familia-regala/prezentare/ms-regele-mihai)
16. The Peerage
17. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
18. Munzinger Personen
19. Find a Grave
20. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
21. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
22. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
23. Virtual International Authority File
24. [Source](http://purl.org/pressemappe20/beaconlist/pe)
25. LIBRIS. 2012
26. Sejm-Wielki.pl
27. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands