Aubonne, 5 December 2017. The Delegation of Great Britain and Ireland notes with much sadness the passing of His Majesty King Michael I of Romania, GCVO, aged 96.
The Delegate for Great Britain and Ireland, Anthony Bailey, on behalf of the Council, Chaplains and knights and dames, extended his sincere condolences and prayers to his daughter, HRH The Princess Elena of Romania, Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Francis I, and her husband, HE Mr Alexander Nixon, Knight Commander of Merit of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order within the British and Irish Delegation. 
Following the passing of His Majesty, his eldest daughter, HRH Crown Princess Margareta is now the Custodian of the Crown of Romania and the new Head of the Royal Family of Romania.
King Michael ruled Romania twice, from 1927 to 1930 and then from 1940 to 1947. His Majesty lost the Throne in 1947 when having overthrown Fascism in his country, he saw his realm dragged behind the Iron Curtain. As a result the Romanian people suffered over 40 years of communist rule under Nicolae Ceaușescu.
In a message addressed to the Romanian people, HRH Princess Margareta said: “Our country lost King Michael I. For over nine decades, he dedicated to Romania all the strength that God bestowed onto him. And death alone put an end to his tireless and patient work […] An example of unwavering devotion to his people, with a high sense of duty and strong principles, he wrote the most valuable page in the contemporary history of our nation,”
“His kindness and compassion defeated all villainy of the past century, and his wisdom ensured the constancy of our identity, in times of serious deviation from the natural path of our State and Nation. The King was part of the fabric of our people and we are all very proud of him. By his work, King Michael continued the ties that bind the Royal Family to the Romanian Nation. For our tomorrow, he gave us his today.”
“A new time starts for me and my Family and for the Royal House of Romania. Inspired by the same sentiments as my father, I will continue his work, for the fulfillment of our mission towards the Romanian people.”
The Romanian President, Klaus Ioannis, said “King Michael was one of the greatest personalities of Romania, and he wrote Romania’s history with capital letters. It is a great loss for Romania and for Romanians. Condolences to all members of the Royal House.”
Prime Minister, Mihai Tudose, also expressed his condolences together with numerous political figures, writers, actors, and other personalities in Romania.
Rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam. Requiescat in pace. Odihneasca-se in pace.
To read His Majesty’s obituary please click here.