May 1st 2024.
I'm sure you've probably wondered about this as well, but have you ever thought about how King Charles III is related to Vlad the Impaler? It's a question that has crossed our minds, especially when we hear about Charles's annual visits to his former farmhouse in Transylvania, nestled in the Carpathian Mountains. He spends a few days there every year, taking in the breathtaking views of the forests and rolling foothills. Last summer, during his trip, Charles spoke fondly of his love for Romania and all it has to offer - the culture, art, heritage, history, landscapes, and biodiversity.
It's no surprise that Charles has developed a deep connection with Romania, given his family ties to the country. However, he wasn't aware of this connection when he first visited back in 1988, before communism fell. As we all know, Europe's royal families have a long history of intermarrying, and Charles's family is no exception. His great-great-great grandmother was none other than Queen Victoria, who is often referred to as the "grandmother of Europe" due to her children's marriages into the reigning houses on the continent.
And now, we can add yet another royal family to the list that the Windsors are related to - the Draculas. Yes, you read that right. Charles's link to Vlad the Impaler, son of Vlad II Dracul, is through Queen Mary, who was the wife of Victoria's grandson, King George V. Mary of Teck came from a German noble family and was the daughter of Francis, Duke of Teck, and Princess Adelaide of Cambridge, who was Victoria's first cousin. It's fascinating to think that Charles and Vlad the Impaler, one of history's most notorious figures, are distant relatives through this connection.
Speaking of connections, Countess Claudine Rhédey de Kis-Rhéde, who was married to Charles's great-great-great grandfather, Duke Alexander of Württemberg, also has a link to Vlad the Impaler. She was born into a count's family and had roots in a land that has been under Hungarian, Ottoman, and Romanian rule throughout the centuries. The Countess's lineage can be traced back five generations to when two of Vlad the Impaler's great-great-great-great-great grandchildren married each other, making Charles and Vlad distant cousins.
It's no wonder that Charles chose Romania as his first foreign visit as king. He fell in love with the country's natural beauty, stunning architecture, and glimpses of the past seen in fashion and farming practices. And during his trips, he stays at his charming guesthouse in Transylvania, lovingly called the Blue House. This rustic and traditional farmhouse, located in the 12th-century village of Viscri, was purchased by Charles in 2006. He visits it every year, taking walks through the Zalán Valley and spending time with the locals.
When Charles isn't staying at the Blue House, he opens it up to visitors, with rooms available for an average of £100 per night. The interior is adorned with traditional Transylvanian wooden furniture and vibrant patterned fabrics, giving guests a taste of the local culture. And the best part? The proceeds from these rentals go towards funding The King's Foundation Romania, which is based in Viscri and works towards developing practical skills for local communities, farmers, and artisan food producers.
In a way, it's a rather interesting family reunion for Charles, and we can only imagine the conversations that must take place at the dinner table. But one thing is for sure - Romania holds a special place in Charles's heart, and his love for the country and its people is evident in his annual visits and charitable initiatives.
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