Michael I, born on October 25, 1921, served as the final king of Romania. He had two separate reigns: first from July 20, 1927, to June 8, 1930, and then again from September 6, 1940, until he was compelled to abdicate on December 30, 1947. Michael's early life was marked by the controversial relationship between his father, Crown Prince Carol, and Magda Lupescu. In 1925, Carol relinquished his claim to the throne due to this relationship, and Michael ascended the throne at age five in 1927. However, a regency council governed in his stead, as he was a minor. In 1930, Carol returned and took over the throne from Michael. After Carol's abdication in 1940, Michael became king again. During World War II, Romania aligned with Nazi Germany under the rule of dictator Ion Antonescu. In 1944, Michael orchestrated a coup against Antonescu, formed an alliance with the Allies, and later faced political pressures to appoint a pro-Soviet government. In 1947, Michael was coerced to abdicate by Petru Groza's government, leading to his exile and loss of citizenship. He married Princess Anne of Bourbon-Parma in 1948 and settled in Switzerland. Following the overthrow of Nicolae Ceaușescu's regime in 1989, Michael tried to return to Romania but was arrested. He managed to visit in 1992, drawing massive crowds, but subsequent governments limited his access. In 1997, his citizenship was restored, and some confiscated properties were returned. Michael I passed away on December 5, 2017.

Michael I of Romania - Wikipedia