Elisabeth of Wied

Elizabeth of Wied (December 29, 1843 - November 2, 1916) was the Queen Consort of King Carol I of Romania, widely known by her literary name of Carmen Sylva. She was the daughter of German Prince Hermann of Neuwied. She first met the future king of Romania at Berlin in 1861, and was married to him on the November 15, 1869. Her only child, a daughter, died in 1874.

Related Topics:
December 29 - 1843 - November 2 - 1916 - Queen Consort - Carol I of Romania - German - Hermann of Neuwied - Romania - Berlin - 1861 - November 15 - 1869 - 1874

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In the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878 she devoted herself to the care of the wounded, and founded the Order of Elizabeth (a gold cross on a blue ribbon) to reward distinguished service in such work. She fostered the higher education of women in Romania, and established societies for various charitable objects.

Related Topics:
1877 - 1878 - Order of Elizabeth

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Early distinguished by her excellence as a pianist, organist and singer, she also showed considerable ability in painting and illuminating; but a lively poetic imagination led her to the path of literature, and more especially to poetry, folk-lore and ballads. In addition to numerous original works she put into literary form many of the legends current among the Romanian peasantry.

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