MAGDA LUPESCU

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 November 1936, Page 12

MAGDA LUPESCU

A GROWING FORCE. LONDON, October 10. Owe again Magda Lupescu, ' the Titjan-haired beauty, who for 14 has' held the affection of King 'Carol of Roumania, flares into the headlines. Bucharest this week was excitedly discussing a report that Mme. Lupescu had just been secretly married to a high official in the Roumanian, Court. No word of confirmation or denial has been issued from the palace, where the beautiful red-haired Jewess is now staying, but it is believed the marriage has been arranged formally to regularise her position in Court. But this does not mean the end of a romantic association which has been maintained in the face of open opposition within and without Rouhiaiiia. For Magda Lupescu to-day

has become indispensable to King Carol and, an increasing number of Roumanians say, to Roumania. The girl for whom King Carol left his wife has become the brain-power behind the throne. When Carol first renounced his marriage vows and fled to Paris with Magda his parents, friends and advisers did their utmost -to break the romance, but it has lasted for 14 years. Mme. Lupescu’s most formidable enemies in Roumania to-day are members of the “iron Guard,” the secret organisation which was responsible for the assassination of the Roumanian Premier, M. Duca. When Carol was divorced from Helen, the “Iron Guard” concentrated its hatred on Magda Lupescu: “Remember Helen!” became the slogan of their campaign. They shouted it -whenever she appeared in public. TWo years ago the “Iron Guard” handed an ultimatum to the King. Members said'they had taken an oath to murder Mme. Lupescu; unless the King immediately sent her out of the country. they would start a reign of terror in Bucharest. Carol ignored

the threat. Mme. Lupescu’s answer was to walk alone along the Calea Victorei, Bucharest’s smartest and busiest street. Lately the King’s friend has been winning a new popularity. She has learned how to pull the financial and military strings in Roumania. Her generosity to the peasants has made her popular in country districts. Such is the woman whose position will be' made more sure by this reported marriage of convenience, the wbirian Carol will never let go.