King Alexander and Queen Draga of Serbia

[nena]

Thanks from me, too!

Translated by Sveta, too, thanks to her patience and will:

"The dog-experts tell us that Queen Draga of Serbia, years of life 1867-1903, loved very much one of her little griffons, who had saved her life.The Queen had suspicions that her relatives wanted her death so all her meals she gave to her pet for tasting. Draga's suspicions appeared to be true when her little dog soon died".

[Imperial_Grounds]

OMG, I know the Queen was hated by the genral population but that in fact people would try to poison here(and that being, most likely, influencial and probably important people) . The idea just seems so 'Middle-Aged'.

[Marc]

Well,she was hated by her ex brother in law...

[Imperial_Grounds]

Indeed, and in the end he was involved with their murder too...

I shall never understand those people who kill just out of hatred, though it does happen so often.

[eliana]

Dear Nena,

dou you have more information and photos about Svetozar and Alexander Masin, especialy when and how they died. Thanks. Eliana

[nena]

Svetozar Mashin, Draga’s first husband, was engineer, worked on building roads around Serbia, was very rare at home,  and good friend with Panta, Draga's father , famous man, his father was doctor from Czech Republic.

Panta wanted to marry his second daughter Draga to that man, and they married in late august of 1883, in Belgrade. Draga was only 15 (almost 16), and didn't want that marrying to man older than she 15 years. She was in love with one Belgrade's student, who gave on her wedding day beautiful red roses, with note "Must it be happen?'. A nightmare for her. Anyway, while they were on one ceremony, he died, very quick, from epilepsy, I think, after 3 years since they married (1885/6).  Draga became a widow, with 18. She got his surname and superannuation.

His brother, a colonel, Alexander thought she killed him, ad wanted revenge. In October of 1902, he came from Russia, with plan of cabal against Draga and Alexander. And on night 29th May 1903, pair was killed in brutal gunfire, and bayoneted. Alexander was one of main people. I think he said 'And after she died, she is still the most beautiful' . Possibly he was in love with her. I don't know about him more, try to find.  Had one photo of Alexander Mashin, can't find it. 

Like romantic drama, isn't it?

Dear Nena,

dou you have more information and photos about Svetozar and Alexander Masin, especialy when and how they died. Thanks. Eliana

[yussupov29]

Norbert, I respect your minds! And all you said is truth.
I am so sorry she was massacred with husband. In that night soliders found her favourite book on shelf Le Transhion on page 80. She got more hits than her husband.... On YouTube you can see great documenatry about last Obrenovis, just put Queen Draga.

Also, she wrote autobiograph book I, Draga but it disappeared on night may 29th/June 11th 1903.

More informations of QD are coming!
warm regards,
nena

Dear Nena,

I can't find the link on youtube. Can you please post it again?
Thank you,

yussupov29

[eliana]

Thanks Nena,

it is romatic and especialy very sad.

But, please, can you help me, where I can find more information about doctor Masin ( Svetozar father) from Czech rep.?

One more thanks for your time and help. Eliana.

[nena]

Hello, here is 'wedding day' of King Alexander and Queen Draga from documentary realised in 1994/5. It happened ion July 23rd 1900, many people were in front of Draga's house, holding her photos, but that event was 'forbiden' for many people then, including Alexander's parents. 'One King to marry widow, barren woman, older than him ?' - many people wondered.

About his father, I know only he was doctor at Serbian Court during regime of Mikhail Obrenovic. I'll try to find, but it is almost all, since not many informations are known about Mashin family, and even archive of Kind Alexander was lose after 1903. I don't know if Alexander Mashin left memories.
 
In 1904, Palace was destroyed, their jewels and personal things sold on auction, including a Yacht 'Draga' which couple used to sail along Danube River.

You are welcome. Also try to read Chamomile Mijatovich's book 'A Royal tragedy, 1906' -- it is very good book. Check over Google.

[Imperial_Grounds]

I have to agree with Nena, as for the series 'Kraj dinastije Obrenovic' everything looks correct and goes by events. Also the actors look like the real people, which is nice.
As for the book, I still have to read it.

But thanks again for those my friend.

[yussupov29]

 

Thank you for the link, nena!

[nena]

You are welcome

In 1901, Pair played croquet, King won Queen, she became angry then and said -- 'If he would behave in this way in private life, I would for sure leave him'.   

Queen tried to kill herself in 1901, and one poet wrote some funny stories regarding, or better say against her, but despite it, Queen put that poet to be Chief of Belgrade's Theater.

She became very desperate after that gestation, she didn't give birth, chaos was made by Government then in country, and that her lack of happines could be seen in one portrait one painter did of Her and King in 1901, her sister Voika said.

And, King decided to divorce Queen in late of 1901, but King changed his minds, or she made him calm down, because she had big influence to him. Then they fought about all wrong points made by themselves, but King than remembered his father also divorced to her mother Nathalie, and probably because of it, he changed his minds.

Also, Draga's younger brother was proclaimed to be Heir, which made publicity embitterment.  Delegations from other countries were simply amazed by her charm, beauty and manners. 

In 1902, Queen ordered for one room to be in Arabic/Turkish style, in her own way, and furniture of Louis XV's way. She appeared in traditional middleage costime also, and poems were sew in her dress.

The New york Times published all news about King and Queen, in 1900, 1901,1902 and especially in 1903. In December of 1904, her own jewels and Tiara, she wore on wedding day were sold on auction.

Last letter from Queen Nathalie to son Alexander about him and Draga:

'' Dear son, God wanted for you to knuckle of his temptation, but you wasn't strong - you succumbed! However, it is not too late! Back return to mother's arms, which will and can help you! Draga is a smart woman. Make agreements with her. She wanted to be Queen and she became. History will record her name near yours. But now, to her, as a smart woman, offer a peaceful split. She may go outside, and there if you want, love each other, but give place to a better/honourable woman, which people will gladly accept. You will be happy. She wll be happy. All of us will be happy. It is all in your hands. Your unlucky mother is kissing you. Nathalie .''

Queen Natalia with her lady in waiting Draga Mashin in Biarritz:

Thanks to Mrac for this photo of Queen Draga and Queen Nathalie at Biarritz.

[Imperial_Grounds]

Thanks on the update Nena, links from New York Times came rather handy....

And I who was thinking it was gossip on her suicide-attempt, dear..

[Marc]

Photo of Draga's first husband Colonel Svetozar Mashin:

[nena]

Queen Draga:



Draga's first marriage was against her will, from 1883 -1885/6.