Romania King's Death Threatens Royals' Right to Palace

Romania's royals may have to pack their bags and quit their official residence in Bucharest, Elisabeta Palace, by February 5, after the death of the country's last monarch, Michael I, in December.

Romania's royal family has used the palace located in northern Bucharest since 1997, when the former King was granted permission to return to the country.

Due to his status as former head of state he was allowed to use the palace as his headquarters and residence for life, but the building belongs to the Romanian government.

According to the law that regulates the status of former heads of state, Princess Margareta, the Custodian of the Crown, and her consort, Radu Duda, should move out within 60 days.

In December 2017, Senate Speaker Calin Popescu Tariceanu and the President of the Chamber of Deputies Liviu Dragnea submitted a draft to the Senate intended to regulate the status of Romania's former royal family.

The draft published on the Senate website said the royals would have the rights to use the Elisabeta Palace for 49 years. The draft also recognizes the ex-royal house as an apolitical and autonomous state institution, and its head would have the same privileges as any former head of state.

The royals would also receive an unspecified annual budget to cover their expenses.

Romanian politicians are conflicted when it comes to giving more rights to the former royal family.

The government, which is required to express a view on the matter, officially rejected the idea in December, with former Prime Minister Mihai Tudose stressing that Romania is and would remain a republic, so the state should not fund royals.

The draft awaits approval by several committees in the Senate before it is voted on. Many...