14 Facts About Magda Lupescu

Elena Lupescu was the daughter of Elise Lupescu and Nicolae Lupescu, an apothecary.

Magda Lupescu's mother was an Austrian-born Jew who converted to the Roman Catholic Church prior to her marriage.

Magda Lupescu was educated at the "Diaconesele", a Bucharest boarding school run by Bavarian nuns of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary from Nymphenburg, and one of the best girls schools in the country.

On 17 February 1919, in Iasi, Magda Lupescu married Ion Tampeanu, an officer of the Romanian Royal Army.

Two years later, in February 1925, Carol and Magda Lupescu began a serious relationship, which endured until his death in 1953.

Magda Lupescu was described as a witty and outspoken woman, a tall redhead with milky-white skin and green eyes.

In December 1925, Carol, having represented the Romanian royal family at the funeral of Queen Alexandra, eventually ended up in Milan in company of Elena Magda Lupescu, making the front page of almost every Italian newspaper.

Carol and Magda Lupescu weathered economic crisis, labor unrest, the rise of Fascism, assassination attempts and military plots, to become the master manipulators of Romanian politics.

Magda Lupescu is sometimes described as the power behind the throne, especially by those close to the extreme right.

Magda Lupescu undoubtedly enjoyed a great deal of influence of the king, but Carol's actions were entirely consistent with his behavior prior to meeting Elena Magda Lupescu.

Magda Lupescu did not enjoy official status and until 1938 did not accompany the king on state functions.

Magda Lupescu was forced to abdicate in favor of his son Michael ; General Antonescu assumed dictatorial powers with the support of the Army and most political parties.

Magda Lupescu did not tolerate well Mexico City's high altitude, so in 1944 they moved to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Magda Lupescu's health improved, but they were advised to move to a more temperate climate.