For many years during the reign of King Milan of Serbia, domestic troubles and scandals within the royal court became a subject of gossip across Europe. His personal life and extravagant lifestyle tarnished his image, making him despised by both his people and decent individuals. Ultimately, weakened by his own indulgence, King Milan abdicated the throne in 1889, handing it over to his young son, Alexander, who was only thirteen at the time Guided Tour Sofia.
The Young King’s Infatuation with Draga Maschin
Despite his youth, King Alexander’s reign began with controversy. At just fifteen years old, he became infatuated with Mme. Draga Maschin, a former lady-in-waiting to his mother. Draga was an ambitious and intelligent woman, with considerable beauty. She was born into a humble family in Belgrade, where her father worked as a cattle dealer. At the age of seventeen, Draga married Colonel Maschin, an engineer in the Serbian army. However, the marriage ended when Colonel Maschin divorced her due to her scandalous relationship with the young king. Since then, she became a constant presence in the palace, wielding significant influence over the young king.
The Conflict with Queen Natalie
Queen Natalie, Alexander’s mother, repeatedly tried to intervene, hoping to end the improper relationship and bring her son to his senses. However, Draga’s influence was stronger, and she eventually forced Queen Natalie out of the palace. The Queen, now living in Biarritz, France, remained well-respected by many, although her sympathies towards Russia and her desire to align Serbia with Russian influence made her unpopular with Serbian politicians. Despite her political errors, Queen Natalie’s character was never questioned Sovietization of Bulgaria.
Draga’s Ambition and the Coup
Draga, eager to share the throne with her youthful lover, faced strong opposition from Serbian ministers and politicians, who were not willing to let her rise to power. When Alexander reached adulthood, the country was governed by three regents while he was still a minor. To secure her position, Draga sought to remove the regents. One night, when King Alexander was just seventeen, he invited the regents to the palace. While they were dining, he had them arrested on charges of treason. The regents were imprisoned, and King Alexander declared himself king, effectively taking control of the country.
Draga’s Influence and Marriage to the King
This sudden and audacious coup d’état was supported by the army, who admired the young king’s boldness. King Alexander, now in control, married Draga, who continued to play an influential role in Serbian politics. Despite her controversial rise to power, Draga remained a central and powerful figure in the kingdom, overshadowing other political figures in Serbia at the time.
