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Carol II, (born Oct. 15, 1893, Sinaia, Rom.—died April 4, 1953, Estoril, Port.), king of Romania (1930–40), whose controversial reign ultimately gave rise to a personal, monarchical dictatorship. The eldest son of King Ferdinand I, Carol became crown prince upon the death of his great uncle, King Carol I (October 1914).

King Carol II of Romania earned the title “The Manipulative King” for his many political ploys, both inside and outside of Romania. But, fascinating as Carol II’s exploits in the game of thrones might have been, the real manipulations weren’t political—they were personal.

Carol II was the King of Romania from 8 June 1930 until his forced abdication on 6 September 1940. As the eldest son of Ferdinand I, he became crown prince upon the death of his grand-uncle, King Carol I, in 1914.

Carol II of Romania was born on 15 October 1893, at Sinaia, in the Peles castle, as the first son of Prince Ferdinand of Hohenzollern – Sigmaringen and of Marie of Edinburgh. For the Romanian people, whose destiny was placed in the monarchy hands, his birth represented a long – awaited moment.

Carol II (1893–1953) King of Romania (1930–40), grandnephew of Carol I. In 1925 he renounced the throne. He returned in 1930 and supplanted his son Michael as king, despite liberal opposition and economic crisis. Carol II supported fascism. He aimed to become dictator, but German pressure forced him to abdicate in favour of his son Michael ...