Romania returns castle to ex-King Michael
Peles castle was built in the mountain resort of Sinaia in the late 19th century by Romania's first German-born king, Carol of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. It was confiscated by the former Communist regime after Michael abdicated in 1947. The nearby Pelisor and Foisor palaces also will be returned.
Michael, 85, hailed the return of his castle, a place where he spent most of his childhood.
"This is not just about returning a possession, but also an act of moral and historical reparation," he said in a statement. He added that the castle, which is well preserved and is one of Romania's top tourist attractions, would remain forever a museum, and would never be used for commercial purposes.
The former king is the last living European leader who was in power during WWII.
Related Links
Russia criticizes exoneration of WWII Romanian dictator Antonescu