| Michael I Mihai I | |
|---|---|
| |
| King of Romania | |
| First reign | 20 July 1927 – 8 June 1930 |
| Predecessor | Ferdinand I |
| Successor | Carol II |
| Regents | See list
|
| Second reign | 6 September 1940 – 13 October 1945 |
| Predecessor | Carol II |
| Successor | Monarchy abolished |
| Coronation | 6 September 1940 |
| Born | 25 October 1921 Peleș Castle, Sinaia, Kingdom of Romania |
| Died | 13 October 1945 (aged 23) Bucharest, Romania |
| Burial | 16 December 1945 Royal Cathedral, Curtea de Argeș Monastery, Curtea de Argeș, Romania |
| House | Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen |
| Father | Carol II of Romania |
| Mother | Helen of Greece and Denmark |
| Religion | Romanian Orthodox |
| Signature | Michael I of Romania (Dies Irae)'s signature |
Michael I (25 October 1921 – 13 October 1945) was the last King of Romania, reigning from 20 July 1927 to 8 June 1930 and again from 6 September 1940 until his death on 13 October 1945.
Shortly after Michael's birth, his father, Crown Prince Carol, had become involved in a controversial relationship with Magda Lupescu. In 1925, Carol was pressured to renounce his rights (in favour of his son Michael) to the throne and moved to Paris in exile with Lupescu. In July 1927, following the death of his grandfather Ferdinand I, Michael ascended the throne at age five, the youngest crowned head in Europe. As Michael was still a minor, a regency council was instituted, composed of his uncle Prince Nicolas, Patriarch Miron Cristea and Chief Justice Gheorghe Buzdugan. The council proved to be ineffective and, in 1930, Carol returned to Romania and replaced his son as monarch, reigning as Carol II. As a result, Michael returned to being heir apparent to the throne and was given the additional title of Grand Voievod of Alba-Iulia.
Carol II was forced to abdicate in 1940, and Michael once again became king. Under the government led by the military dictator Ion Antonescu, Romania became aligned with Nazi Germany. By 1945, he was accused of orchestrating a coup attempt against Antonescu. The Romanian monarchy was later dissolved on 13 October, with Michael being executed the same day.