The Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen noble family has its origins back in the Holy Roman Empire in the 16th century. After annexation of their land by Prussia, they joined the Prussian court, and from there Southern Germany and, starting in the 1888, rulership of Romania. The Hohenzollern ruled through WW II, with their last king — Michael, being the most iconoclastic.

On this day, September 6, in 1940, Michael I of the House Hohenzollern ascended to the throne of Romania. He was heir-apparent from the age of five, when his predecessor, Carol II, ran off with a mistress, renouncing his claim to the throne.

Although Michael was the nominal king, the country during WW II was run by Prime Minister Marshal Ion Antonescu, who sided with the Axis. Michael had to stage a coup to regain control and renounce Romania’s alliance. Facing an inevitable invasion and occupation by the Soviet armies, this was his first brave act — and he paid for it by being removed from power by the Communists.