The love story between King Carol II of Romania and his long-time mistress, Magda Lupescu, was a subject of great interest in the first half of the 20th century. For several decades sensation-seeking journalists provided eager readers with juicy morsels of gossip about one of history's most puzzling and bizarre romances. Even today, 40 years after his death, many remember Carol chiefly as the international playboy of sensational Western newspaper stories. Herein the full story of the life and reign of one of modern Europe's most complex and enigmatic rulers is told.

The love story between King Carol II of Romania and his long-time mistress, Magda Lupescu, was a subject of great interest in the first half of the 20th century. For several decades sensation-seeking journalists provided eager readers with juicy morsels of gossip about one of history's most puzzling and bizarre romances. Even today, 40 years after his death, many remember Carol chiefly as the international playboy of sensational Western newspaper stories. Herein the full story of the life and reign of one of modern Europe's most complex and enigmatic rulers is told.