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Oldest Surviving WWII Monarch Dies In Europe

Photo Credit: REUTERS/Bogdan Cristel

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Henry Rodgers Chief National Correspondent
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The oldest surviving World War II-era monarch died in Europe at the age of 96, just two days before the 76th year anniversary of America’s involvement in the war.

King Michael of Romania died Tuesday, a year after being diagnosed with cancer. The king ruled over Romania from 1927 to 1930 and then from 1940 to 1947. He is best remembered for his role in making Romania change sides, from helping the Nazis to fighting them in August 1944.

The World War II monarch was known as a humble man, who chose to live in a small house in the Swiss countryside instead of a massive Romanian royal palace. King Michael is also a cousin to Queen Elizabeth II of England.

(Photo credit: DANIEL MIHAILESCU/AFP/Getty Images)

In the spring of 2016, King Michael announced his retirement after being diagnosed with chronic leukemia and handed over the power to his daughter Princess Margareta.

Thursday was the 76th anniversary of the start of the horrific war, which killed around 80 million people.

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