"...I have said abroad that Romania is not just a friend, but a center of civilization and order in the East; if helped to overcome the present crisis, it may turn into a source of welfare for both the Romanian and neighboring peoples."
      —Queen Marie of Romania (Diary, 26 April 1919)

Granddaughter of Queen Victoria of England and Tsar Alexander II of Russia, Marie (1875-1938) became princess of Romania through her marriage to Ferdinand of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, crown prince of Romania on 29 December 1892. She became Queen of Romania, her adopted country, on 11 October 1914 when Ferdinand assumed the throne following the death of King Carol I. Queen Marie became known worldwide for her charitable efforts and for her work nursing wounded soldiers on the front lines during World War I. She also took part in the political and diplomatic efforts that led to Romanian national unification in 1918. This collection of documents helps to reveal important aspects of the life and personality of this remarkable twentieth century monarch.