9848 | 16 June 2025 | 11:35

On June 16, 1937, the whole of Bulgaria was stirred by the ringing of church bells and 101 cannon salutes. A widespread amnesty was declared for 4,000 prisoners, taxes and fees were forgiven, and students received a one-point grade increase

Simeon Saksoburggotski is celebrating his 88th birthday today.

 On the day of his birth - June 16, 1937, the whole of Bulgaria was filled with the ringing of church bells and 101 cannon shots. They announce the birth of the future Bulgarian King.

 In his official biography we read: "As a result of this joyful event, a widespread amnesty was declared for 4,000 prisoners, taxes were forgiven, and students received a one-point increase in grades. According to dynastic traditions and family laws, the newborn heir received the titles of Prince of Tarnovo, in honor of the old capital city, a title held by the Bulgarian heir to the throne in the Third Bulgarian Kingdom, Duke of Saxony, and Prince of Saxony-Coburg and Gotha. Initially, Queen Joanna wanted her son to be named Borislav, but the gathered crowd outside the Palace chanted the name Simeon, as in the minds of Bulgarians, the son of Boris III could only and solely be named after the great Bulgarian Tsar Simeon I, son and glorious heir of Saint Prince Boris-Michael the Baptist.

 "On July 12, the heir to the throne was baptized into the Orthodox faith by members of the Holy Synod. The water for the baptism was specially brought from the Jordan River.

 Prince Simeon received his initial education at "Neofit Rilski" in the capital city, with classes and activities being held at the Palace by some of the best teachers and educators. He was assigned to a regiment for his military training and the protopriest Ivan Sungarski was chosen as his spiritual mentor.

 His life changed on August 28, 1943. This is the day of the death of King Boris III. He ascended to the throne at the young age of 6. Due to his minor status, a tripartite regency was chosen. After September 9, 1944, Bulgaria continued to be a monarchy, but new regents were chosen. The monarchy was abolished on September 8, 1946. For Simeon Saksburggotburg, a 50-year exile begins. The royal family settles first in Alexandria, Egypt. In July 1951, the Spanish government granted him political asylum. In Madrid, King Simeon II completes his studies at the French Lycée, and later studies law and political science.

 On June 16, 1955, he... On the day of his coming of age, King Simeon II sends a prearranged manifesto to the Bulgarians, officially declaring that despite being deprived of the opportunity to take the oath required by the Tarnovo Constitution on this day, he will serve the Bulgarian people and cause faithfully and honestly, as written in his biography.

 In 1959, he graduated from the military academy "Valley Forge" in Pennsylvania, USA, where he enrolled under the name "Cadet Simeon Rilski". On January 22, 1962, in the Orthodox Church in Vevey, Switzerland, Simeon II marries the Spanish aristocrat Doña Margarita Gómez-Acebo y Cejuela. They have five children together - Kardam (*1962-2015), Kiril (*1964), Kubrat (*1965), Konstantin Asen (*1967) and Kalina (*1972).

 
 In 1996, The king is returning to Bulgaria for the first time, greeted by millions. On April 6, 2001, he announced the creation of the National Movement "Simeon II". A few months later, the NMSP won the parliamentary elections and Simeon Saxcoburggotski became prime minister. The NMSS served a full term and after the elections in 2005, became part of the Triple Coalition. In 2007, he was awarded the "Stara Planina" order. He also holds over 30 international distinctions from various countries and monarchies - a testament to the respect he is shown outside his homeland.

 Today, at the beginning of his 88th decade, Simeon II is among the few world figures who carry the personal memory of war, exile, political upheaval, restoration, and democratic transition. A person with a rare energy, a strong sense of duty, and an incredible composure that remains even during the most turbulent periods of their life.

  The entire biography of Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and dozens of photos - at https://dvoretz-vrana.bg/ and https://www.kingsimeon.bg