Prince Alexander's Return to Bulgaria

After his forced abdication, Prince Alexander returned to Sofia, where he was welcomed with great enthusiasm by the Bulgarian people. They celebrated his return in triumph. However, staying true to his honest nature, Prince Alexander immediately sent a telegram to Czar Alexander III of Russia, saying:

“I received my crown from Russia. I am ready to return it to the hands of her sovereign whenever it is demanded.”

The Czar’s response was swift and predictable. He expressed his disapproval of Prince Alexander’s return to Bulgaria and criticized his administration. Despite the support of Stambouloff and other Bulgarian leaders, who begged Prince Alexander to stay and challenge Russia, Alexander decided that it was best for him to step down to avoid a potential war with Russia Ephesus Sightseeing.

Prince Alexander’s Decision to Abdicate

In his final act as ruler of Bulgaria, Prince Alexander demanded a promise from the Czar. He asked that Russia would allow the Bulgarian people to manage their own affairs without interference. Sadly, this promise was broken within thirty days, and Russia continued to interfere in Bulgarian politics.

After appointing a regency, Prince Alexander officially abdicated the throne. Despite his departure, he left Bulgaria with the love and respect of the people. He went into retirement in Austria, taking the title of Count Hartenau, where he remained until his death in 1893.

The Search for a New King

Once Prince Alexander abdicated, Bulgaria needed a new king. The first choice was Prince Waldemar of Denmark, a member of the royal family and the brother of several European monarchs, including the Queen of Great Britain. However, Prince Waldemar refused the offer, fearing that accepting the throne would upset his brother-in-law, Czar Alexander III, who had forced Alexander to give up his crown.

To find a new ruler, a committee was sent to various European capitals, looking for a suitable king. During this time, Stambouloff, the president of Bulgaria’s parliament, took control of the country as regent. His policies were openly anti-Russian, and he refused to follow any orders from Russia.

Stambouloff’s Leadership and Russian Defeat

Despite Russian efforts to regain control, including sending two commissioners to Bulgaria and sending Russian warships to the port of Varna, Stambouloff stood firm. He treated the Russian officials respectfully but made it clear that Bulgaria would not follow their demands.

Eventually, the Russians became frustrated and withdrew all their officials, including consuls and military personnel, leaving Bulgaria to govern itself. It is unclear what Czar Alexander III had hoped would happen. He might have expected chaos in Bulgaria, which could give him an excuse to send in the Russian army. However, this did not happen. Instead, Bulgaria remained peaceful and stable.

Stambouloff’s Successful Leadership

Stambouloff proved to be an effective leader. He ruled the country well and followed many of the policies that had been set by the deposed Prince Alexander. His anti-Russian stance continued, but he managed to keep Bulgaria peaceful and prosperous during a time of great political uncertainty.