Monday, July 2, 2012

Franz Josef of Braganza arrested in London

July 2, 1902

Prince Franz Josef of Braganza, a member of the Austro-Hungarian mission to Edward VII's Coronation, appeared in Southwark's Police Court today with two other men, reports the New York Times.

The Prince, a Lieutenant in the Seventh Austrian Hussars, and a member of the former reigning house of Portugal, was "charged with a criminal offense."

The proceedings were kept secret due to the "nature of the charges."  The Prince was able to "furnish bail," but his companions remained in police custody."

The Prince will claim in his defense that "an attempt was made to blackmail him."  He said he resisted,  but information was given to the police, which led to the arrest of the Prince and the "alleged blackmailers."

Prince Franz Josef is the second son of the Duke of Braganza and his first wife, Princess Elisabeth of Thurn und Taxis.

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