Munsey's Magazine, November 1914

Royalty on the Firing Line by Winthrop Biddle

This illustrated article surveys European royal figures actively engaged in World War I combat and command. Grand Duchess Marie Adelaide of Luxembourg attempted to physically block German invasion forces at the Adolph Bridge, facing down the advancing column before being forced to yield. King Albert of Belgium is lauded for inspiring the defense of Liège, commanding trenches at Namur, and enduring the retreat to Antwerp, narrowly escaping when a shell struck his automobile. Crown Prince Frederick William of Germany commanded frontier forces and won early victories, receiving the Iron Cross from the Kaiser. Other royals profiled include Crown Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria, who led the advance into Lorraine; various German princes serving as commanders; and British and Russian princes in naval and field roles. The article documents multiple royal deaths, including Prince William of Lippe at Liège and Prince Frederick of Saxe-Meiningen at Namur, establishing the high casualty toll among European nobility.