Carmen Sylva (1843–1916)

Princess Elisabeth of Wied was a daughter of Hermann, Prince of Wied, and his wife Marie of Nassau, daughter of William, Duke of Nassau. As a teenager, she was considered a possible bride for Edward, Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VII) but the match never came about. In 1869, she married Prince Carol of Romania and had one child, a daughter who died at age three. Elisabeth was crowned Queen of Romania in 1881 when Romania was proclaimed a kingdom. Queen Elisabeth fostered the higher education of women in Romania, and established various charitable societies. She was a talented pianist, organist and singer and showed considerable ability for painting and illuminating; but her greatest artistic outlet was writing. Under the pseudonym "Carmen Sylva," she wrote poetry, folklore tales, and ballads that introduced Romania's culture and history to the world. One of her most famous works was a translation of The Bard of the Dimbovitza in collaboration with Elena Vacarescu (Hélène Vacaresco) and Alma Strettell.