The Constitution
Immediately after arriving in the country, the Romanian parliament adopted, on 29 June 1866, the 1866 Constitution of Romania, one of the most advanced constitutions of its time. This constitution allowed the development and modernization of the Romanian state. In a daring move, the Constitution chose to ignore the nominal suzerainty of the Ottoman Empire, which paved the way for independence.
Article 82 said "The ruler's powers are hereditary, starting directly from His Majesty, prince Carol I of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, on male line through the right of first-born, with the exclusion of women and their issue. His Majesty's descendants will be raised in the Eastern Orthodox Religion."
In 1877, Romania was proclaimed independent, making Carol fully sovereign over Romania. From 1878, Carol held the title of Royal Highness (Alteţă Regală). On 15 March 1881, the constitution was amended to proclaim Romania a kingdom. Carol would become the first king, while the heir would be called prince royal. On 10 May, Carol was crowned King.
The basic idea of all the royalist constitutions in Romania was that the King reigned, but did not rule.
Read more about this topic: Carol I Of Romania
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