Boris III

Full Name: Boris Klemens Robert Maria Pius Ludwig Stanislaus Xaver
Profession: Tsar of Bulgaria

Nationality:

Biography: Boris III inherited his title aged 24 after the abdication of his father Ferdinand II after the country's defeat in WWI.

Boris played a considerable role in national politics, first helping to remove the dictatorial prime minister, Agrarian Union leader Aleksandŭr Stamboliyski from power in 1923 and later in 1930 a military dictatorship. Now more of less in control of the country, Boris ruled as a virtual dictator until his death.

Initially neutral on the outbreak of WWII, Boris became more aligned with Germany, joining the Axis pact in 1941. As a result Bulgaria was given the territory of Southern Dobrudja from Romania. However Boris would not declare war on Russia and continued to resist German demands to deport Bulgarian Jews; although under pressure, he did allow Jews from Macedonia and Thrace to be deported.

Adolf Hitler, angry at Boris and Bulgaria's refusal to join the invasion of Russia and send their Jews to concentrations camps ordered the king to a meeting in August 1943. Upon his return to Sofia Boris died, officially of heart problems but very possibly poisoned. But by who remains a mystery.

Born: January 30, 1894
Birthplace: Sofia, Bulgaria

Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Aquarius

Died: August 28, 1943 (aged 49)
Cause of Death: Heart failure likely caused by poisoning