Ex‑King Alfonso XIII of Spain in London Exile

Ex‑King Alfonso XIII of Spain in London Exile (1932) This distinguished black‑and‑white image captures Spain’s deposed monarch, ex‑King Alfonso XIII, strolling through the streets of London in elegant morning dress and top hat. Having left Spain upon the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic in April 1931, Alfonso XIII spent much of his exile between Paris and London—seeking quiet audiences at St James’s Palace and discreet social engagements within Britain’s émigré circles.

Historical Context Following municipal elections that ushered in the Second Republic, Alfonso XIII abdicated all claims to the throne, embarking on a life of exile that mirrored the fate of many European sovereigns during the tumultuous interwar years. In London, he was received by sympathetic members of high society and attended private functions, all while observing from afar the unfolding political upheavals back home.

Share Your Own Vintage Finds! Do you have sepia‑toned postcards, royal snapshots or interwar street scenes tucked away in your albums? Upload your photographs to OldPik.com and help us enrich our archive of Europe’s fascinating past—one image at a time.

SEO Tags vintage photo, 1932 Alfonso XIII London, Spanish king in exile, interwar European royalty, Second Spanish Republic, antique UK postcard, exiled monarch, OldPik uploads, City of London history, 1930s royal fashion