Books

Countess Ilona-Gyulai Edelsheim was born on 14th January 1918 in Budapest. However she spent her childhood and teenage years in Slovakia, as the Treaty of Trianon tore their family estate from Hungary. 1940 was a life-changing year for her: she married the son of Regent Miklós Horthy, General Director of the Hungarian Railways. The countryside countess moved into the Royal Palace at this point both in its real and in its symbolic meaning. She became both an historic figure and an active witness. In August 1942 István Horthy died in a plane crash at the Russian front, and from then on the young widow,  discreetly, completely out of his reflected light became a  trusted companion of the Regent, playing an extremely important role at his side. Her pragmatism, exceptional mental strength and sensitivity affected everyone she met”

Honor and Duty

/ Torony Rádió 2010/ - / Radio Torony /

“One of the most authentic witnesses of the 20th century recalls crucial years of her life.  Spouse and widow of the Hungarian Vice-Regent István Horthy, Ilona-Edelsheim Gyulai was not only  an eyewitness but also an active participant in history-changing events.  All the information she provides is […]  outstandingly helpful and lifts history from the legends. “

Honor and Duty

/ Libri kiadó / - /Libri Publisher Ltd. 2001. /

“She is an historic figure, who undertook the role of an objective mediator as well.”

Honor and Duty

/ Debrecen Online without date /

“Her person, her femininity became a model for modern, equal and  European women of her age.”

Honor and Duty

/ Origo – 2013. 04. 18. /

“She not only had a view of the Regent’s decisions from  the closest point, she also assisted him in them.”

Honor and Duty

/ Püski kiadó / - / Püski Publisher Ltd. - without date /

“The vice-regent’s widow, countess Ilona Edelsheim-Gyulai took an active role in preparations for the armistice.  After the war she stayed with her husband’s parents, the older Miklós Horthy and his wife. The Regent’s last words were addressed to her.    

Honor and Duty

/ Sinkovics Ferenc: Utolsó Reménysugár, Magyar Hírlap, 2010. November 15. / - / The last ray of hope – Magyar Hírlap, 2010. November 15./

“This memoir is not an apology for an era, and its responsible political actors. This is about a man’s war, from the view of the women who lost the most in it. As a young widow and mother she was obliged to be present at all the funeral masses, celebrations and flag inagurations, while she had her work as a nurse with injured soldiers, and knew there was no escape. There was only honour and duty and constant service and readiness in a man’s world.”

Honor and Duty

/ Ma 95 éves Edelsheim Gyulai Ilona – Magyar Női Magazin, 2013. / - / Ilona Edelsheim-Gyulai celebrates her 95th birthday – Hungarian Women’s Journal /

“A woman with an exceptionally strong soul and outstanding beauty, who managed to keep her dignity in all circumstances – even when her life was in turmoil.”

Honor and Duty

/ Nem film, valóság, Horthy Istvánné a kiugrási kísérletről – Keresztény Női Magazin, 2013 / - / Not a movie, but the reality – Ilona Edelsheim Gyulai’s memories about the failed armistice attempt - Hungarian Christian Women’s Journal, 2013. /

“Witness and active participant in several crucial historical events…. Daughter-in-law of Regent Miklós Horthy, she was awarded the Order of Merit of  the Hungarian Republic in 1993 for her resistance work against the German occupation, and her participation in the armistice preparations.”

Honor and Duty

/ Kisnánai Vár , 2013. / Page of The Castle of Kisnána - 2013. /