THE REMARKABLE STORY OF
Jan Smuts &
Crown Princess Frederika
Jan Smuts and The Bullock House
During the tumultuous years of the Second World War, The Bullock House became a temporary royal residence, hosting Crown Prince Paul and Crown Princess Frederika of Greece.
Invited by General Jan Smuts, who at the time, was not only a close ally, but the prime minister of the Union of South Africa, the Greek royals found refuge in Parktown, Johannesburg.
The royals' stay at The Bullock House was marked by significant events, including the birth of their daughter, Irene, for whom Smuts served as godfather.
Despite the war and their displacement, Smuts and Princess Frederika developed a deep friendship. The presence of an air raid shelter on the property underscores the extended and important nature of their stay.
The Bullock House, thus, played a unique role in this chapter of South African and European history, reflecting Smuts' influence and the intertwined fates of these historical figures.
Crown Princess Frederika
Crown Princess Frederika of Greece, along with her husband Crown Prince Paul, found refuge in South Africa during the Second World War. This was after they fled Greece and Crete following the invasions.
The couple was forced to leave their homeland first by the Italian invasion in 1940, and then by the subsequent German invasion in 1941, which led to the occupation of Greece.
Frederika's friendship with General Jan Smuts, served as a connection that played a significant role during their exile.
Despite her youth, Frederika was deeply committed to her husband’s country, even as her own family was entangled in the war, with her four brothers serving in the German army. While in South Africa, she gave birth to a daughter, Princess Irene.
Frederika's time at The Bullock House, therefore, represents not only a period of personal refuge but also a chapter in the complex tapestry of wartime alliances and relationships.
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WWII & Staying Safe
As Prince Paul and Princess Frederika sought refuge in Johannesburg, the house provided a safe haven amid the global conflict. The presence of an air raid shelter on the property is a testament to the need for security during those uncertain times. This shelter highlights the very real threats of war even far from the front lines. Despite the house's grand design and focus on entertainment, it also became a place of protection, reflecting the dual realities of elegance and endurance during the wartime.