[citation needed] After King Carol's abdication and flee on September 5, 1940, Queen Mother Elena of Romania was quickly invited by the new Prime Minister (and future dictator), general Ion Antonescu, to return in the country (from Italy).

Antonescu publicly expressed his thought that the new sovereign, young Mihai (then 19 yo), needed his mother's presence, as moral support for his new duties; the move was, indeed, highly appreciated by the King.

As described by many authors, it is in this house – in King's office, situated at the left of the main entrance – where the final discussion with Antonescu took place, followed by his refusal to switch sides and join the Allies and, subsequently, by his arrest.

[citation needed] Casa Nouă was completely destroyed the following day, during the (targeted) retaliation bombardment performed by the German Luftwaffe, that seriously affected the Royal Palace as well.

HM King Michael asked his aunt, Princess Elisabeta of Romania, former Queen Consort of Greece, to allow the court to use her villa in Herăstrău Park.