BUCHAREST, Romania — Romania’s former King Michael has asked not to pay taxes on his castle in western Romania as he is a war veteran.

The royal household said Friday it had made the request not to pay property taxes on Savarsin Castle and other real estate owned by the former monarch in line with exemptions introduced this year for war veterans.

Michael was king from 1927-1930 and from 1940-1947 when the communists forced him to abdicate. The property was restored to the royal family in 2001.

Tax authorities say Michael, who is 94 and ailing, owes some $1 million, including penalties.