80th birthday celebration of Duke Franz of Bavaria

On Monday 22. July  the official reception on the occasion of the 80th birthday of Duke Franz of Bavaria took place at Schleißheim Castle outside of Munich. Already on Satruday 20. July there had been an mass and and a reception for relatives and Nymphenburg Castle. It was therefore a big feast. From the blue-white sky the sun seemed to the illustrious guests in the castle grounds. Besides family members and personal friends also bavarian Prime Minister Horst Seehofer (CSU), several cabinet members and the Cardinals Reinhard Marx and Friedrich Wetter accepted the invitation.
In the castle garden of the birthday boy took off a Ehrenzug. Hundreds of mountain troops, folk costumes, historical civil and militia took part. A highlight was probably the march past of the Bavarian Dachshund Dachshunds six clubs for the confessed dog lover too. The brass band played the Bavarian Defiliermarsch, the Bavaria anthem and a Duke Franz-march.

http://www.br.de/nachrichten/herzog-bayern-franz-100.html 

http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/franz-herzog-von-bayern-feiert-royal-und-rustikal-1.1728123 

http://www.merkur-online.de/lokales/muenchen-lk-nord/ober-unterschleissheim/geburtstagsfest-franz-herzog-bayern-bilder-3019428.html?popup=media&firstslide=1

Duke Franz of Bavaria turned 80

He would be King of Bavaria 
Duke Franz of Bavaria is now 80

He avoids the red carpet. If the celebrities waving at the festive opening of the Bayreuth Festival in the cameras  Duke Franz of Bavariais not there.  The head of the Wittelsbach family takes the side entrance. Glamorous appearances are not his thing. The nobleman - he would be King of Bavaria, if there was still a monarchy in this country - appears reticent in public on. This Sunday the passionate collector of modern art and graphic, patron and recognized art expert turn 80 years old.

The Duke is a great supporter of the Pinakothek of the modern  in Munich and found it important works of art from its collection available. He advises numerous museums in Bavaria. He brings his expertise as a member of the International Council for the "Museum of Modern Art" in New York a. In 2008 he became an honorary doctorate from the Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) in Munich.

The Duke - his name loud completely Franz Bonaventura Adalbert Maria - was born on 14 July 1933 born in Nymphenburg Castle in Munich, where he lives today. He is a great grandson of the last Bavarian King Ludwig III. During World War II his parents were arrested by the Nazis with the children, the family came to different concentration camps and was liberated by the Americans.

After graduation in 1952 at the Gymnasium of the Benedictine monks of Ettal Franz of Bavaria studied business. The line of the Wittelsbach dynasty took over the learned Master of Business Administration  after the death of his father Duke Albrecht of Bavaria in 1996. A wealthy man, he is not thereby become, for the million-dollar fortune of his ancestors is already managed for 90 years in a public foundation.

In the politics of the day, the supreme representative of the Wittelsbach mixes generally not a public. "But I represent my point to me quite important issues in personal conversations or in committees, where I belong."

About his prominent ancestors and "fairytale king" Ludwig II said Franz Duke of Bavaria on the occasion of its 125th Death two years ago: "His human and political tragedy is hard to believe." Conspiracy theories about the assassination of Louis are repugnant to him.

The Duke of Bavaria is confirmed bachelor - friend and dogs. "Liesl" was his Dackelmischling. On 22 July is the Duke on the occasion of his 80th Birthday reception - befitting the Schleißheim castle outside Munich.

Prince Leopold of Bavaria turned 70

On Friday 21.06. Prince Leopold of Bavaria celebrated his 70th birthday. he is the great-great-great-great-grandson of King Ludwig I. of Bavaria and head of the so called adalbertinian line of the House of Wittelsbach. He became known as racer in the German touring car scene a name. Today he has with "Poldi" her own fashion label, he also acts as representative for the brand car manufacturer BMW.
In old age, he can not get to rest, as the father of four children colourfull recently revealed: He must still work with 70 and can not just eat up the family fortune. But the nobles also stated that he passionately engages with  his duties.


Article in Bunte 

On the occasion of his upcoming birthday he gave a short Interview to BILD.  

BILD: How do you feel at 70?Leopold "Poldi" of Bavaria: "I feel like 50! Everybody in our family are very old. 90 often occurs. If one does a lot of sports like me, you can see the curve that goes down from 50 to stop. "

BILD: did you manage much good in life ...Poldi "Yes, four wonderful children and the marriage holds with Uschi. We love each other now for over 42 years. "
BILD: The secret?Poldi: "My parents got married too young - a marriage of convenience. I just thought if I marry again, I pick my wife for life itself. "
BILD: Petra Schürmann has made it known to each other ...Poldi "Uschi wanted to marry off with a model myself actually. I was in a flutter. I have stored in my marriage. It is indeed reasonable. "
BILD: your wife was your first love?Poldi (winking): "Love, yes. But I believe the first woman I've fallen for me, Uschi was glass. She was executive secretary in a law firm. She was very sweet. We met more often. "
BILD: You let it rip?Poldi: "For a mechanical engineering degree I was in America. I've done everything except studying. I was a late bloomer, I became a butterfly with 21 and enjoyed it. 1969 my father died in a plane crash. I had to return to Germany and had other responsibilities. "
BILD: How do you describe yourself?Poldi "twin, perfectionist and stickler. I am a punctual person insane. I hate it when someone comes too late. "
BILD: This is why you become a racing driver ...Poldi (laughing): "Maybe. So I was always faster on the spot. "
BILD: How did you get into racing?Poldi: "At eleven I bribed with our chauffeur 50 cigarettes so that I could go alone. I felt like a pilot, flying alone for the first time. "
BILD: Never been afraid?Poldi: "My only fear is to burn the car."
BILD: your worst accident?Poldi: "In Africa I crashed with 150 against a wall, my spine was crushed. I was two inches shorter, I have noticed in my pants. Meanwhile, I'm going to go with my vintage age. "
BILD: What is planned for today?Poldi "My children want to surprise me, we probably will not celebrate in Germany. And very small. The 60th was so great. I can not afford such festivals every year. "
BILD: But on the gas?Poldi: "Yes, but sometimes I get caught up. At the 69th Birthday I had a cardiac arrest. Debt was myocarditis. I've realized nothing in seconds. Then it was over. My wife noticed it immediately intervened and saved my life. I have learned from listening into my body. "

Article in BILD 

† Princess Editha of Bavaria

 

According to Royal Musings Princess Editha ob Bavaria passed away on Saturday 04.05.2013 at the age of 88. She was born on 126.09.1924 at Hohenburg as second daughter and thrid child of the last bavarian Crown Prince Rupprecht and his second wife Antonia, née Princess of Luxembourg. In 1946 she married Tito Brunetti by whom she had 3 daughters. After his death in 1954 she married in 1959 Gustav Schimert who passed away in 1990. From her second marriage she had 3 sons.

Article at Royal Musings

concerns about Duke Franz of Bavaria

Duke Franz of Bavaria has cancer. Yesterday it was announced by adaminstration of the Royal Houses that he has lymphatic cancer. He already had to cancel severy engagements last week. He will now undergo Chemotheraphie which will last for siome mionths. According to his doctors there are good chances of beeing cured

http://www.mittelbayerische.de/nachrichten/oberpfalz-bayern/artikel/sorge-um-herzog-franz-von-bayern/851142/sorge-um-herzog-franz-von-bayern.html.

Wedding at the Wieskirche

Photo and Copyright Ulrike B.

On Saturday 12.05.2012 the Wieskirche near Steingaden a famous Roccco piligrimate Church and Tourist Atttraction saw a Royal Wedding. At this day Princess Felipa of Bavaria, the younger daughter of Prince Leopold (Poldi) of bavaria and his wife Ursula (Uschi) née Möhlenkamp married there the Filmproducer Christian Dienst. Unfortunately the weather on this day turned out to be quiet rainy and cold. I arrived at the Church short before 10 a clock when it was still open for Tourists and had a chance to go in and look around before it was closed. Little later the first guests started to arrive most of them walked the way from the Parkplace below the Church. Only the most important guest where droven in Cars. A little bit late the bride and her father finally arrived around 10 mins. after noon. Luckily at that time the rain was very light so that no umbreally was needed. The bride wore a gown by munich Designer Natascha Müllerschön and a diamond tiara usually worn by her mother. After greeting the priest the bride accompanied by her father walked down the Aisle to the Sound of "The Prince of Denmark's March". The Mass was officiated by Abbot Johannes Eckert of Kloster Andechs. Among the Music during the Service was the  Spatzenmesse, Laudate dominum and Ave Verum (Mozart). At the end Wassermusik (water music) by Händel. The Service last for around 1,5 hours. Unfortunately during the Service the rain became again stronger and so the bridal Couple rushed into the Car when the left the Service and also the Guests went away quiet fast.

Among the guests which attended where;
Duke Franz of Bavria

Duke Max and Duchess Elizabeth in Bavaria

Duke Philipp and Duchess Marie Caroline of Württemberg

Duchess Helene in Bavaria

Duchess Elizabeth in Bavaria and Daniel Terberger

Duchess Anna in Bavaria and Klaus Runow

Prince Luitpold and Princess Beatrix of Bavaria

Prince Ludwig of Bavaria

Prince Lukas and Princess Alice of Bavria

Count Alfons and Countess Ysabel Hoyos

Fürst Karl Friedrich and Fürstin Katharina of Hohenzollern

Fürst Hubertus and Fürstin Alexandra Fugger of Babenhausen

Fürst Alexander and Fürstin Nadja Anna zu Schaumburg-Lippe

Count Hans Veit zu Toerring-Jettenbach

Fürst Carl Christian and Fürstin Katalin of Wrede

Princess Maria Theresia, Princess Elisabeth and Prince Philipp of Thurn and Taxis

Baron Karl Theodor and Baroness Stephanie of Guttenberg

Prince Carl Albrecht and Princess Camilla zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg

My Pics

upcoming Wedding at the Wieskirche

On 12 May Princess Felipa of Bavaria will marry Christian Dienst at the Wieskirche nr. Steingaden. the bride is the older daughter of Prince Leopold of Bavaria and his wife Ursula née Möhlenkamp.

The bride will wear a dress designed by munich designer Natascha Müllerschön and among the bridal chidlren will by her nephew and niece Prince Leopold and Princess Alva.  Both grom and bride will have 6 witnesses. The Service  service will be opened wiith the Prince of Denmark-March, followed by the Spatzenmesse, Laudate dominum and Ave Verum (Mozart). At the end Wassermusik by Händel will be played.

After the Wedding there will be a reception at Hohenschwangau. For the reception in the evening 360 guests are expected. 

http://www.merkur-online.de/nachrichten/boulevard/felipa-bayern-traumhochzeit-hause-wittelsbach-wieskirche-2311504.html

http://www.merkur-online.de/lokales/steingaden/prinzessinnen-hochzeit-wies-2309506.html

† Prince Rasso of Bavaria

  

Prince Rasso of Bavaria passed way at his home at Tutzing near Lake Starberg on 12.09.2011 at the age of 85.  He was born in 1926 as youngest child of Prince Franz of Bavaria and his wife Isabella, nee Princess of Croy and a grandson of the last bavarian King Ludwig III. In the late 1930's his parents and Family lived in Hungary and only returned to Germany after 1945. In 1955 Prince Rasso married Archduchess Therese of Austria, Princess of Tuscany and had 7 children with her. 

In his private life he breeded dachshunds.

Memorial Mass for King Ludwig II.

A memorial mass took place on Monday 13.06.2011 in honor of the famous King Ludwig II. of Bavaria who died exactly 125 years ago a mysterious death. The Mass took place at the shore of Lake Starnberg.

The mass was also attended by members of the Wittelbach Family among them: Duke Franz of Bavaria, Duke Max and Duchess Elizabeth in Bavaria, prince Luitpold and Princess Beatrix, Prince Rasso and Princess Therese, Prince Leopold and Princess Ursula, Prince Ludwig, Prince Manuel and Princess Anna and Duchess Helene in Bavaria.

Photos

more Photos

http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/starnberg/gedenkfeier-fuer-ludwig-ii-der-kini-ein-symbol-unerfuellter-traeume-1.1107956

http://www.merkur-online.de/lokales/berg/ludwig-ii-hunderte-erinnern-maerchenkoenig-1281804.html

† Princess Maria Elisabeth of Orleans and Bragança, née Princess of Bavaria

Princess Maria Elisabeth of Orleans and Bragança, née Princess of Bavaria passed away at her appartement at the Jardim Botânico at Rio de Janeiro. She was 96 years and 8 months old and the last member of the bavrian Royal Family born when Bavaria was still a Kingdom. She was born on 09.09.1914 at Nymphenburg Castle as daughter of Prince Franz of Bavaria and his wife Isabella, née Princess of Croy and was a granddaughter of the last King of Bavaria, Ludwig III. On 19.08.1937 she married at Nymphenburg Prince PedroHnerique of Orleans and Bragança, the head of Imperial Family of Brazil. The couple had together 12 children 8 sons and 4 daughter. Her husband died on 05.07.1981 and was succeeded as headof the Family be their oldest son Prince Luiz Gastão. 

http://www.ovb-online.de/nachrichten/bayern-lby/maria-elisabeth-bayern-brasilien-gestorben-1243795.html

http://odia.terra.com.br/portal/diversaoetv/html/2011/5/adeus_a_imperatriz_mae_noite_kent_de_autografos_a_pre_estreia_de_baby_164414.html 

† Princess Irmingard of Bavaria

Princess  Irmingard of Bavaria passed away on Saturday 23.10.2010 at Leutstetten. The Princess was born on 29.05.1923 at Berchtsgaden as oldest daughter and second child of the last bavarian Crown Prince Rupprecht and his second wife Antonia, née Princess of Luxemburg. After her the couple got four more daughters. She spend her childhood in Berchtesgaden, Hohehenschwangau Castle and the Leuchtenberg Palais in Munich which where the homes of her parents. In 1940 she and her Family had to flly because of the National Sozialists. The princess lived the next 5 years near Florence. In 1944 first her mother and her sisters where arrested by the Gestapo and the Princess 2 months later.  There the Princess fell ill of Typhus. Only in February 1945 she was reunited with her Family when she was able to be transported to the KZ Flössenbürg. In 1950 Princess Irmingard married her first cousin Princess Ludwig of Bavria in a ceremony which took place at Nymphenburg Castle on 20.07.1950. They had one son prince Luitpold who runs one Bavaria's most successfull breweries Kaltenberg.

The Princess and her husband lived together at Leutstetten Castle outside of Munich. There Prince Ludwig passed away in October 2008 at the age of 95 and his widow followed him in death almost exactly 2 years later. The funeral will take place in private and a official Requiem is planned for 04. November at the Theatiner Church in Munich.

http://www.ovb-online.de/nachrichten/stars/irmingard-prinzessin-bayern-gestorben-zr-977627.html

Wittelsbacher burial Ground at Andechs

Since 1971 the membes of the Royal Family of Bavaria are b uried at Andechs. In 1980 a special burial ground was etablished. it is down the hill on which the Moastery is located. It can be visited then one has to ask for the key to it at the Klosterpforte.

On the far side are the Graves of Duke Albrecht and his 2 wives,
Duchess Marie, née Countes Draskovich of Trakostjan and Duchess
Marie-Jenke, née Countess Keglevich of Buzin.
The late Duke is buried between his 2 wives.








On the left side is the Grave of Prince Ludwig. He is at the moment
the last Family member who was buried on the Burial Ground.

On the right side there are the graves of other Family members

Princess Maria del Pilar

Prince Adalbert

Princess Augusta, née Countess
Seefried auf Buttenheim

Prince Konstantin

Prince Eugen


Prince Konrad



Princess Bona Margherita,
née Princess of Savoy

Possenhofen Castle

Today Possenhofen Castle is best known as being the childhoodhome of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, née Duchess in Bavaria but it's History is much older. The Castle was build in 1536 for Jakob Rosenbusch who was Cancellor under Duke Ludwig of Bavaria. In 1600m the Castle came in the posession of the Hans Caspar von Horwarth. In the 30year long War the Castle was destroyed but rebuil by von Horwarth. After the died the Castle was bought by Elector Ferdinand Maria of Bavaria. It then changed his ownership a few times until it ended in the posession of the Counts of la Rosée. 1834 it was then acquired by Duke Maximilian in Bavaria the father of the Empress. It remained in the posession of the Ducal Family until 1940. After that it had different destination. In 1981 the Castle was bought by Prof. Franz Schilke who restored it to it's former Glory. As the Castle is owned prvat it can not be visited but one can walke around an has a good view on it.

Alice and Lukas - Andechs 29.08.2009

On 29. August 2009 the Church of Andechs Monastery saw a real royal-noble Wedding when HRH Princess Alice of Bavaria married there HSH Prince Lukas of Auersperg. The monastery is just a few miles in the southwest of Munich on top of a hill. Just down the hill inside the grounds of the monastery many relatvies of the bride are buried including her grandfather Prince Ludwig who died last year at the age of 95. The brides father Prince Luitpold is second in line to the Headship of the Royal House of Bavaria after the bachelor Duke Franz of Bavaria and his brother Duke Max in Bavaria who only has five daughters but no son. The top of the hill where the Church is was closed to the public who cold stand a little bit down the hill on the side. Many of the Guest arrived on feet and walked down the hill but also a lot where driven up the hill in Cars and small Buses. Among the Guest who where present where Duke Franz of Bavaria, Duke Max and Duchess Elizabeth in Bavaria with their 4 younger daughtes and 3 son-in-laws, Prince Rasso and Prine Therese of Bavaria, Prince Christoph of Bavaria, Prince Leopold and Princess Ursula of Bavaria with son Manuel and his wife Anna who is expecting her second child, Prince Adalbert and Princess Sandra of Bavaria, Hereditary Prince Rudolf of Croy, Duke Duarte and Duchess Isabel of Bragnaza, Fürst Albert of Thurn and Taxis, Prince Michel and Princess Leonor of Ligne.
One of the last gfuests to arrive was Duke Franz of Bavaria, the Head of the Royal Family. The bride, Princess Alice arrived short before 13h00 accompanied by her father Prince Luitpold and her older sister Princess Auguste. The Mess which was officiatred by Abtprimas Prf. Dr. Notker Wolf and Pater Valentin Ziegler lasted a little bit more then 1 hour. The witnesses where Princess Auguste of Bavaria (sister of the bride), Cordula Rommel, Benedikt Wressning, Count Felix zu Clam-Martinic, Baron Maximilian of Heine-Geldern and Constantin Gussich. Among the flower children where Princess Odilia of Bavaria, Maximilian Terberger and Prince Leopold of Bavaria. The bridal Couple walked down the Aisle to the Hallelujah of Händel and where greeted by the Guests outside the Church who had build a Passage and throw rose leaves on them. The Couple wlaked to a lawn opposide the Church where the posed for photos. Soon afterward the went into the Fürstentrakt of the Monastery where a Reception took place. Later in the afternoon the Couple left the recpetion and drove away in a car which was driven by the brides brother, Prince Ludwig of Bavaria. In the evening a private Celebration took place at Leutstetten Castle, the home of the bride's grandmother Princess Irmingard.

the brides mother Princess Beatrix of Bavaria

Prince Charles-Louis and Princess Fiammetta of Arenberg


Prince Charles-Louis of Arenberg

Prince Henri and Princess Daine of Arenberg


Princess Gudila of Bavaria with her daughter Odilia

Prince Christoph of Bavaria, his sons Corbinian
and Stanislaus and his mother Princess
Therese of Bavaria

Prince Adalbert and Princess Sandra of Bavaria,
Duchess Marie Caroline and Duke Philipp of Württemberg

right: Duchess Anna in Bavaria and Klaus Runow

Duchess Anna in Bavaria

The groom (with orange tie) walking up the hill

Duchess Helene, Duchess Elizabeth and Duke Max
in Bavaria, behind them Hereditary Prince Rudolf of Croy

Princess Leonor de Ligne with her son Henri

Duke Franz of Bavaria arrives

Daniel Terberger with his son Maximilian

The flower children waiting for the
arrival of the bride and her father

The bride and her father are greeted by the Priests

Guests mingling before the Church

Guests leaving the reception

Fürst Albert of Thurn and Taxis



Duchess Elizabeth in Bavaria with
son Maximilian



Prince Leopold and Princess
Ursula of Bavaria



Duchess Helene in Bavaria



Prince Michel and Princess
Leonor de Ligne



Hereditary Prince Rudolf of Croy



Prince Manuel and Princess
Anna of Bavaria


Duchess Anna in Bavaria her sister Duchess
Marie Caroline of Württemberg and their husbands
Klaus Runow and Duke Philipp of Württemberg


Duchess Elizabeth in Bavaruia and
Daniel Terberger



Princess Auguste of Bavaria




the Duke and Duchess of Braganza accompanied
by Count Hans Veit zu Toerring-Jettenbach



The bridal Couple leaving the Reception














and driving away