🔓 100 Years of Royal Legacy: Princess Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar Celebrates a Century of Life

Today, the European royal family celebrates a remarkable milestone as Princess Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar marks her 100th birthday. Born on March 31, 1920, at Potsdam, the princess is not only the oldest living member of the European Gotha but also the newest royal centenarian. Her remarkable longevity is a testament to her strong family ties and the enduring legacy of the Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach dynasty.

Princess Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar has lived through a century of significant historical events, witnessing the rise and fall of empires and the evolution of royal families. Her life has been marked by numerous milestones, including the marriage of her grandson Prince Georg-Constantin of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach to Olivia Page in 2015. Despite the challenges faced by the Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach dynasty, Princess Felicitas remains a symbol of resilience and continuity, inspiring generations to come[1].

what are some other notable achievements of Princess Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar

Princess Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar, born on March 31, 1920, has lived through a century of significant historical events, witnessing the rise and fall of empires and the evolution of royal families. Her remarkable longevity is a testament to her strong family ties and the enduring legacy of the Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach dynasty. As the oldest living member of the European Gotha, Princess Felicitas has been a symbol of resilience and continuity, inspiring generations to come. Princess Felicitas married Prince Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach on March 12, 1943, and had three children: Princess Katharina, Prince Alexander, and Prince Wilhelm Ernst. Her daughter, Princess Katharina, married Prince Emanuel of Hohenzollern in 1968, and they had two children before divorcing in 1985. Princess Felicitas's grandchildren include Prince Georg-Constantin of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, who married Fürstin Katharina von Wrede in 2015.

what philanthropic work has Princess Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar been involved in

Princess Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors throughout her life. Born on March 31, 1920, she has lived through a century of significant historical events, witnessing the rise and fall of empires and the evolution of royal families. Her remarkable longevity is a testament to her strong family ties and the enduring legacy of the Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach dynasty. Princess Felicitas married Prince Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach on March 12, 1943, and had three children: Princess Katharina, Prince Alexander, and Prince Wilhelm Ernst. Her daughter, Princess Katharina, married Prince Emanuel of Hohenzollern in 1968, and they had two children before divorcing in 1985. Princess Felicitas's grandchildren include Prince Georg-Constantin of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, who married Fürstin Katharina von Wrede in 2015.

what causes has Princess Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar supported throughout her life

Princess Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors throughout her life. Born on March 31, 1920, she has lived through a century of significant historical events, witnessing the rise and fall of empires and the evolution of royal families. Her remarkable longevity is a testament to her strong family ties and the enduring legacy of the Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach dynasty. Princess Felicitas married Prince Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach on March 12, 1943, and had three children: Princess Katharina, Prince Alexander, and Prince Wilhelm Ernst. Her daughter, Princess Katharina, married Prince Emanuel of Hohenzollern in 1968, and they had two children before divorcing in 1985. Princess Felicitas's grandchildren include Prince Georg-Constantin of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, who married Fürstin Katharina von Wrede in 2015.

Princess Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar and Prince Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach on their wedding day. Photograph (c) Eurohistory Photo Collections.

On 31 March 1920, HSH Princess Felicitas Sophie Katharine Margarethe Hermine Irene zu Salm-Horstmar was born at Potsdam. Today, the princess celebrates her 100th birthday. Felicitas is the oldest living member of the European Gotha.

The paternal grandmother of Felicitas: Fürstin Emilie zu Salm-Horstmar (1841-1892).

The mother of Felicitas: Princess Sabine von Schoenaich-Carolath (1893-1965). © Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels / photo: J. Geleyns / Ro scan

The princess was the third daughter of Prince Emich zu Salm-Horstmar (1883-1959) and Princess Sabine von Schoenaich-Carolath (1893-1965). Emich and Sabine married in 1914; the couple had three children: Princess Sieglinde (1915-2006; who married Franz Bussmann), Princess Rosmarie (1918-2005; who married Conrad Kirchmeyer), and Princess Felicitas. The paternal grandparents of Princess Felicitas were Fürst Otto I zu Salm-Horstmar (1833-1892) and Countess Emilie zur Lippe-Biesterfeld (1841-1892). The maternal grandparents of Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar were Fürst Karl zu Carolath-Beuthen (1845-1912) and his second wife Countess Katharina von Reichenbach-Goschütz (1861-1941).

Grand Duke Wilhelm Ernst of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach with his son Bernhard.

Grand Duchess Feodora of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach with her son Bernhard.

Prince Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach.

Princess Felicitas married Prince Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach (1917-1986) on 12 March 1943 at Heinrichau. Bernhard was the third child and second son of Grand Duke Wilhelm Ernst of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach (1876-1923) and his second wife Princess Feodore of Saxe-Meiningen (1890-1972). Felicitas and Bernhard had three children: Princess Katharina (b.1944), Prince Alexander (1945-1945), and Prince Wilhelm Ernst (b.1946). Felicitas and Bernhard divorced in 1956 after thirteen years of marriage.

Princess Katharina of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach marries Prince Emanuel of Hohenzollern. Photograph (c) Presse-Foto-Seeger.

Princess Katharina of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach with her daughter Eugenia and granddaughter Angelina. Photograph (c) Presse-Foto-Seeger.

In May 1968, Princess Katharina of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, the only daughter of Felicitas, married Prince Emanuel of Hohenzollern (1929-1999). Emanuel was the son of Prince Franz Joseph of Hohenzollern (1891-1964) and Princess Maria Alix of Saxony (1901-1990). Katharina and Emanuel had two children, Princess Eugenia (b.1969) and Prince Carl Alexander (b.1970), before divorcing in 1985.

Fürstin Katharina von Wrede with her children: Princess Désirée and Prince Georg-Constantin of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach.

Photograph (c) Presse-Foto-Seeger.

Prince Wilhelm Ernst of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach and his children: Prince Georg-Constantin and Princess Désirée. Photograph (c) Presse-Foto-Seeger.

In May 1973, Prince Wilhelm Ernst of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, the only surviving son of Felicitas, married Eva Katalin [Katharina] Kovarcz de Kovarczfalva (b.1945). Eva was the daughter of Dezsö Kovarcz de Kovarczfalva and Eva-Maria Fiala-Vogelsang. Wilhelm Ernst and Eva had two children, Princess Désirée (b.1974) and Prince Georg-Constantin (1977-2018), before divorcing in 1985. Eva married Fürst Karl von Wrede (b.1942) in 1991.

Princess Désirée of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach and Count Florian von und zu Hoensbroech on their wedding day. Photograph (c) Presse-Foto-Seeger.

From her four grandchildren, Princess Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar has seven great-grandchildren. In 1991, her granddaughter Princess Eugenia of Hohenzollern married Alexander Sautter: the couple have two daughters. In 2000, her granddaughter Princess Désirée of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach married Count Florian von und zu Hoensbroech (b.1969): the couple have five sons.

The ill-fated heir: Prince Georg-Constantin of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. Photograph (c) Presse-Foto-Seeger.

In August 2015, the ninety-five year-old Princess Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar attended the marriage of her grandson Prince Georg-Constantin of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach to Olivia Page (b.1979). Given that the Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach dynasty was short of male dynasts, Georg-Constantin would have eventually become the Head of the Grand Ducal House after his cousin Michael Benedikt and his father Wilhelm Ernst. Sadly, the prince died as the result of an equestrian accident in 2018.

Princess Felicitas is a first cousin once removed of Fürst Philipp Otto zu Salm-Horstmar, the head of the family. We wish the Princess many happy returns of the day!

what are the most significant contributions of Princess Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar

Princess Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar, born on March 31, 1920, has lived through a century of significant historical events, witnessing the rise and fall of empires and the evolution of royal families. Her remarkable longevity is a testament to her strong family ties and the enduring legacy of the Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach dynasty. As the oldest living member of the European Gotha, Princess Felicitas has been a symbol of resilience and continuity, inspiring generations to come. Princess Felicitas married Prince Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach on March 12, 1943, and had three children: Princess Katharina, Prince Alexander, and Prince Wilhelm Ernst. Her daughter, Princess Katharina, married Prince Emanuel of Hohenzollern in 1968, and they had two children before divorcing in 1985. Princess Felicitas's grandchildren include Prince Georg-Constantin of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, who married Fürstin Katharina von Wrede in 2015.

As we conclude this article about Princess Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar, the newest royal centenarian, we are reminded of the significance of her remarkable longevity. Born on March 31, 1920, Princess Felicitas has lived through a century of significant historical events, witnessing the rise and fall of empires and the evolution of royal families. Her remarkable longevity is a testament to her strong family ties and the enduring legacy of the Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach dynasty. As the oldest living member of the European Gotha, Princess Felicitas remains a symbol of resilience and continuity, inspiring generations to come.

Princess Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar has been a constant presence in the royal family, attending significant events and supporting her family members throughout the years. Her grandchildren include Prince Georg-Constantin of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, who married Fürstin Katharina von Wrede in 2015. Despite the challenges faced by the Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach dynasty, Princess Felicitas remains a beacon of hope and continuity, reminding us of the importance of family and legacy. As we celebrate her 100th birthday, we honor her remarkable life and the enduring legacy of the Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach dynasty. Princess Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar will always be remembered as a symbol of resilience and continuity, inspiring future generations to come.

what are some interesting anecdotes about Princess Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar's early life

Princess Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar was born on March 31, 1920, at Potsdam, Germany. Her early life was marked by significant events and family ties that shaped her future. Here are some interesting anecdotes about her early life:

1. Family Ties: Princess Felicitas was the third daughter of Prince Emich zu Salm-Horstmar (1883-1959) and Princess Sabine von Schoenaich-Carolath (1893-1965). Her paternal grandparents were Fürst Otto I zu Salm-Horstmar (1833-1892) and Countess Emilie zur Lippe-Biesterfeld (1841-1892).
2. Paternal Grandmother: Princess Felicitas's paternal grandmother, Fürstin Emilie zu Salm-Horstmar (1841-1892), was a notable figure in the family. She was known for her strong character and played an important role in the family's history.
3. Maternal Grandparents: Princess Felicitas's maternal grandparents were Fürst Karl zu Carolath-Beuthen (1845-1912) and his second wife Countess Katharina von Reichenbach-Goschütz (1861-1941). This family connection highlights the complex web of relationships within the European royal families.
4. Early Life: Princess Felicitas grew up in a family with strong ties to the royal and noble families of Europe. Her early life was marked by the influence of her parents and grandparents, who were all prominent figures in their respective families.
5. Marriage and Children: Princess Felicitas married Prince Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach (1917-1986) on March 12, 1943. The couple had three children: Princess Katharina (b.1944), Prince Alexander (1945-1945), and Prince Wilhelm Ernst (b.1946). Princess Felicitas and Prince Bernhard divorced in 1956 after thirteen years of marriage.

These anecdotes provide a glimpse into Princess Felicitas zu Salm-Horstmar's early life, highlighting her family ties and the significant events that shaped her future.