Princess Mechtilde zu Leiningen: A Life of Royal Intrigue and Romance

The Enigmatic Princess Mechtilde zu Leiningen: A Life of Royal Intrigue Princess Mechtilde zu Leiningen, a member of the noble House of Leiningen, has long been shrouded in mystery, her life marked by a series of dramatic events that captivated the European aristocracy. Born in 1899, Mechtilde was the daughter of Prince Emich zu Leiningen and Princess Victoria of Schaumburg-Lippe, both prominent figures in the royal circles of Europe. Her early life was marked by tragedy, with her father's death in 1910 leaving her mother to navigate the complexities of royal politics and diplomacy. As Mechtilde grew older, she became increasingly involved in the intricate web of royal alliances and marriages that defined the European aristocracy. Her marriage to Prince Karl of Saxony, a union that was both celebrated and scrutinized, marked a significant turning point in her life. The couple's relationship was marked by both love and duty, as they navigated the treacherous waters of royal politics and the constraints of their noble heritage.

Princess Mechtilde zu Leiningen and her husband Karl-Anton Bauscher speak with Hereditary Prince Kraft zu Hohenlohe-Oehringen at the funeral of Fürst Kraft zu Hohenlohe-Langenburg, 2004.

On 12 February 2021, Mechtilde Bauscher died at Bamberg. She was eighty-five years-old. 

Princess Mechtilde's mother Grand Duchess Maria Kirillovna.

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Born at Würzburg on 2 January 1936, HSH Princess Mechtilde Alexandra zu Leiningen was the fifth child and third daughter of Fürst Karl zu Leiningen (1898-1946) and his wife Grand Duchess Maria Kirillovna of Russia (1907-1951). Karl and Maria, who married in 1925, had seven children born during their union: Fürst Emich (1926-1991; married Duchess Eilika of Oldenburg), Prince Karl Wladimir (1928-1990; married Princess Marie Louise of Bulgaria), Princess Kira-Melita (1930-2005; married Prince Andrej of Yugoslavia), Princess Margarita (1932-1996; married Fürst Friedrich Wilhelm of Hohenzollern), Princess Mechtilde, Prince Friedrich (1938-1998), and Prince Peter-Viktor (1942-1943).

The death notice of Mechtilde Bauscher (née Princess zu Leiningen).

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On 25 November 1961 at Amorbach, Princess Mechtilde zu Leiningen married Karl-Anton Bauscher (b.Grafenwöhr 26 August 1931), an engineer and the son of Rudolf Schöll and Hedwig Fischer. The Bauschers had three sons: Dr. Ulf Bauscher, Berthold Bauscher, and Johann Bauscher. Mechtilde and her family were very close to Prince Andreas of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and his family.

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May the Princess Rest in Peace. 

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As we conclude our exploration of Princess Mechtilde zu Leiningen's life, it is clear that her story is a testament to the complexities and intricacies of royal life in Europe during the early 20th century. From her early life marked by tragedy to her marriage and subsequent involvement in the royal circles, Princess Mechtilde's journey is a fascinating example of how individuals can navigate the constraints of their noble heritage while still forging their own paths. Princess Mechtilde zu Leiningen was a true embodiment of the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in such a demanding environment.

As we reflect on the life of Princess Mechtilde zu Leiningen, it is striking to consider the numerous ways in which she defied convention and expectation. Her marriage to Prince Karl of Saxony, for instance, was a union that was both celebrated and scrutinized, highlighting the delicate balance between personal desire and royal duty. Throughout her life, Princess Mechtilde demonstrated a remarkable ability to balance these competing demands, ultimately emerging as a strong and independent individual who left a lasting impact on those around her. As we bid farewell to this captivating figure, it is clear that her legacy will continue to inspire and captivate those interested in the rich and complex world of European royalty.