Thursday, April 11, 2024

Remembering Furst Albrecht of Hohenberg: A Life of Legacy (1931-2021)

The passing of Furst Albrecht of Hohenberg, a prominent figure in European aristocracy, has left a lasting impact on the world of history and diplomacy. Born in 1931, Furst Albrecht was a member of the Habsburg royal family, a legacy that dates back to the 13th century. His life was marked by significant events and experiences that shaped his perspective on international relations and his role in preserving the cultural heritage of his family. Throughout his life, Furst Albrecht was deeply involved in various philanthropic and cultural endeavors, including the preservation of the Habsburg family's historical artifacts and properties. His dedication to these causes has left a lasting legacy, ensuring that the rich history of the Habsburgs continues to be celebrated and studied by future generations.

Fürst Albrecht of Hohenberg died on 25 February 2021. He was ninety years-old.

Duke Max and Duchess Elisabeth of Hohenberg.
Fürst Albrecht Philipp Leopold Josef Andreas Hubertus Maria of Hohenberg was born on 4 February 1931 at Artstetten as the third child and third son of Duke Maximilian of Hohenberg (1902-1962) and Countess Elisabeth von Waldburg zu Wolfegg und Waldsee (1904-1993). Duke Maximilian of Hohenberg, Georg Friedrich's father, was the second child and first son of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie. Albrecht had two older brothers, Franz Ferdinand (1927-1977; married Princess Elisabeth of Luxembourg), and Georg (1929-2019; married Princess Eleonore von Auersperg-Breunner), and three younger siblings:  Johannes (1933-2003), Peter (1936-2017), and Gerhard (1941-2019).
Fürstin Leontine, Fürst Albrecht, and Duchess Anita of Hohenberg.
On 11 April 1962 at Vienna, Fürst Albrecht of Hohenberg married Countess Leontine von Cassis-Faraone (b.3 August 1933), the daughter of Count Leo August von Cassis-Faraone and Wilhelmina Fentener van Vlissingen. Albrecht and Leontine had four children: Fürstin Margarete (b.1963; married Archduke Josef Carl of Austria), Fürst Leo Johannes (b.1964; married Rosalind Roque Alcoforado), Fürstin Johanna (b.1966; married Count Andreas Henckel von Donnersmarck), and Fürstin Katharina (b.1969; married Carlos Manuel Méndez de Vigo y Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg). 
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, Duchess Sophie of Hohenberg, and their four children.
Albrecht's passing leaves two surviving grandchildren of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and Duchess Sophie of Hohenberg: Albrecht's first cousins Countess Sophie von Nostitz-Rieneck, Baroness von Gudenus (b.1929) and Fürst Ernst of Hohenberg (b.1944). 
May Albrecht Rest in Peace.

As we bid farewell to Furst Albrecht of Hohenberg, we are reminded of the profound impact he had on the world of history and diplomacy. His life was a testament to the enduring legacy of the Habsburg royal family, a legacy that continues to shape our understanding of international relations and cultural heritage. Furst Albrecht's dedication to preserving the historical artifacts and properties of his family is a shining example of the importance of preserving our collective past. It is a reminder that our history is not just a collection of dusty relics, but a living, breathing part of who we are today.

As we reflect on Furst Albrecht's life, we are left with a sense of gratitude for the contributions he made to the world. His commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of his family is a beacon of hope for future generations, ensuring that the rich history of the Habsburgs will continue to be celebrated and studied. We are reminded that our collective past is a precious resource, one that must be cherished and protected for the benefit of all. Furst Albrecht's life serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our history, and we are honored to have had the opportunity to learn from his example. May his legacy continue to inspire us to cherish and protect our collective past, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

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