Introducing Maria Fernanda of Thurn und Taxis

Marlene A. Eilers Koenig Collection

This photo was released (as a postcard) several weeks after Hereditary Princess Elisabeth of Thurn und Taxis, gave birth to her fourth and youngest child, Princess Maria Fernanda Eudoxia Michaela Gabriela Raphaela, on December 19, 1927 at Haus bei Regensberg.

Infanta Elisabeth of Portugal married Hereditary Prince Franz Joseph of Thurn und Taxis, eldest son of Albert I, 8th Prince of  Thurn und Taxis, and his wife, Archduchess Margarete of Austria, in 1920.  A son, Gabriel, was born in 1922, followed by three girls: Helene, Maria Theresia and Maria Fernanda. 

Prince Gabriel was killed in action near Stalingrad in December 1942, at the age of 20.  Helene (1924-1991) married Count Rudolf of Schönborn-Wiesentheid in 1947.  This marriage ended in divorce, and was annulled.  Maria Theresia (1925-1997)  married Count Franz Eduard von Oppersdorff in 1955.


Princess Maria Fernanda is still alive.  She lives in Munich, having resumed her maiden name after her divorce (and annulment) from Prince Franz Joseph of Hohenzollern. They married at Sigmaringen in July 1950. A divorce was finalized in October 1951, followed by an annulment in December 1954.  Three months after the annulment,  Prince Franz Joseph married Princess Diane of Bourbon-Parma.  This marriage ended in divorce, and was also annulled.

Princess Maria Fernanda did not remarry.