The Marriage Plot: HRH Princess Alexandra of Hanover to marry

@HRH Princess Alexandra of Hanover

 HRH Princess Alexandra of Hanover, Duchess of Brunswick-Lüneburg, Princess of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, announced her engagement to Ben-Sylvester Strautmann on Instagram.

She is the only daughter of HRH Prince Ernst August of Hanover and his second wife, HSH Princess Caroline of Monaco, the eldest child of HSH Prince Rainier III of Monaco and Grace Kelly.

The princess was born on July 20, 1999, in Vöcklabruck, Austria. Her baptism, according to Lutheran rites, took place on September 19, 1999, in Auerbach, near Grünau im Almtal.  The ceremony took place in Ernst August's hunting lodge.  She was named for her godmothers: Alexandra, Princess of Leiningen (paternal aunt), Charlotte Casiraghi (maternal half-sister), Ulrike Ulmschneider, Maryam Sachs,  and Virginia Gallico. She also has two godfathers,  George Condo and Eric Maier. 

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 After her parents' separation, Alexandra was raised in Monaco.   She and Ben-Sylvester have been dating for more than ten years.  He was born in Lower Saxony, Germany, on December 31, 1998, and is the son of Joachim Strautmann and Sabine Holz.  His family made their wealth in agricultural machinery.   Joachim moved the family to Monaco, where he worked in finance.  

Ben-Sylvester is a former Monaco basketball player and now works in finance.

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 The couple first met in late 2016 and were first photographed in May 2017 at the  French Ligue 1 Championship title celebration.  The following year, on March 24, 2018, they made an official appearance together at Monaco's Roseball.

In 2018,  Princess Alexandra was received into the Roman Catholic Church.  She is styled as "of the United Kingdom and Ireland, rather than Northern Ireland, as the Hanover Royal Family lost their British titles in 1917. In the early 1930s, Alexandra's great-grandfather announced that the family would continue to use the British titles because of their male-line descent from King George III.

George III - Edward, Duke of Kent - Victoria - Victoria - Wilhelm II - Viktoria Luise -Ernst August -Ernst August - Alexandra

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2018/09/alexandra-of-hanover-loses-place-in.st thhtml

https://www.pointdevue.fr/grand-angle/biographies/ben-sylvester-strautmann

Working for Norway throughout life

 

@det kongelige Hoff

Princess Astrid died today at age 94. From 1954 to 1968, Princess Astrid served as Norway's First Lady for 14 years and carried out official duties until the end.

det Kongelige Hoff

His Majesty the King received the news of the Princess's passing with great sadness:

"Throughout her long life, Princess Astrid represented the Royal House in a warm and dutiful manner. At age 22, she stepped into the role of First Lady when my grandmother, Crown Princess Märtha, passed away. In her work, Princess Astrid was always particularly concerned with care and inclusion for the most vulnerable in society. She was very loyal and always carried out her duties with commitment, presence, and an infectious spirit.

Princess Astrid's 85th birthday @Morten Brun, The Royal Court

Aunt Astrid was an important support for King Harald and the rest of us in the family. We learned a lot from her, and she was not afraid to speak up. Her passing is a great loss for us. We will miss her. My family and I send warm thoughts to Aunt Astrid's closest friends."

Princess Astrid had a great sense of humor and was often a natural center of family gatherings, with her great storytelling ability and funny comments. She also had a rare good memory and was happy to share her rich and detailed memories from her childhood and upbringing – not least from the war years. This enriched family and friends, as well as historians, writers, and the media. 

Princess Astrid was the country's first lady and her father, King Olav, right-hand woman for 14 years. She took on the role at just 22, when her mother, Crown Princess Märtha, died in 1954.

She served the country through countless journeys and representative duties. Princess Astrid represented the King and the Crown Prince alone or accompanied them at major celebrations around the country. During state visits and other official events, she hosted dinners at the Palace and at Skaugum. She also stood by King Olav during his signing trip in 1958 and on the Royal Tour in Northern Norway the following year.

engagement @Jan Stage / NTB archive

In November 1960, the engagement between Princess Astrid and Johan Martin Ferner was announced. The wedding took place in Asker Church on 12 January 1961. King Olav decided that the daughter would thereafter be titled Princess Astrid, Mrs. Ferner.​‍​‌​‍‌​‍​‌ ​‌​​‍​‍​‌​​​‍‌​‍​‍​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​‌

In July 1962, Cathrine, their first child, was born. They would eventually have five children.

Johan Martin Ferner died on 24 January 2015.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 

When Crown Prince Harald married in 1968, Crown Princess Sonja became First Lady of Norway, but Princess Astrid continued to represent Norway and the Royal House at small and large occasions throughout her life. She had several official assignments each year, and followed up on her patronages. In her work, Princess Astrid always had special care for the weak in society – for people with a few extra challenges.

Princess Astrid was also chairwoman of the Crown Princess Märtha's Memorial Fund, which supports social and humanitarian initiatives in organizations and associations.

Princess Margrethe of Denmark, Princess Astrid of Norway & Princess Margaretha of Sweden with Elvis Presley @NTB

Princess Astrid met many of the great personalities of her time during her long life in public service – both heads of state and cultural figures. A much-talked-about moment came in the summer of 1960, when she visited Paramount Studios in Hollywood with Princess Margrethe of Denmark and Princess Margaretha of Sweden. There, the three of them met a young Elvis Presley during the filming of the film GI Blues.

The princess was also passionate about sports and athletics, and referred to herself as a "sports idiot". With great knowledge and keen participation on the sidelines, she was a faithful guest at Holmenkollen and often present at sporting events throughout the country - often together with her brother, King Harald. On the occasion of her 80th birthday in 2012, she received the Ski Association's Birkebeiner plaque for her support of skiing.

Princess Astrid worked and collaborated with three kings and was rewarded for her great efforts and warm loyalty in 2002, when, on her 70th birthday, the government granted her an honorary pension. 

@Det Kongelige Hoff

@Jan Stage/NTB

SA Sturlason, Royal Court Archive

"The Norwegian state has decided to show its recognition for the efforts Princess Astrid, Mrs. Ferner, has made for Norway. As the country's first lady for a number of years, and later in connection with extensive representational duties. She will therefore be granted an honorary pension by the state treasury."

NRK reports the Norwegian government will pay for her funeral.

Princess Astrid leaves only four great-grandchildren of King Edward VII: The Duke of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent, Princess Alexandra, the Hon. Lady Ogilvy, and Prince Michael of Kent.

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2026/06/the-longest-living-descendant-of-queen.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2026/09/princess-astrid-honors-her-brother.html

Princess Astrid, Mrs. Ferner (1932-2026)

His Majesty the King has received with great sadness the news of the passing of Princess Astrid. The Princess fell asleep today, Friday 11 September, at the age of 94.

His Majesty the King has decided that flags will be flown at half-mast from the Palace Balcony today and on the day of the funeral.

Princess Astrid's immediate family states:

Dear mother, dear Princess Astrid

Thank you for being the best mother we could have. Throughout your life you were there for us – with love and wisdom, warmth and good humor. You were there for grandfather King Olav and uncle King Harald – present, loyal and dutiful. And in addition – for those who needed a little extra care – you always showed genuine care. In our

grief, we stand together in gratitude.

Thank you for all the good memories. You will always have a big place in our hearts.

Your children – Cathrine, Benedikte, Alexander, Elisabeth and Carl-Christian Ferner with families.

King Haakon VIII states:

Throughout her long life, Princess Astrid represented the Royal House in a warm and dutiful manner. At age 22, she stepped into the role of First Lady when my grandmother, Crown Princess Märtha, passed away. In her work, Princess Astrid was always particularly concerned with care and inclusion for the most vulnerable in society. She was very loyal and always carried out her duties with commitment, presence, and an infectious spirit.

Aunt Astrid was an important support for King Harald and the rest of us in the family. We learned a lot from her, and she never hesitated to speak up. Her passing is a great loss for us. We will miss her. My family and I send warm thoughts to Aunt Astrid's closest friends.

Davina Mary Sheffield Morley (1951-2026)

  

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It was a dinner at Lady Jane Wellesley's home in the summer of 1975, when the Prince of Wales was introduced  "to the next young woman to capture his heart, the beautiful but star-crossed Davina Sheffield."

According to one of Charles' biographers, the heir to the throne "could not disguise his yearning, even in public."  

A soldier's daughter, Davina Mary Sheffield was an "ex-debutante, blonde and dramatically attractive." 

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 She was one of the "few girlfriends with whom Charles contentedly allowed himself to be photographed."

She "charmed his family" during a visit to Balmoral.  Charles was smitten, but Davina planned to spend that fall in Vietnam, volunteering at an "orphans' hospital."  The Vietnam War was in its final stages, with the Viet Cong advancing.  Davina and others were forced to flee, and she returned home to the news that her mother had been murdered by robbers in their Oxfordshire house.

She found comfort and solace with the Prince of Wales, and they were seen "publicly arm in arm" in the fall of 1976.

Unfortunately for Davina, an ex-boyfriend, James Beard, told the press that they had "enjoyed a 'full sexual relationship.'"   In an attempt to make amends, Beard said: "I am sure they will be very happy.  I think she will make a magnificent wife and an extremely good Queen."

Her relationship with Charles ended because she was not a virgin. 

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In December 1981, she married Jonathan Morley. The couple had three sons: Thomas, William, and Henry.

https://peeragenews.blogspot.com/2026/09/mary-morley-who-died-2-september-2026.html

 

Times December 9, 1981

Countess Marie Therese weds Prince Philipp-Carl of Oettingen Wallerstein

 

H Ill H Countess Marie-Therese of Waldburg zu Zeil und Trauchberg and HSH Prince Philipp-Carl zu Oettingen-Wallerstein were married in the Stadtpfarrkirche St. Verena in Bad Wurzach on August 29th.  The civil wedding took place on August 28 at Schloss Zeil.

They announced their engagement in September 2025.

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2025/09/a-new-princely-engagement-oettingen.html

Hereditary Count Alexander Fugger von Babenhausen

Princess Franziska Fugger von Babenhausen and Mauro Bergonzoli

Valerie, Dowager Margravine of Baden

Duchess Fleur of Württemberg and her husband, Count Moritz von Goess,  The woman on the right is unidentified,

The newly married Dhruv Raj Singh and Countess Marie von und zu Eltz

Princess Annuciata of Liechtenstein and her husband, Emanuele Musini

Woman on right:  (Possibly) Countess Elizabeth of Waldburg-Zeil

Left: The Princess of Waldburg-Zeil (in pink) and her daughter, Countess Helene von Neipperg On the right, the groom and his mother, Helen

The groom's mother, Helen (whose marriage to Prince Krafft Ernst ended in divorce in 2009), with the Prince of Waldburg-Zeil, the bride's father.

Duke Wilhelm of Württemberg

Prince Anton of Windisch-Graetz

Prince Ludwig-Rudolph and Princess Sophie-Alexandra of Bavaria with their son, Prince Rupprecht

Princess Xenia of Croy and Guy delle Piane.  

The Prince and Princess of Hohenlohe Öhringen

Count and Countess Hans Kaspar of Toerring-Jettenbach and Prince Michael of Liechtenstein

Duke Philipp of Württemberg with his son, Duke Carl-Theodor

The Prince of Thurn und Taxis

The Count and Countess of Neipperg

Prince Charles-Louis, Duke of Chartress

Princess Amelie, Frau  Schmid von Schmidsfelden and Princess Sophie, Countess Constantin Fugger von Babenhausen.

Duke and Duchess Michael of Württemberg

Princess Teresa of Liechtenstein, who is married to Count Cajetan of Toerring-Jettenbach 

The guests included: Duke Franz von Bayern and his partner,Thomas Greinwald, Duke Max in Bavaria, accompanied by two of his daughters, Duchess Elisabeth and Duchess Anna, with her husband, Baron Andreas von Maltzahn,  Prinz Ludwig  and Princess Sophie Alexandra with their son, Rupprecht, Duchess Diane of Württemberg, Duke Wilhelm of Württemberg, Duke Philipp of Württemberg with his son, Duke Carl Theodor, Duke and Duchess Eberhard of Württemberg, Duke and Duchess Michael of Württemberg,  Prince and Princess Engelbert of Croy, with their son and daughter, Isabelle and her husband, Yannick Magotsch,  Count and Countess  Bernhard de Monseignat, Count and Countess Christoph Schenk von Stauffebnberg with of their children, Count and Countess Max Emanuel von Rechberg with their daughter and son in law, Fürst Albert von Thurn und Taxis, Duchess Fleur of Württemberg and her husband Count Moritz Goess, Duchess  Dorothee of Württemberg, Princess Xenia of Croy withher  husband, Guy Delle Piane, Prince Carl Philipp of Croy, Archduke Simeon and Archduchess of Austria, Count and Countess Karl Eugen of Neipperg, Count and Countess Stephan of Neipperg with their son Ludovic, (who is married to the bride's sister, Marie Helene) , the Prince and Princess of  Quadt, the Prince and Princess of  Hohenlohe Öhringen,  Prince and Princess Fugger von Babenhausen with their children, Hereditary Alexander and Countess Franziska, Count and Countess Keglevich, the Prince of Waldburg von Waldburg Wolfegg with the Hereditary Count and Countess Ludwig, Countess von und zu  Eltz with her daughters  Alexandra and Marie and son-in-law, Dhruv Raj Singh, Prince and Princess  Ulrich von Wied, the Prince and Princess zu Isenburg, Prince Anton Windisch Graetz, Count Philipp von Koenigsegg-Aulendorf, Princess Erich von Lobkowicz, Prince Johannes Lobkowicz , Count Moritz von Drechsel,  Margrave and Margravine of Baden with the Dowager Markgravine of Baden, Princesses Amelie and Sophie of Löwenstein-Wertheim-Freudenberg, Count and Countess Clemens of  Waldburg Zeil with, three of their children,  Assunta, Maximilian and Constantin, Count and Countess  Hans Kaspar von Toerring Jettenbach with with their sons,  Georg and Cajetan and daughter-in-law, Princess Teresa of Liechtenstein, Princess Annunciata von Liechtenstein and Emanuele Musini, CountessVeronika of Waldburg-Zeil, Baron Emmanuel von Elverfeldt, Princess Gisela of Liechtenstein, Count Philipp and Countess Philippa von Brockdorff, Annina Bruges von Pfuel, Count and Countess Philipp Schenk von Stauffenberg. 

 This was a Roman Catholic wedding with the following officiants: Father Hubertus Freiherr von Freyberg, Vitus Graf von Waldburg Zeil, Stefan Maier, Richard Grotz, Elmar Schneider 

Prince Philipp-Carl's best men were: Aisling Demmel, Count Friedrich von Rechberg-Rothenlöwen, Count Georg zu Toerring-Jettenbach, Alexander Bagusat, Prince Leopold Ludwig zu Oettingen-Wallerstein, Count Johannes von Seilern-Aspang, and Professor Dr. Dominik Pfoerringer.

Countess Marie-Therese was attended by flower girls and pages: 

Kranzlkinder: Mathilda and Olympia d'Andigne, Emil und Oscar Bagusat, Princess Alba of Oettingen-Wallerstein, Counts Anton and Arthur zu Rechberg-Rothenlöwen, Count Maximilian zu Toerring-Jettenbach and Prince Rupprecht von Bayern.

The couple left the church in a "historic white Porsche 365 Coupe with two distinctive red racing stripes" and traveled to Schloss Zeil, where they held the wedding reception that evening. 

Marie-Therese, 36, is the eldest daughter of Erich, Prince of Waldburg zu Zeil und Trauchberg, and Duchess Mathilde of Württemberg.  Her 42-year-old husband is the elder of two sons of Prince Krafft Ernst of Oettingen-Wallerstein and his first wife, Helen Lins.

A friend took the photos and holds the copyright.  As always, thank you for allowing me to use your photos.

King Harald's funeral

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Earlier today, King Harald V of Norway was laid to rest in the Royal Mausoleum beneath the church in the Akershus Fortress.  This followed a Lutheran funeral service at Oslo Cathedral.  After returning to the Palace, King Haakon VIII, Queen Mette-Marit, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Prince Sverre Magnus, and Queen Sonja came out on the balcony.  They then held a reception, where the King and his family greeted their guests.  

The official program https://cdn.sanity.io/files/zcj3i1pm/production/f478af93f79ca19e5fdb54df6aea14216660b580.pdf

Queen Mette-Marit, who recently underwent lung replacement surgery, did not attend the reception.

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