Archduke's daughter fights for fortune

Archduke Ernst

February 4, 1914

For most of her life, Clotilde de Simics has lived in poverty, reports the New York Times.  She has endeavored for many years to be recognized as the daughter of Archduke Ernst of Austria by "the Vienna courts and to receive at least part of the property left her by her father."

The marriage between Archduke Ernst and Baroness Walburg took place secretly, but the marriage registers and Archduke Ernst's letters "prove beyond doubt" that the marriage took place, and Clotilde is his daughter.

She is claiming $150,000 as "her portion of the inheritance," but the court declared that "no property worth mentioning was left by the Archduke.  However, Count von Strachtwitz, a close friend of the late archduke, declared in court today that Clotilde was indeed the legitimate daughter of Archduke Ernst, who died leaving a fortune "of many million Kronen." 

This statement shows that the statement released by the Court Marshall that the "Archduke died practically penniless was absolutely incorrect."

It remains uncertain whether Clotilde will ever receive her inheritance, as the "Imperial Court adopts the view" that Archduke Ernst's marriage took place without the Emperor's consent and is invalid according to "the laws of the Imperial House."

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