Royal Musings

Sunday, October 12, 2025

Royal photos

I was searching for a photo to use in a blog post and finally found it in an album. I also found these photos, which I had not seen in some years.

The Press and Information Office sent me the photographs of the Princely Family in 1999 after Princess Tatjana's marriage to Philipp von Lattorff.

The two Italian images were given to me by a family member about five years ago.

These signatures are not a facsimile. Maria Gabriella, Vittorio Emanuele & Maria Pia

Princess Jolanda and her husband, Count Carlo Calvi du Bergolo

A Royal Engagement

THE ROYAL COURT OF ALBANIA

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUÉ

"His Royal Highness Crown Prince Leka II of the AlbaniansMiss Blerta Celibashi.<>The engagement was joyfully celebrated on 11 October 2025, in Ksamil, Southern Albania, in the presence of family and close friends.

The Royal Family shares their happiness with the Albanian people and extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have conveyed their kind wishes on this joyful occasion."

This will be the Crown Prince's second marriage. His first marriage to Elia Zaharia was dissolved by divorce in 2024. The Crown Prince and Elia share custody of their daughter, Princess Geraldine, who will celebrate her fifth birthday on October 22.

The little princess was named for her great-grandmother, Countess Géraldine Margit Virginia Olga Mária Apponyi de Nagy-Appony (1915-2002). Queen Geraldine's mother was American-born Gladys Virginia Stewart.

The future Princess Blerta, 27, is a professional photographer.

Separations, but not a divorce

Princess Maria and Prince Konstantin
Marlene A Eilers Koenig Collection

Prince Konstantin of Bulgaria, Prince of Viridin, has confirmed the reports that he and his wife, Maria Garcia de la Rasilla y de Gortázar, have separated. The prince is the 4th son of King Simeon of Bulgaria and Doña Margarita Gómez-Acebo y Cejuela.

There have been rumors about their marriage since June, when several Spanish publications were reporting news of their separation. Princess Maria issued a statement to Hola, saying the news was a "huge surprise" to her and her husband. She admitted they were going through a marital crisis. "At the moment, it's not definitive, and this kind of news is very damaging; it's a shame," she said. "Nothing has been decided yet. We're giving ourselves time and haven't made any decisions."

Embed from Getty Images

They were married on July 7, 1994, at the Church of St Barbara in Madrid

The Prince, whose official name in Spain is Konstantin Sajonia-Coburgo, is an Operating Executive with Apollo Global Management in Madrid. He earned his MBA from Columbia University's Business School.

The news of the separation was broken by the Spanish magazine, Vanitas. A reporter, who recently spoke to Konstantin, noted that the prince had handled the "separation discreetly."

Prince Konstantin agreed. "We live a very discreet life. We get along very well, which is the best thing in these situations. Maria is a great woman and a great mother." He acknowledged that the separation was "complicated, but everything is in order."

Konstantin and Maria are the parents of twins, Prince Umberto and Princess Sofia.

Although Umberto has a Bachelor's degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, he is following his father into international finance. He is an investment associate with PAI Partners and is based in London.

Sofa earned a Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management from Lausanne's EHL Group. She works for Global Champions in Hospitality & Events, where, according to her father, she is "in charge of organizing important equestrian championships."

Konstantin and King Felipe V have been close friends since childhood. He is one of Infanta Sofia's godparents.

Embed from Getty Images

King Felipe's first cousin, Don Bruno Gomez-Acebo, recently acknowledged that he and his wife, Barbara Cano de la Plaza, have separated after 23 years of marriage and three children.

Barbara confirmed the separation to Hola, but said there are no plans to divorce.

"The beginning was very painful and difficult, " she said, adding, "More than a year has passed, and she can look back on everything with a certain distance."

Bruno is the third of five children of the late Infanta Pilar of Spain and the late Don Luis Gómez-Acebo y Duque de Estrada, Modet y Veereterra, Viscount de la Torre.

Their marriage took place on October 5, 2002, at the Real Monasterio de la Encarnación in Madrid, and they have three sons: Alejandro, 20, Guillermo, 19, and 14-year-old Alvaro.

Embed from Getty Images

In April, Prince Ernst August of Hanover,71, was rushed to a Madrid hospital and remained in intensive care for pancreatic issues. After spending several weeks in the hospital, the Prince, who is the Head of the House of Hanover, was taken to his Madrid home by his son, Christian, and his companion, Claudia Stilianopolous, where he continued to recover. This was not his first bout with acute pancreatitis. In 2005, he fell into a coma after being diagnosed with the disease.

For several years, Clauda has been Ernst August's "faithful rock to lean on." But after four years, the couple recently went their separate ways.

Embed from Getty Images

Ernst August has two sons, Ernst August and Christian, from his marriage to Swiss heiress Chantal Hochuli. In January 1999, he married Princess Caroline of Monaco. Their daughter, Alexandra, was born six months later.

Prince Ernst August and Princess Caroline have been separated since 2009. He and King Felipe V are second cousins. The King is one of the godparents of Ernst August's eldest son.

Grand Duke Henri gets into a car and drives away

Embed from Getty Images

On October 9th, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg got into a car and headed out of town. He spoke about his plan to leave Luxembourg "for a while," at the dinner for the Luxembourg Ladies Tennis Masters competition.

Henri, who abdicated on October 3 in favor of his eldest son, Guillaume, acknowledged that he would not be attending the finals on October 12.

"As you know, I'm retired, which means I am leaving.... I am taking the car with my wife, and we are leaving Luxembourg for a while."

In August, Henri spoke with Paris Match, acknowledging that his life "as the head of state and a royal was very privileged," but also like being in "a gilded cage."

Embed from Getty Images

The Grand Duke's office would not comment on where Henri and Maria Teresa were heading, as they confirmed this is a private trip.

He told Paris Match that "he would like to do a motorcycle trip of the Himalayas."

The former sovereign is a "big fan of motorcycling." Grand Duke Henri now as the opportunity to check off items on his bucket list.

Saturday, October 11, 2025

A second marriage for Chessie

Embed from Getty Images

Baroness Francesca von Thyssen-Bornemisza de Kászon, 67, and Markus Reymann, 49, were married on October 10 in a civil ceremony in Venice. Francesca, who some call Chessie, is the divorced wife of Archduke Karl of Austria, the head of the Austrian Imperial Family. After her divorce, Francesca resumed her maiden name and title.

The wedding was first reported by Bild, one of Germany's most popular newspapers. The Baroness announced her engagement to the German-born former actor last May.

“As we prepare to celebrate our wedding this October, we wish to express our sincere gratitude for the warm congratulations and kind support we have received from friends, colleagues and the many communities we are privileged to be a part of.

This moment is deeply emotional and meaningful for us and our families, and we kindly ask that the privacy of the ceremony and related events be respected so that we can share this time in peace and intimacy with our loved ones.”

The ceremony took place in the Sala Stucchi at Venice's Excelsior Hotel.

The newlyweds share a passion for the ocean. The son of a German father and a Scottish mother, Reymann often spent summers at his maternal grandmother's home. In a 2024 interview with Vanity Fair, Reymann said: “My first visual memory is the Scottish sea, although that may be a reconstruction I made to fit with my current life.

“I grew up in central Germany surrounded by cities and forests, and the Scottish sea was so different from all that that it remained etched in my memory.”

The reception was held at Ocean Space, a former church in San Lorenzo, which is now part of TBA21 Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary, founded by Francesca in 2001. She is also the foundation's Chairman.

According to its website, the Madrid-based TBA21 "works in association with the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza and operates key initiatives in Venice, Italy, through its art and science center, Ocean Space, as well as in Portland, Jamaica."

Reymann joined the foundation in 2011 and is now one of the directors of the TBA21 Academy. He and his new wife opened Ocean Space in 2019, which was the site of their wedding reception.

The guests included Francesca's 93-year-old British mother, Fiona Campbell-Walter, and her younger half-brother, Borja Thyssen-Bornemisza de Kászon, and his wife, Blanca, and Jamaican singer-model Grace Jones.

Francesca's three children, Archduchess Eleonore, 31, Archduke Ferdinand, 28, and Archduchess Gloria, 25, were spotted at the reception. Eleonore was accompanie by her husbabd, Jerome D'Ambrosio and their son, Otto.

According to Bild, a second reception was planned for today (October 11) at Venice's former Arsenale shipyard.

Francesca is the elder of two children of the late Swiss-born Hans Heinrich von Thyssen-Bornemisza de Kászon and Fiona Campbell-Walter. She was born on June 7, 1958, in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Embed from Getty Images

Her marriage to Archduke Karl took place on January 31, 1993, in Mariazell, Austria. They were divorced in 2019 after ten years of separation.

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2022/06/archduke-karl-of-austria-has-married.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2020/11/karl-of-austrias-not-so-secret-divorce.html

Guillaume V's installation

The new Grand Duke Guillaume V and Grand Duchess Stephanie, with their two sons, Princes Charles and Francois all photos @Ken Stone

Ken Stone's camera captures a variety of royals. Last Saturday, Ken and his camera were in Luxembourg for Grand Duke Henri's abdication and the installation of his eldest son, now Grand Duke Guillaume V.

Henri, Guillaume V, Charles, Steohanie, Francois, Maria Teresa

Nicolas Bagaory, Princess Alexandra, Prince Sebastien, Grand Duke Henri, Grand Duke Guillaume, Prince Charles, Grand Duchess Stephanie, Prince Francois, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Prince Felix, Princess Claire, and Prince Louis

Princess of Orange, Queen Maxima, King Willem-Alexander, Grand Duke Henri, Grand Duke Guillaume V, Prince Charles, Grand Duchess Stephanie with Prince Francois, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde and the Duchess of Brabant

Archduchess Marie Astrid (nee Princess of Luxembourg) and her husband, Archduke Christian of Austria.

all photos @Ken Stone

Thank you, Ken, for allowing me to use your wonderful pictures. A reminder: Ken is the copyright holder. He owns the rights to these photos.

A Birthday cake for the Duke of Kent

The Duke of Kent @Hugo Vickers

Prince Michael of Kent @Hugo Vickers

The Duke of Kent was the guest of honor at the Ognisko Restaurant, located in the Polish Club on Exhibition Road in South Kensington.

Mr. Vickers was among the guests at the luncheon. Other guests included the Duke of Kent's younger brother, Prince Michael of Kent, and many friends.

Later this month at Windsor Castle, King Charles III will host a party for the Duke of Kent, who celebrated his 90th birthday on October 9.

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2025/10/a-son-for-duke-and-duchess-of-kent.html

A special thank you to Hugo Vickers for graciously allowing me to use the photos. Hugo is the copyright holder.

Hugo will be the host at a Concert on October 15 in honor of the late HRH The Duchess of Kent and her charities.

Countess Marie von Matuschka's parents and grandparents' weddings

Princess Marie-Adelaide and Count Franz Josef Henckel von Donnersmarck sign the marriage contract on April 9, 1958 (all photos Marlene A Eilers Koenig collection)

the little girl is Countess Monika of Holstein-Ledreborg, the bride's niece

HRH Princess Marie-Adelaide of Luxembourg and Franz Josef, Count Henckel von Donnersmarck, were married on April 10, 1958. Their civil ceremony took place in the Grand Ducal Family, which was followed by the Roman Catholic service at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Luxembourg.

They settled in Schloss Wolfsberg in Carinthia, Austria, where they raised four children: Andreas, Count of Henkel von Donnarsmark, Count Felix, Count Heinrich, and Countess Charlotte.

Andreas, who succeeded his father as Count Henckel von Donnesmarck, is married to Princess Johanna of Hohenberg, a great-granddaughter of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Their civil marriage took place on April 18, 1995, at Wolfsberg. Their Roman Catholic wedding was celebrated on June 17, 1995, at the parish church in Strobl am Wolfgangsee, near Salzburg.

The guest list for Princess Marie-Adelaide's wedding

Countess Marie Margarete Franziska Kunigunde Henckel von Donnersmarck is the second child of Count and Countess Henckel von Donnersmarck.

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2025/10/henckel-von-donnersmarck-von-matuschka.html

Friday, October 10, 2025

A new role for Princess Victoria Romanovna

All photos courtesy of HSH Princess Victoria Romanovna Romanov.

Henckel von Donnersmarck - von Matuschka wedding

Countess Marie-Henckel von Donnersmarck and Count Ludwig von Matuschka were united in marriage on September 13, 2024, at St Paul im Lavanttal in Wolfsberg, Carinthia, Austria.

The 27-year-old bride is the second child of Count Andreas of Henckel von Donnersmark and Princess Johanna von Hohenberg, a great-granddaughter of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and Countess Sophie von Chotek.

Count Ludwig, 25, is the third son of Count Nikolaus von Matuschka and his late wife, Marie-Louise von Voss.

Marie is a Rights Executive with Hachette UK. She has two bachelor's degrees in Comparative Literature and German Studies from Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. Her husband has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Munich and a Master of Science in Astronautics and Space Engineering from the UK's Cranfield University.

In July 2025, Ludwig left his job as a Solution Engineer with Munich-based RobCo.


Duchess Dorothee of Württemberg and her fiancé, Philipp Polack, and Duchess Amelie of Württemberg and her husband, Baron Franz Ferdinand von Feilitzsch. Amelie is holding their infant son.

The Duke of Brissac, Princess Delia of Croy (nee Cosse-Brissac). The Marquis and Marquise de Brissac, the Duchess of Brissac, and Prince Marc of Croy with his son. Marc's wife, Delia, is the daughter of the Duke of Brissac

Duchess Fleur of Württemberg and her husband, Count Moritz von Goess

The bride and groom's families walk to the church. In the front is the bride's mother, Johanna, and the groom's father, Nikolaus

Duchess Marie of Württemberg in green

Princess Margaretha of Liechtenstein (nee Luxembourg) a first cousin of the bride's father


The Prince and Princess of Auersperg-Trautson with Archduchess Marie Astrid of Austria in the middle. The Princess of Auersperg-Trautson was born Archduchess Constanza of Austria

Archduke Carl Christian of Austria

Princess Marie Eleonore of Liechtenstein and the Duke of Croy


Count Markus von Goess-Sarau and his wife, Princess Fanny of Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Schillingsfürst

A group including the bride's mother (with hat), Princess Johanna and Archduke Josef of Austria. The older woman is Princess Albrecht of Hohenberg, the bride's maternal grandmother.

Archduchess Antonia, the wife of Archduke Pal, and their daughter

Countess Charlotte of Quadt and Princess Anastasia of Croy

Princess Sibilla of Luxembourg with her daughter, Princess Charlotte, and one of her sons.

Prince Clemens of Saxony and his girlfriend (name not known)

Gloria Marquise de Brissac with the girlfriend of Prince Clemens of Saxony

Countess Charlotte of Quadt and Archduke Pal of Austria

Count and Countess Franz Clemens of Waldburg-Zeil-Hohenems with their daughter Leonie and her husband, Count Caspar von Matuschka (brother of the bride)