TI&RH Archduke Otto and Archduchess Regina

« on: December 03, 2005, 03:01:45 AM »

Lucien

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TI&RH Archduke Otto and Archduchess Regina

HI&RH Archduchess Regina of Austria(80),néé Princess of Sachsen-Meiningen,
spouse of Archduke Otto,was atmitted to hospital in Nancy,France,yesterday
afternoon after suffering from a stroke during a function they attended.

http://fr.news.yahoo.com/02122005/5/l-epouse-d-otto-de-habsbourg-lorraine-hospitalisee-nancy.html


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Reply #1

« on: December 04, 2005, 01:30:02 AM »

Lucien

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Re: TI&RH Archduke Otto and Archduchess Regina

Very sad indeed,a CVA is a nasty affair at any age,but especially for the elderly,as recovering is so very difficult,and it takes a while before one can tell which functions,and to what degree,come back .The reports on her present condition somehow differ from dire to being on the mend again.At any rate however it is a severe blow,hope and pray she"ll recover at least to some extend and is granted to remain among us a while longer,but it will be a struggle I'm sure.

Courtesy Brent:
http://members3.boardhost.com/Oranjes/msg/1133663298.html


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Reply #2

« on: November 20, 2006, 03:45:20 PM »

Lucien

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Re: TI&RH Archduke Otto and Archduchess Regina


« Last Edit: November 20, 2006, 04:01:14 PM by Lucien »	Logged

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Reply #3

« on: November 21, 2006, 02:08:29 AM »

britt.25

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Re: TI&RH Archduke Otto and Archduchess Regina

Thanks for linking to those nice pictures of Seegerpress. I really admire Otto and his wife (especially Otto) because he is still so lively at his old age, and travels that much, trough all countries. He must have a very interesting life, even in his old days and he survived all difficulties concerning the two Wars and the End of the reign of his family and everything, and is involved in politics and does so many things. It would be interesting to discuss his views etc. There is a very good biography at my university, and if I have more time, I will read it. As I have heard, the biography was written, because Otto himself does not want to write any memoires. He always interested me, even if some of his political views are discussed, he has written a lot of books as well.

I have here an interview with him of the year 2004. It´s from the German magazine Stern, under the headline "people":

I´ll translate the most important points here, I think it shows already a lot on his attitudes.

The oldest son of the late emperor of Austria and king of Hungary was twenty year at the European Parliament

- Excuse this typical question at the beginning..What is correct: Imperial Higness or Dr. Otto von Habsburg?

= Von Habsburg and that´s it.

- Some weeks ago the Pope (still Johannes Paul II.) has canonised your father in the presence of thousand members of the Habsburg family

=They were not thousand. Maybe the Carabinieri were collected with them...they were fourhundred

- But your family has a strong connection to the catholic church.

= O yes, The connection to God was important to me also in the european constitution. Well, we need a higher instance for our principles. And who can this be
apart from Lord?

- As head of a family, who had the power over Europe for more than sixhundred years, how could you bear the bureaucracy at Brussels?

= I fought against it. Theodore Roosevelt once asked emperor Franz Joseph, what a monarchy has to do in a modern world and he replied: "It has to save the
people from the government!" In this sense I was needed.

- What does your usual day look like?

= Very much to do. You have to consider, if one was busied through so many years and visted more than onehundred meetings in the year, you have got great
correspondences. And I thank God that it is like that!

- Do you still travel that much?

= O yes, in the middle of September I was in Kosovo, then I was at Zurich, Rome, Vienna, Tirol, Madeira, Croatia, London and then again at Vienna. Tomorrow
we travel to Westfalia and Lower Saxony, later to Budapest, Paris, Strassburg, Spain, and in between three times in Hungary. And then it´s Christmas!

- Your official title has one Emperor- nine king- twenty- Arch- Great- and simple Duke- nine count- and many more titles. Don´t you get nostalgic feelings?

= No, I was always looking forward.

- And when you see the Sisi trash around the Wiener Hofburg?

= Well, the people like it and many think, that´s nice, I will not critisize it!

- Does the aristocracy still carry culture today?

= In some cases. The monarchy can provide Continuity. But there are examples, where this is not the case. You only have to look in certain journals.

- Even if you are -from the origin- the number one of the European Aristocracy you are never to find in gossip papers.

= I was always busy with other things: And you won´t believe it: I have never been on a dancing ball. Never. I prefer o sleep in the night. And if you don´t visit night clubs
you don´t meet gossip reporters.

- Does it have advantages not to be a monarch?

= O yes, you don´t have to call every politician, who is a donkey "excellence", and I have a life, which does not bore me. I can imagine myself, that other royals often
have much boredom. The british royals work from early until late. But for me it would not be very funny to do this kind of work.

- Do you have a close connection to yours majesty secret service?

= I love James Bond- movies: They are all phantastic! I have got to know the authour, Fleming, in England during the War. From this time on, this is my passion.-

- Do you still follow your ritual act on the 31 st of May?

= But yes! Surely! I smoke only on the World´s non Smoking day. Only last year I had forgotten it and did it on the 1st of July!

I think this shows quite a lot about him, even if these are only "general" questions. He has some interesting sense of humour and is a very realistic person, without expressing "I am something more or better than others", he is a really serious, but interesting figure, not like many others royals from today, who only make scandals!
What do others think?


« Last Edit: November 21, 2006, 02:25:38 AM by britt.25 »	Logged

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Marie Bonaparte (1882-1962)

Reply #4

« on: November 24, 2006, 10:42:55 AM »

Lucien

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Re: TI&RH Archduke Otto and Archduchess Regina

Thank you for the translation Britt.Otto is modest,kind and genuine,to a fauld almost.He has witnessed more then anyone else,historically,politically and personally,from the days of Emperor Franz Josef till now.Mindboggling,from horse and carriage to the Airbus 380.


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Reply #5

« on: November 27, 2006, 11:20:26 AM »

Maximilano Offline

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Re: TI&RH Archduke Otto and Archduchess Regina

Dear Britt.25 you say "There is a very good biography at my university, and if I have more time, I will read it. As I have heard, the biography was written, because Otto himself does not want to write any memoirs."
Actually there are various biographies written about Otto von Habsburg. Although he himself did not write a biography of himself he did write one excellent one about Charles I (V). Original in French "Charles Quint" translated into various languages.
His books are a legacy of his pan European views which are in reality the continuation of the philosophy Sacro Imperio Romano and the Austro Hungarian Empire. He fought all his life for the Pan European integration and is one of the visionaries of the United Europe.


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Reply #6

« on: November 27, 2006, 12:06:08 PM »

britt.25

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Re: TI&RH Archduke Otto and Archduchess Regina

Dear CFH_Mexico,

Thanks for your explanations. Can you recommend one special biography about Otto von Habsburg?
In the university library, I saw only one, and that seemed to be very a detailled one and was a really huge book, and looked interesting to me. Unfortunately I have forgotten the authour. If you have any special, which you consider good, it would be interesting to know.
I know that Otto has written a lot of books, I have only two, the one about Karl V, that you mentioned, and one small one about the first Habsburg king, Rudolf I., who also interests me.

Thanks!


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Reply #7

« on: December 07, 2006, 10:58:26 AM »

Maximilano Offline

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Re: TI&RH Archduke Otto and Archduchess Regina

Dear Britt.25

There are various books about the Archduke Otto von Habsburg, I have read and recommend the following ones:

The Uncrowned Emperor: The Life and Times of Otto von Habsburg by Gordon Brook-Shepherd
Otto von Habsburg. by Gordon Brook-Shepherd
Otto von Habsburg: Protokoll eines politischen Lebens by Erich Feigl

Gordon Brook - Shepherd is a dedicated historian, objective, well read and has had access to the private library of the Archduke. He has been a long time investigator and a real expert in the history of the early XX Century. Has been close to the Archduke and various members of the imperial family. He surely knows his topic.

Erich Feigel is a real monarchist, pro Habsburg, sometimes too pro Habsburg but close to the Archduke and often visited Kaiserin Zita in Zizers, in switzerland where the old Empress lieved her last years. In his different books he narrates historic facts that where told to him by the Kaiserin and for which there is as backup only the very good memory of the Empress.

This books can be bought through Amazon.com and major bookstores.


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Reply #8

« on: March 20, 2007, 01:27:12 AM »

britt.25

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Re: TI&RH Archduke Otto and Archduchess Regina

Letter of Dr. Otto von Habsburg to his family concerning the naming of his eldest son Karl to his official heir and successor:

Pöcking, December, 2006

Dear Family,

Some weeks ago I celebrated my 94 th birthday. During a long life I have made a lot of experiences, good onces and also bad onces, and I am thankful to God for every single one of them. I had the chance to learn from them and so I can look back on a fulfilled life. Especially because Regina and me are blessed with seven children and twentytwo grandchildren.

Already some time ago I have decided to give a part of my tasks in younger hands. So I decided to leave the European Parliament in the year 1999, in the year 2000 I passed my function as souvereign of the decoration of the golden Vlies to my son Karl, and last year I abandoned my presidency at the Paneuropa Union.

I have decided from 1st January, 2007 on to autorise my eldest son Karl with the task of the chief of the house and clan as well.

During the last years he had already leaded a part of my agendas. With him I know the future of our family, of whome we never have to forget that it is a family with a political task, with the continuity that I wish, in good hands. Last but not least his successful activity concerning the golden Vlies has affected me to this step. Surely I will support him, as far as God gives me the strengh. I wish and I demand that all of you accord him the same support as well!

Without giving up the aims, which I was concerned with over a long time, one can, when having reached the 95 th year of age, look at actual incidents from a greater distance und does not have to be concerned with every detail anymore.

I wish you with all my heart a blessed year 2007.

Otto.

(This is a translated version of the letter, the original is in German and went to all members of the Habsburg family- and only to them.)


« Last Edit: March 20, 2007, 01:37:42 AM by britt.25 »	Logged

Reply #9

« on: March 20, 2007, 03:35:29 PM »

Greenowl

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Re: TI&RH Archduke Otto and Archduchess Regina

Thanks for sharing that! Archduke Otto is such a wonderful person that I do hope he enjoys a long (despite his already advanced age), happy and healthy retirement. He deserves it, as he has had so many years of devoted service, with so many ups and downs and under very different conditions, but he seemed to master them all. I admire him very much. I don't envy Archduke Karl having to follow such an illustrious father, but wish him well.


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Reply #10

« on: March 21, 2007, 01:07:38 AM »

britt.25

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Re: TI&RH Archduke Otto and Archduchess Regina

The problem seems to be that there are querries in Karls life (private life I think), and as far as I have understood it, there seem to be other family members, who are not allright with Otto´s decision. Until now I don´t know further details, I will -maybe- get some more next month. I don´t know what others think about it? Is Karl the right person to success his father in the way, which would be good? I also admire Otto, he´s such an interesting, and politically active figure, fighting for his ideas and so on, and the interview, which I once posted, shows that he still travels that much! It´s almost impossible in that age!


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Reply #11

« on: March 21, 2007, 02:26:28 PM »

Greenowl

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Re: TI&RH Archduke Otto and Archduchess Regina

Hello Britt!

Gosh, that is really very interesting information! Needless to say, I would love to know more, especially which members of the family are unhappy with Archduke Otto's decision and consider that Archduke Karl is not the right man for the job, so to speak. I wonder how Otto feels about it? I imagine he must be rather disappointed, as in the letter above he clearly believes that Karl is now ready to be head of the imperial house and the Habsburg family. As we both agree, Archduke Otto is an outstanding person and it would be extremely difficult for anyone to measure up to the high and exacting standards he set. However, Archduke Karl has not exactly covered himself with glory and the only attention he has drawn to himself has tended to be negative. I am not aware of any recent scandals (have I missed something??), but recall the World Vision affair that put a premature end to his political career, and the "diadem scandal" when he tried to "smuggle" a diadem belonging to his wife's family across the border and failed to declare it to the custom and excise authorities. In both cases he was found not guilty of anything but negligence, but it does leave a rather bad impression of someone who is, at best, "unlucky". Thus for that reason I can well understand the attitude of some family members. However, on the other hand I am surprised that they would dare to challenge the laws of succession. I mean, he is Otto's successor and first in line. Even Emperor Franz I. did not alter the succesion laws in favour of Archduke Franz Karl, although the heir, later Emperor Ferdinand I, had many, many health problems (to put it mildly). Unless Archduke Karl himself is willing to step down in favour of his brother Archduke Georg (who I assume would be the next in line) I don't see how the family can change or challenge the situation, and if they oppose Karl I feel that they will only damage themselves and the reputation of the whole family in the long term, which would, to my mind, be extremely tragic and disloyal, in view of the energy, devotion to duty and effort invested not only by Archduke Otto himself, but also by his mother, Empress Zita.

What are your thoughts on the matter?? And thanks again for that info...I really had no idea!


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Reply #12

« on: March 23, 2007, 02:15:17 AM »

britt.25

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Re: TI&RH Archduke Otto and Archduchess Regina

Hello Greenowl,

I saw your comment very late...sorry! You have so many interesting ideas and thoughts on that topic..congratulation! In general it seems to me that this topic is not of much interest for the other members Cry

Or am I wrong?
In general I must confess that I did not read so much about any "scandals" of Archduke Karl, because I am rather concerned with the historical figures of the Hapsburgs, but yes, the situation is difficult. Who should be the head of the family, if not Archduke Karl? To name another member, like the second son Georg, there must be heavy reasons, more heavy than the things that happened in the last years with Archduke Karl, I think. Otto von Habsburg does not say anything directly concerning that in the letter, but the person, who gave me the letter told it "between the lines" that there might be people, who are surprised about Otto´s decision and who might not share that. There is only the sentence of Otto "Ich hoffe und erwarte, dass auch ihr ihm die gleiche Unterstützung zukommen lasst!" (I wish and I demand that all of you accord him the same support as well!) that lets you see that there might be some problems concerning that. The family member did not say anything directly concerning this, and I hope I will find out some more, at the moment he is travelling.
Indeed there are examples, where fathers did not elect the eldest son to the successor, for example among the Bonaparte family, where Louis Napoleon (d. 1997), because of differences (especially because of political views: see the Bonaparte topic) with this son, passed his son and named his grandson to his official successor (Jean Christophe, b. 1986). But here we have a completely different situation: Maybe Karl did some things wrong, but as it seems concerning things that are important for his father Otto, especially the work for the "golden Vlies", he is satisfied with him. Do you think , he should have named any other?
For me it´s hard to decide, because my knowledge of the modern Habsburgs is limited, I was rather concerned with the "old" ones!


« Last Edit: March 23, 2007, 02:21:02 AM by britt.25 »	Logged

Reply #13

« on: March 24, 2007, 03:50:19 PM »

Greenowl

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Re: TI&RH Archduke Otto and Archduchess Regina

Hello Britt!

It would be really great if you could obtain some further information from the family member you know when he returns from his travels. I have naturally being thinking about the matter, and another point that struck me is that some of the family would not be over impressed by the fact that Archduke Karl is at present separated from his wife, although in reality I don't see why this should bother them unduly, especially as it is nothing new....think of Franz Jospeh and Elisabeth (they were, after all, separated most of the time). I suppose another alternative would be to name Archduke Karl's son as head of the family, and appoint another family member to act on his behalf until he came of age. However, I am sure if Archduke Otto had any doubts about Archduke Karl's suitablity he would not have written that letter and instead remained at his post until the end of his days. I don't know that I would read too much into the lines "Ich hoffe und erwarte, dass auch ihr ihm die gleiche Unterstützung zukommen lasst!" (I hope and expect that you will also accord him the same support!) as it is the sort of formal thing that one usually writes when stepping down and handing one's position over to a successor. On the other hand, one could argue that the atmosphere must be "strained" for Otto to feel the need to express his intentions formally.

Anyway, please do keep me posted on any developments, as I am especially curious to know from what quarter the discontent has emerged!


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Reply #14

« on: March 25, 2007, 12:50:21 AM »

britt.25

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Re: TI&RH Archduke Otto and Archduchess Regina

Hello Greenowl,

Thanks for your interesting thoughts. I´ll post it as soon as I have further details. You´re right concerning the sentence "Ich hoffe und erwarte von Euch (...)" that it could be wrong to interprete to much into it. But the person, who gave me the letter told "between the lines" that there might be people, who are kind of surprised about that nomination of Karl to Otto´s successor...I also think, if even if there were and are private problems in Karl´s life, it must not me a reason not to name him, because there are also other things important. Even if he is for example separated from his wife and made some things wrong , he can be a man with deep, serious feelings for his family and the tradition for example. And I am sure, Otto is sure about that, when he names him. "Zwei paar Schuh" as you would say in german. What you do think? I wished I knew more, but I never read very much on Archduke Karl.


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