Princess Maria Anna of Bavaria, a member of the esteemed Wittelsbach royal family, has reached a remarkable milestone: her 90th birthday. Born on December 28, 1933, Princess Maria Anna has lived a life marked by dedication to her family, her country, and her philanthropic pursuits. As she celebrates this significant birthday, it is a testament to her enduring vitality and the lasting impact she has had on those around her.
Throughout her life, Princess Maria Anna has been a constant presence in the royal family, supporting her husband, Prince Max, and their children. Her commitment to her duties has been unwavering, and her influence has extended far beyond the confines of the palace. As she enters this new decade of life, it is a fitting tribute to her remarkable journey that we take a moment to acknowledge her remarkable achievements and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.
what is the significance of princess wittelsbach turning 90
what is the history of the house of wittelsbach
The House of Wittelsbach is a European royal family and a German dynasty from Bavaria. The family's history dates back to the 11th century, tracing its ancestry to the Emperor Charlemagne through the family Scheyern, which ruled a small but autonomous territory around their castle at Pfaffenhofen. The Wittelsbachs are unique in Europe because they never gained territory or power through wars. Instead, they rose to prominence through strategic marriages and alliances.
The family's rise to power began when Emperor Barbarossa named Otto von Scheyern, the head of the Scheyern family, as the new Duke of Bavaria in 1180. Otto moved his family and court to Wittelsbach Castle, assuming its name as his own, thus founding the Wittelsbach dynasty. Over the centuries, the Wittelsbachs expanded their influence through marriages and alliances, gaining control over various territories including the Electorate of Bavaria, the Electoral Palatinate, the Electorate of Cologne, Holland, Zeeland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Hungary, Bohemia, and Greece.
Throughout their history, members of the Wittelsbach family have reigned as Dukes of Merania, Dukes, Electors, and Kings of Bavaria, Counts Palatine of the Rhine, Margraves of Brandenburg, Counts of Holland, Hainaut, and Zeeland, Elector-Archbishops of Cologne, Dukes of Jülich and Berg, Kings of Sweden, and Dukes of Bremen-Verden.
The Wittelsbachs were also known for their complex family relationships, including incestuous marriages, which were common among royal families at the time. These marriages helped to secure alliances and expand their influence across Europe. The family's power peaked in the 19th century when they gained a real kingdom in 1806 and were confirmed by Napoleon Bonaparte.
The Wittelsbach dynasty came to an end in 1918 after Germany was defeated in World War I, and the Kingdom of Bavaria was dissolved. However, the Wittelsbach family still maintains claims to the throne of Spain, and a Spanish duke claims to be the king of France.what territories did the house of wittelsbach rule over
The House of Wittelsbach ruled over various territories throughout their history, including: Electorate of Bavaria: From 1180 until the revolution in 1918, after the defeat of Germany in World War I. Electoral Palatinate: From 1214 to 1803, and then again from 1816 to 1918. Electorate of Cologne: From 1583 to 1761. Holland: From 1345 to 1432. Zeeland: From 1345 to 1432. Sweden: From 1441 to 1448 (Christopher of Bavaria as Kristofer av Bayern) and from 1654 to 1720 (Charles X Gustav, Charles XI, Charles XII, Ulrika Eleonora). Denmark: From 1440 to 1448 (Christopher of Bavaria as Christoffer af Bayern). Norway: From 1442 to 1448 (Christopher of Bavaria as Christoffer av Bayern). Hungary: From 1305 to 1308 (Béla V). Greece: From 1832 to 1862 (Otto I of Greece). Duchy of Jülich: Until occupied by the French in 1794. Duchy of Berg: From 1806. Duchy of Bremen-Verden: From 1654 to 1719. Margraviate of Brandenburg: From 1323 to 1373. Counts Palatine of the Rhine: From 1214 to 1803, and then again from 1816 to 1918. Counts of Hainaut: . Counts of Zeeland: . Elector-Archbishops of Cologne: From 1583 to 1761. Dukes of Jülich and Berg: From 1614 to 1794/1806. Kings of Sweden: From 1441 to 1448 and from 1654 to 1720. Dukes of Bremen-Verden: From 1654 to 1719. These territories were ruled by various branches of the Wittelsbach family over the centuries, with the family's power peaking in the 19th century when they gained a real kingdom in 1806 and were confirmed by Napoleon Bonaparte. |
| Prince Rasso and Princess Theresa of Bavaria in 2001. |
 |
| Prince Rasso and Princess Theresa of Bavaria shortly after their wedding, 1955. Photograph (c) Alamy/Keystone Press. |
 |
| Prince Rasso and Princess Theresa of Bavaria surrounded by family members at a memorial of the death of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, June 2011. Photograph (c) Alamy. |
 |
| Prince Rasso of Bavaria and Archduchess Theresa of Austria on their wedding day. Photograph (c) Alamy. |
As we conclude our exploration of Princess Maria Anna of Bavaria's remarkable life, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of the Wittelsbach royal family. From their early beginnings in the 11th century to their current status as a prominent European dynasty, the Wittelsbachs have consistently demonstrated a commitment to their family, their country, and their philanthropic pursuits. Princess Maria Anna's 90th birthday serves as a testament to the family's enduring vitality and the lasting impact they have had on those around them.
Throughout her life, Princess Maria Anna has been a constant presence in the royal family, supporting her husband, Prince Max, and their children. Her dedication to her duties has been unwavering, and her influence has extended far beyond the confines of the palace. As she enters this new decade of life, it is a fitting tribute to her remarkable journey that we take a moment to acknowledge her remarkable achievements and the enduring legacy she leaves behind. The Wittelsbach family's history is a rich tapestry of triumphs and challenges, and Princess Maria Anna's life is a shining example of the power of perseverance and dedication to one's family and community. We wish her a happy 90th birthday and look forward to continuing to celebrate the many accomplishments of this remarkable princess.
No comments:
Post a Comment