THE PRINCELY FAMILY
The history of the Princes of Oettingen-Wallerstein goes back about 900 years, and the House of Wallerstein is one of the oldest remaining high nobilities in Europe. Wallerstein has been the ruling and ancestral seat of the dynasty since the 17th century. In addition to its core business of forestry and agriculture, the Family’s business interests include the brewery and real estate as well as the development and marketing of princely licensed brands and enterprises in the field of alternative energy. Furthermore, during the time of the ruling princes the Family had already made a name for itself in public service relating to the arts and culture. To the present day, the dynasty is a major sponsor and patron of European cultural life, pursuing its social responsibility primarily in the preservation of monuments. It was and still is characterised by great names and great deeds.
PRINCE KRAFT ERNST
In the 18th century, Oettingen-Wallerstein became an important independent county. The ruling figure at this time was Prince Kraft Ernst, who governed from 1773 and was elevated to the rank of Imperial Prince in 1774. In many ways, he was regarded as being open-minded. He was particularly interested in building up his library, which still provides the majority of printed works in the library today. His court orchestra approached international status – the most significant composer in Kraft Ernst’s service was Antonio Rosetti (1750 – 1792).
PRINCE LUDWIG
Prince Ludwig was the Oettingen-Wallerstein dynasty’s best-known statesman and prince. He was Kronobersthofmeister (crown major domo) and, from 1832 to 1837, Bavarian minister of the interior, and during the revolutionary upheaval of 1848/49 administrator of the foreign and cultural affairs ministry. Contemporaries such as Goethe recognised him as an important art collector, and he built up the Oettingen-Wallerstein collection, part of which was purchased by Ludwig I for his own collection.
Document and seal for the family’s enoblement as ruling princes of Oettingen-Wallerstein in 1774
MODERN FAMILY WITH HISTORY
On the face of it, the motto “Vigilance and Loyalty” appears to be a little dated. For a Family that has existed for over 900 years, however, it is highly topical and also indispensable: be faithful to one’s history, but always vigilant and loyal, in order to be able to exist for another 900 years.
After more than 30 generations, today’s head of the Family is Moritz Fürst zu Oettingen-Wallerstein. He is married to Princess Lioba, born Princess zu Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg. They have three children: Hereditary Prince Carl-Eugen, Prince Ludwig-Maximilian and Prince Friedrich-Alexander. The elder son, Hereditary Prince Carl-Eugen, manages the businesses of the Fürst Wallerstein Group of Companies.
PRINZ CARL-EUGEN
Managing Director, leader, manager of the princely business areas, family man and sportsman. Widely travelled, very busy, polyglot. Dedicated to nobility, but down-to-earth. Tradition forms an important anchor for him, but “life is here, today, and most importantly, tomorrow.” [“Tradition is not about worshipping the ashes, but about passing on the fire”]
PRINZESSIN ANNA
Networker and entrepreneur, manager of the Family’s seat, Wallerstein Castle and Baldern Castle. Family person, sportswoman, horse lover, outdoor fanatic and much more. Last but not least: mother of five collective children – the heart of the Family.
