🔓 Lobkowicz Twins Karl and Nicolas: A New Era of Aristocratic Connections

Here is the opening paragraph for the article on the Lobkowicz twins, Karl and Nicolas, written in a journalist voice and tone that is informative, respectful, and objective:

The aristocratic world of European nobility has recently witnessed a significant development with the announcement of the engagements of Prince Karl von Lobkowicz and Prince Nicolas von Lobkowicz, the twin sons of Prince Wenceslas von Lobkowicz and Princess Armelle. This notable event marks a new chapter in the lives of these young princes, who are set to join the ranks of the continent's esteemed aristocracy. The engagements themselves are significant, as they involve the union of these princes with members of prominent European families, further solidifying the connections between these noble houses.

Prince Karl von Lobkowicz is engaged to Astrid Dagneau de Richecour, the daughter of Dominique Dagneau de Richecour and his wife Béatrice. Astrid's family boasts a rich history, with her paternal grandparents being Louis René *Robert* Dagneau de Richecour and Marie *Jeanne-Françoise* de Font-Réaulx. Meanwhile, Prince Nicolas von Lobkowicz is set to marry Benedetta Zanardi Landi, the daughter of Count Antonio Zanardi Landi di Veano and his wife Countess Sabina. Benedetta's family also has a distinguished pedigree, with her paternal grandparents being Count Vittorio Zanardi Landi di Veano and Mariangela De Faveri Tron. These unions promise to strengthen the bonds between these noble families and further enrich the cultural heritage of Europe.

what are some unique facts about the Lobkowicz family

The Lobkowicz family is a Czech noble family with a rich history dating back to the 14th century. Here are some unique facts about the family:

1. Mediatized Family: The Lobkowiczs are part of the small group of families that constitute the Hochadel (German for 'high nobility') and are one of the mediatised houses. This means that their Imperial immediacy over Princely county of Störnstein was mediatized by Bavaria in 1807.
2. Historical Significance: The Lobkowicz family has been involved in significant historical events. For instance, during the Defenestration of Prague in 1618, Protestant rebels took refuge in Lobkowicz Palace after surviving the fall from the windows of the Royal Palace at Prague Castle.
3. Art and Music: The family has a remarkable art collection, including paintings by Canaletto and Breughel, as well as original scores with notes by Mozart and Beethoven. The Lobkowicz Palace Museum is home to part of this collection and hosts frequent classical music concerts.
4. Nazi and Communist Seizures: The Lobkowicz family has faced confiscation of their properties twice: first by the Nazis in 1939 and then by the Communists in 1948. The family regained ownership of the palace in 2002 after the Velvet Revolution.
5. Philosophical and Ecclesiastical Connections: Notable Lobkowiczs include philosopher Mikuláš Lobkowicz, who was rector of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and president of the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, and Bishop František Václav Lobkowicz, O.Praem., who served as the Bishop of Ostrava-Opava.
6. International Connections: The family has connections to European nobility, including the French nobility through marriages and affiliations. For example, Prince Edouard-Xavier de Lobkowicz was a murder victim, and his brother, Prince Charles-Henri de Lobkowicz, is the proprietor of the château de Boszt in Besson.
7. Restoration and Preservation: The Lobkowicz family has been actively involved in preserving their historical properties. For instance, the Lobkowicz Palace was restored and refurbished after the Communist takeover and reopened as a museum in 2007.

These unique facts highlight the Lobkowicz family's significant contributions to European history, art, and culture, as well as their resilience in the face of adversity.

what are some notable achievements of the Lobkowicz family members throughout history

The Lobkowicz family has a rich history of notable achievements and contributions. Here are some significant examples:

1. Historical and Cultural Preservation: The Lobkowicz family has been actively involved in preserving their cultural heritage. They have restored and made their historical properties accessible to the public, including the Lobkowicz Palace and Nelahozeves Castle.
2. Philosophy and Education: Mikuláš Lobkowicz, a philosopher, served as rector of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and president of the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt.
3. Diplomacy and Politics: Maximilian Lobkowicz, a lawyer and diplomat, played a crucial role in supporting the newly formed Czechoslovakia, campaigning abroad for international recognition, and serving as ambassador to Great Britain for the Czechoslovakian government in exile during World War II.
4. Racing and Sports: Georg Christian of Lobkowicz was a racing driver who died in a crash at the 1932 Avusrennen.
5. Golf and Real Estate: Princess Edward Joseph de Lobkowicz was an American golfer and real estate broker.
6. Physics and Science: Bedřich (Frederick) Lobkowicz was a physicist at the University of Rochester.
7. Cultural and Educational Programs: The Lobkowicz family has developed educational centers, programs, and cooperates with schools, universities, and galleries worldwide to ensure the long-term development of monuments and art collections for future generations.
8. Business and Entrepreneurship: William Lobkowicz, the current heir and manager of the family, has built a business focused on cultural and tourism activities, investing all profits back into the further development of the family heritage.
9. Restitution and Rebuilding: The family has worked tirelessly to restore their properties and cultural heritage after confiscations by the Nazis and Communists. They have also been involved in the restitution process, ensuring the return of their ancestral lands.

These achievements highlight the Lobkowicz family's significant contributions to various fields, including philosophy, diplomacy, sports, science, business, and cultural preservation.

what role did the Lobkowicz family play during the Velvet Revolution

The Lobkowicz family played a significant role during the Velvet Revolution of 1989. After the revolution, the family returned to the Czech Republic and began the process of restitution to reclaim, reassemble, and restore their confiscated cultural heritage and properties. This included the restoration of the Lobkowicz Palace in Prague Castle, Nelahozeves Castle, and other historical sites. The family's efforts were instrumental in preserving their cultural legacy and making it accessible to the public.

The engagements of the twin and youngest sons of Prince Wenceslas von Lobkowicz (b.1953) and his wife Princess Armelle (b.1955; née de Guillebon) have recently been announced. 

Prince Karl von Lobkowicz (b.1993) is engaged to Astrid Dagneau de Richecour, the daughter of Dominique Dagneau de Richecour (b.3 August 1961) and his wife Béatrice (b.1965; née de La Barre de Nanteuil). Astrid has four siblings, two brothers and two sisters: Eléonore, Thomas, Mayeul, and Pauline. Astrid's paternal grandparents are Louis René Robert Dagneau de Richecour (1927-Paris 3 August 2012) and Marie Jeanne-Françoise de Font-Réaulx (Paris 29 June 1934-Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Paris 12 May 2001). Astrid's maternal grandparents are Vicomte Joachim de La Barre de Nanteuil and Geneviève de Rubercy (d.13 August 2013).

Prince Nicolas von Lobkowicz (b.1993) is engaged to Benedetta Zanardi Landi, the daughter of Count Antonio Zanardi Landi di Veano (b.Udine 24 May 1950), an Italian ambassador to various countries, and his wife Countess Sabina (b.1963; née Cornaggia Medici Castiglioni). Benedetta has a brother, Pietro, and a sister, Catarina. Benedetta's paternal grandparents are Count Vittorio Zanardi Landi di Veano (~1909-1999) and Mariangela De Faveri Tron (~1926-2017). Benedetta's maternal grandparents are Gherardo Cornaggia Medici dei Marchesi di Castellanza (Milan 11 November 1912-Porto Ercole 17 August 1983) and Donna Guilia Boghese (Rome 21 March 1926-Rome 13 November 2006).

Sources:

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August 2013 - Madame Geneviève De La Barre De Nanteuil

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November 2021 - Fiançailles princières Lobkowicz

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the fascinating world of European aristocracy. We hope you have enjoyed learning about the Lobkowicz twins, Karl and Nicolas, and their recent engagements to esteemed members of European noble families. As we conclude this article, we would like to emphasize the significance of these unions in strengthening the bonds between these noble houses and enriching the cultural heritage of Europe. The Lobkowicz family, with its rich history and tradition of patronage, continues to play a vital role in shaping the cultural landscape of the continent. We are grateful for the opportunity to share this story with you and hope that it has provided a glimpse into the world of European nobility that is both informative and engaging.

As we bid farewell to this article, we would like to reiterate the importance of preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of Europe. The Lobkowicz family, with its long history of patronage and support for the arts, is a shining example of the enduring impact that noble families can have on the cultural landscape. We hope that this article has inspired you to learn more about the Lobkowicz family and their contributions to European history. We also hope that it has highlighted the significance of preserving the cultural heritage of Europe, which is a shared responsibility of all those who value the rich history and traditions of this continent. We look forward to sharing more stories about European nobility and their contributions to the cultural landscape in the future.

what are the key historical events that have shaped the Lobkowicz family's influence

The Lobkowicz family's influence has been shaped by several key historical events throughout their history. Here are some of the most significant ones:

1. Hussite Wars (1419-1434): The Lobkowicz family, initially a lesser-known noble family, rose to prominence during this period of religious conflict in the Czech Lands. Their Catholic faith and loyalty to the Habsburgs helped them maintain their influence.
2. Battle of White Mountain (1620): The family played a significant role in the struggle between Catholics and Protestants, which led to the Battle of White Mountain. This event marked a turning point in the family's history, as they became more prominent and influential in the Czech Lands.
3. Habsburg Rule (1526-1918): The Lobkowiczes benefited from the influence of the Catholic Habsburg court, which increased their power and status. They served as high-ranking officials, including the Chancellor of the Czech Lands, and maintained close ties with the Habsburgs.
4. Restoration of the Habsburgs (1815-1848): The family's fortunes were further solidified during this period, as they continued to support the Habsburgs and maintained their influence in the Czech Lands.
5. First World War and the Establishment of Czechoslovakia (1914-1920): The end of the First World War and the foundation of the Czechoslovak Republic significantly impacted the family's fortunes. They lost some of their properties and influence, but they continued to play a role in Czech politics and society.
6. Communist Era (1948-1989): The Lobkowiczes faced significant challenges during the Communist era, including the confiscation of their properties and the forced exile of some family members. However, they managed to maintain their cultural and historical heritage, which would later serve as a foundation for their restoration efforts.
7. Restoration Efforts (1990s-present): The family's efforts to restore their ancestral properties and cultural heritage have been ongoing since the fall of communism. William Lobkowicz, the current heir, has been instrumental in these efforts, ensuring the preservation of the family's legacy for future generations.

These key historical events have collectively shaped the Lobkowicz family's influence, from their rise to prominence during the Hussite Wars to their ongoing efforts to preserve their cultural and historical heritage in the modern era.