🚀 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

October 2017 - Oggi l’ultimo saluto alla contessa Zanardi Landi

November 2021 - Fiançailles princières Lobkowicz

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the fascinating world of European nobility. We hope you have enjoyed learning about the Lobkowicz twins, Karl and Nicolas, as they embark on their new lives with their respective partners. This article has highlighted the significance of these engagements, not only for the families involved but also for the preservation of their cultural heritage. The Lobkowicz family's rich history and contributions to the arts, politics, and diplomacy have left an indelible mark on European society. As we move forward, it is crucial to recognize and appreciate the efforts of these noble families in maintaining their legacies for future generations.

We encourage you to continue exploring the world of European nobility and the Lobkowicz family's remarkable story. Their dedication to preserving their cultural heritage is a testament to the importance of family and tradition. The engagements of Karl and Nicolas are a significant step in this journey, as they join the ranks of esteemed aristocratic families. We wish them all the best as they begin their new lives, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will have on their families and communities. Remember, the Lobkowicz family's legacy is a reminder of the power of tradition and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.

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:

1. Mediatization: The Lobkowiczs were mediatised by Bavaria in 1807, which led to their Imperial immediacy being lost. This event significantly impacted their power and influence within the Habsburg Empire.
2. Nazi and Communist Confiscations: The family's properties were confiscated by the Nazi and Communist regimes, leading to a significant loss of their cultural heritage and economic power. This period of confiscation and exile lasted from the early 20th century to the Velvet Revolution in 1989.
3. Velvet Revolution and Restitution: The family's return to Czechoslovakia after the Velvet Revolution in 1989 was marked by a series of restitution laws that allowed them to reclaim their confiscated properties and cultural heritage. This period saw the family's focus shift from preserving their legacy to actively transforming it into a dynamic cultural heritage.
4. Family Entrepreneurship and Cultural Preservation: William Lobkowicz, the current heir and manager of the Lobkowicz lands, has been instrumental in restoring and managing the family's cultural heritage. He has established non-profit entities and business ventures to enhance the family's efforts in preserving their cultural legacy.
5. International Connections and Diplomacy: The Lobkowiczs have maintained strong international connections through their diplomatic and business activities. For example, Prince Maximilian Lobkowicz was an Italian ambassador to various countries, and the family has been involved in international cultural and educational initiatives.

These historical events have collectively shaped the Lobkowicz family's influence, transforming them from a powerful aristocratic family to dedicated custodians of their cultural heritage.