💥 Lobkowicz Twins Karl and Nicolas: European Aristocracy's New Generation of Love and Legacy

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. Mediatization: The Lobkowiczs were mediatised by Bavaria in 1807, which means their Imperial immediacy over the Princely county of Störnstein was transferred to Bavaria. This makes them part of the small group of families that constitute the Hochadel (German for 'high nobility') and one of the mediatised houses.
2. Artistic Patronage: The Lobkowiczs have a long history of patronizing the arts. The 7th Prince Lobkowicz was a patron of Beethoven, and Beethoven dedicated several works to him, including the 5th, 6th, and 3rd (Eroica) Symphonies.
3. Loss and Recovery: The family experienced significant loss during World War II and the subsequent communist takeover. They were forced to flee their properties and eventually regained some of their assets after the fall of communism. This experience has given the family a unique perspective on privilege.
4. Cultural Preservation: The Lobkowiczs have worked to preserve their cultural heritage, including the recovery of their art and music treasures. William Lobkowicz, the current heir, has been instrumental in reclaiming and restoring the family's properties and collections.
5. Diverse Branches: The Lobkowicz family has several branches, including those of Roudnice, Křimice, Dolní Beřkovice, and Mělník. Each branch has its own notable members, such as philosophers, politicians, and businesspeople.
6. Historic Properties: The family owns several historic properties, including the Lobkowicz Palace, Nelahozeves Castle, Roudnice, and Střekov Castle. These properties have been the site of significant historical events, such as the defenestration of Prague in 1618.
7. Unique Family Traditions: The Lobkowiczs have a tradition of being dog lovers, which is reflected in many of their oil paintings featuring dogs. They also have a strong connection to the arts, with many family members being patrons of music and art.

These unique facts highlight the Lobkowicz family's rich history, cultural significance, and 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 across various fields. Here are some significant contributions:

1. Artistic Patronage: The Lobkowiczs have a long history of patronizing the arts. The 7th Prince Lobkowicz was a patron of Beethoven, and Beethoven dedicated several works to him, including the 5th, 6th, and 3rd (Eroica) Symphonies.
2. Diplomatic Support: Maximilian Lobkowicz (1888–1967) provided crucial support to the newly formed, democratic Czechoslovakia as a lawyer and diplomat, campaigning abroad for international recognition of the young republic. He also mustered diplomatic support for opposition to the German annexation of the Sudetenland and served as ambassador to Great Britain for the Czechoslovakian government in exile during World War II.
3. Philosophy and Education: Mikuláš Lobkowicz (b. 1931) is a philosopher and rector of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, as well as president of the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt.
4. Business and Entrepreneurship: William Lobkowicz (b. 1961) has been instrumental in restoring and managing the family's cultural heritage. He has built a business that aims to further develop Czech historical and cultural heritage, with a focus on education and tourism.
5. Cultural Preservation: The Lobkowiczs have worked to preserve their cultural heritage, including the recovery of their art and music treasures. William Lobkowicz has been instrumental in reclaiming and restoring the family's properties and collections.
6. Military Service: Prince Johann Georg Christian (Jan Jiří Kristián), a successful soldier in Habsburg service, held various high-ranking positions, including Governor of Sicily, Field Marshal in Transylvania and Bohemia, and Commander-in-Chief of forces in Italy and Governor of Milan.
7. Literary Contributions: Lord Bohuslav (d. 1510) was a renowned humanist writer and poet, known for his literary contributions.

These achievements highlight the Lobkowicz family's significant contributions to various fields, including the arts, diplomacy, philosophy, business, and military service.

who was Ferdinand Lobkowicz, also known as "the Evangelist"

Ferdinand Lobkowicz, also known as "the Evangelist," was the eldest son of Ferdinand Zdenko Maria, 10th Prince Lobkowicz. He renounced his inheritance rights in 1920, and his younger brother Maximilian inherited the family's properties instead.

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

As we conclude our exploration of the engagements of the Lobkowicz twins, Karl and Nicolas, we are reminded of the rich history and cultural significance that underlies these noble families. The Lobkowiczs have been a prominent force in European aristocracy for centuries, with their contributions to the arts, diplomacy, and education leaving a lasting impact on the continent. The engagements of these young princes mark a new chapter in their lives, as they prepare to join the ranks of the continent's esteemed aristocracy. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors and hope that their unions will continue to strengthen the bonds between these noble families and further enrich the cultural heritage of Europe.

The Lobkowiczs have a long history of artistic patronage, with notable figures such as Beethoven and Velázquez benefiting from their support. Their cultural preservation efforts have also been instrumental in reclaiming and restoring their properties and collections. The family's commitment to preserving their heritage is a testament to their dedication to their cultural roots and their role as custodians of their historical legacy. As we look to the future, we can only hope that the Lobkowiczs will continue to thrive and contribute to the rich tapestry of European culture.

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

The Lobkowicz family has been significantly influenced by several key historical events that have shaped their cultural and economic heritage. Here are some of the most important events:

1. Mediatization: The Lobkowiczs were mediatised by Bavaria in 1807, which means their Imperial immediacy over the Princely county of Störnstein was transferred to Bavaria. This event marked a significant shift in their status and influence within the Habsburg Empire.
2. Nazi and Communist Confiscations: The family suffered confiscations under both the Nazi and Communist regimes. The Nazis seized their properties and art collections, while the Communists further expropriated their assets. These events had a profound impact on the family's ability to maintain their cultural heritage and economic influence.
3. Velvet Revolution and Restitution: The 1989 Velvet Revolution and subsequent restitution laws allowed the Lobkowiczs to reclaim their properties and cultural heritage. This marked a significant turning point in their history, enabling them to restore and preserve their cultural legacy.
4. Return to Czechoslovakia: The family returned to Czechoslovakia in the 1990s, driven by a desire to reconnect with their ancestral homeland and cultural roots. This move allowed them to re-establish their presence in the country and contribute to its cultural and economic development.
5. Entrepreneurial Efforts: William Lobkowicz, the current heir, has been instrumental in restoring and managing the family's cultural heritage. He has built a business that aims to further develop Czech historical and cultural heritage, with a focus on education and tourism.

These events have collectively shaped the Lobkowicz family's influence, from their early mediatisation to their struggles under the Nazi and Communist regimes and their eventual return to and restoration of their cultural heritage.