😃 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 were mediatised by Bavaria in 1807, which means they lost their immediate sovereignty but retained their noble status. This makes them part of the small group of families known as the Hochadel (German for 'high nobility') .
2. Beethoven Connection: The Lobkowiczs were patrons of Ludwig van Beethoven, and he dedicated several of his works to them, including the 5th, 6th, and 3rd (Eroica) Symphonies. The family's 7th Prince Lobkowicz allowed Beethoven to compose music of his own choice, rather than being bound by patronage requirements .
3. Restoration Efforts: William Lobkowicz, the current heir and manager of most Lobkowicz lands, has dedicated his life to restoring and preserving the family's ancestral properties. He moved to Czechoslovakia in 1990 to claim the family's vast ancestral belongings and has since focused on their restoration and upkeep .
4. Multigenerational History: The Lobkowiczs have a long history of involvement in politics and the arts. For example, the 7th Prince Lobkowicz was a patron of the arts, and his son, the 8th Prince Lobkowicz, was a composer and musician .
5. Family Branches: The Lobkowicz family has several branches, including those of Roudnice, Křimice, Dolní Beřkovice, and Mělník. Each branch has its own distinct history and notable members .
6. Cultural Significance: The Lobkowicz family has played a significant role in Czech and European history. Their properties, such as the Lobkowicz Palace, have been involved in significant events like the defenestration of Prague in 1618 and have hosted famous composers like Beethoven .
7. International Connections: The Lobkowiczs have connections to various European noble families, including the Hapsburgs and the Bourbon-Parma family. They have also had members marry into other noble families, such as the Florescu family of Romania .
8. Philanthropy and Education: The Lobkowiczs have been involved in various philanthropic and educational endeavors. For example, the family has supported the restoration of the Lobkowicz Palace and has hosted cultural events and exhibitions .
9. Family Traditions: The Lobkowiczs have maintained a strong sense of family tradition and heritage. They have a long history of involvement in the arts, and their properties often feature beautiful paintings and musical instruments .
10. Current Activities: The Lobkowiczs continue to be involved in various activities, including the restoration of their properties, cultural events, and philanthropy. They are also involved in preserving their family history and legacy .

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

The Lobkowicz family has a rich history of notable achievements and contributions across various fields. Here are some of the most significant ones:

1. Philosophy and Education:
   • Mikuláš Lobkowicz (b. 1931), a philosopher and rector of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, served as president of the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt .
2. Politics and Diplomacy:
   • Maximilian Lobkowicz (1888–1967) was a lawyer and diplomat who supported the newly formed Czechoslovakia, campaigned for international recognition, and served as ambassador to Great Britain for the Czechoslovakian government in exile during World War II .
   • Jaroslav Lobkowicz (b. 1942) was a Member of Parliament (MP) from 1998 to 2006 and again from 2010 to present, representing the Křimice branch of the family .
   • Michal Lobkowicz (b. 1964) was an MP from 1992 to 2002 and served as Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic in 1998 .
3. Bishopric:
   • František Václav Lobkowicz (1948–2022) was a Bishop of Ostrava-Opava .
4. Business and Entrepreneurship:
   • William Lobkowicz (b. 1961) is the current heir and manager of most Lobkowicz lands in the Czech Republic, including the Lobkowicz Palace, and has dedicated his life to restoring and preserving the family's ancestral properties .
5. Racing and Sports:
   • Georg Christian of Lobkowicz (1907–1932) was a racing driver who died in a crash at the 1932 Avusrennen .
6. Golf and Real Estate:
   • Princess Edward Joseph de Lobkowicz (1903–1976) was an American golfer and real estate broker .
7. Investment and Humanitarian Work:
   • Edouard de Lobkowicz (1926–2010) was an investment banker and an ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta .
8. Travel Writing:
   • Bohuslav Hasištejnský of Lobkowicz (d. 1510) was a famous traveler and author of many Renaissance travelogues .
9. Cultural and Educational Programs:
   • The Lobkowicz family has been involved in various cultural and educational initiatives, including the restoration of the Lobkowicz Palace and the development of educational programs and centers .

These achievements demonstrate the diverse and significant contributions of the Lobkowicz family across various fields, from politics and education to business and the arts.

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 did not inherit the family properties. His younger brother Maximilian inherited the family's properties instead. Ferdinand Lobkowicz was known for his intellectual pursuits, publishing 262 works on various subjects including poetry, astronomy, and asceticism. He was also one of the earliest scholars to write on probability and designed the façade of the Vigevano Cathedral. Additionally, he armed and led a band of ecclesiastics to defend Prague against the Swedes in 1648, earning a collar of gold from the emperor for his bravery .

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 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.