⭐ Remembering the Last Surviving Grandson of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: Fürst Ernst von Hohenberg (1944-2023)

The passing of Fürst Ernst Georg von Hohenberg on January 12, 2023, marks the end of an era in the storied history of the Hohenberg family. As the last surviving grandson of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and Duchess Sophie von Hohenberg, Fürst Ernst's life was deeply intertwined with the tumultuous events of the early 20th century, including the assassination of his grandfather in Sarajevo in 1914, which led to the outbreak of World War I1. Fürst Ernst's life was a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Hohenberg family, who faced numerous challenges and tragedies throughout their history. Born on March 1, 1944, in Vienna, Fürst Ernst was the second son of Fürst Ernst von Hohenberg and Fürstin Marie-Thérèse. His life was marked by significant events, including the loss of his older brother, Fürst Franz Ferdinand, and his own remarriage in 2007. Despite these challenges, Fürst Ernst remained a steadfast figure in the Hohenberg family, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come1.

Fürst Ernst Georg von Hohenberg passed away on 12 January 2023. He was seventy-eight years-old. Ernst was the last surviving grandson of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and Duchess Sophie von Hohenberg. Now, the only surviving grandchild of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Duchess Sophie is Fürst Ernst's first cousin, Baroness Sophie von Gudenus (b.1929; née Countess von Nostitz-Rieneck)

Fürst Ernst and Fürstin Marie-Thérèse.

Born on 1 March 1944 at Vienna, Fürst Ernst Georg Elemer Albert Josef Antonius Peregrinus Rupertus Maria von Hohenberg was the second son and child of Fürst Ernst von Hohenberg (1904-1954) and Fürstin Marie-Thérèse (1910-1985; née Wood). Ernst joined an older brother, Fürst Franz Ferdinand (1937-1978; married Heide Zechling).

Franz Ferdinand and Sophie with their three children: Sophie, Maximilian, and Ernst.

The paternal grandparents of Ernst were Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria (1863-1914) and Duchess Sophie von Hohenberg (1868-1914; née Countess Chotek von Chotkow und Wognin). As is well known, the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, then heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Sophie on 28 June 1914 in Sarajevo was the catalyst that led to World War I. The maternal grandparents of Ernst were Captain George Jervis Wood (1887-1958) and Baroness Rosa Lónyay de Nagy-Lónya et Vásáros-Namény (1888-1971).

On 31 August 1973 at Radmer, Fürst Ernst von Hohenberg married Patricia Annette Caesar (b.1950), the daughter of Arthur M. Caesar and Selma Anne Maguire. Ernst and Patricia celebrated their religious marriage on 2 September 1973. The next year, the couple welcome the birth of their only child, Fürstin Eva Anne Marie von Hohenberg, on 1 December 1974 at Graz. Fürst Ernst and Fürstin Patricia divorced in 1999. Their daughter Furstin Eva married Alessandro Geromella in 2005; the pair divorced in 2008. Eva is now happily engaged to Peter Eduard Meier. In 2007, Fürst Ernst remarried to Margareta Anna Ndisi (b.1959).

Since 1976 until his passing, Fürst Ernst resided in the hunting castle at Radmer in Styria, Austria.

On 28 January 2023, a Requiem Mass for Fürst Ernst von Hohenberg will be held at the Pfarrkirche Artstetten. His burial will be in the vault of Schloss Artstetten on 28 January 2023.

May He Rest In Peace.

As we bid farewell to Fürst Ernst Georg von Hohenberg, we are reminded of the significant role he played in preserving the legacy of his illustrious family. Born in 1944, Fürst Ernst was the last surviving grandson of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and Duchess Sophie von Hohenberg, whose tragic assassination in 1914 led to the outbreak of World War I. Throughout his life, Fürst Ernst remained deeply connected to his family's history, and his passing marks the end of an era for the Hohenberg family. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our collective heritage and honoring the memories of those who have shaped our world.

As we move forward, we must continue to draw inspiration from the lives of individuals like Fürst Ernst, who have left an indelible mark on history. His story serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Hohenberg family, who have faced numerous challenges and tragedies throughout their history. As we remember Fürst Ernst, we are reminded of the significance of preserving our collective heritage and honoring the memories of those who have shaped our world. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations, and may we always remember the importance of preserving our collective history. May He Rest In Peace.