Princess Marie Caroline of Liechtenstein, the second child of Prince Alois and Princess Sophie, is engaged! She is set to marry Leopoldo Maduro Vollmer on 30 August at Vaduz Cathedral. Born on October 17, 1996, in the Hospital of Grabs, Switzerland, she now lives and works in London. Princess Marie Caroline embodies the hearts and imagination of French citizens. Under Liechtenstein’s agnatic primogeniture rules, she is not next in line to inherit the Liechtenstein throne.
The Liechtenstein royal family is currently headed by Hans-Adam II, in power since 1989. Under his leadership, the family made a fortune, today the Roberts clan is worth $7.2 billion. One of the biggest places this money is coming from is LGT Group, the private bank of the royal family. It is one of the largest private banking and asset management groups in the world.
The Royal Family Background
Hans-Adam II, 80, is one of Europe’s richest princes. He immediately inherited the position from his father, Franz Joseph II, as the new Prince of Liechtenstein. Since then, he has sought to embed entrepreneurialism in the principality’s governance. Fifty-seven year old Prince Alois has acted as regent since August 2004. Though he has stepped aside, his influence remains strong as chair.
The family tree is governed by rigorous rules of succession. Consequently, the succession to the throne is limited to male heirs only. Prince Alois’ three sons – Max, Paul, and Anton – are all in line for the throne. Prince Joseph Wenzel, second; Prince Georg, third; Prince Nikolaus, fourth. This system seems to work wonderfully at keeping Princess Marie Caroline out of the direct line of royal authority.
Princess Sophie, Marie Caroline’s mother, belonged to the House of Wittelsbach, long-time rulers of Bavaria and one of Germany’s foremost dynasties. She married Prince Alois on 3 July 1993. As a couple, they have successfully traversed raising their children with royal protocol and the values of today.
An Upcoming Celebration
The engagement of Princess Marie Caroline to Leopoldo Maduro Vollmer has created great excitement for the royal family. His wedding ceremony at Vaduz Cathedral will undoubtedly attract considerable international attention. That’s in great part thanks to the family’s unique status and influence within European aristocracy. The venue for the event is a clear example of the couple’s deep ties to their history and how dedicated they are to carrying on royal legacy.
Information about the wedding plans are under tight wraps. Members of the world’s many royal families and other dignitaries are expected to attend the ceremony, which would take place on 20 May. Unlike traditional weddings, the celebration is an entirely personal affair for the couple. It’s a radical artistic expression of the collaborative spirit between European royals.
With Princess Marie Caroline’s engagement it is obvious that a new breeze is blowing through the Liechtenstein royal family. She might not hold the proper title to allow her to inherit his throne, but she keeps winning the hearts of the public. It is her role as a family member that creates the strongest buzz and excitement.
A Look Ahead
As the plans for Princess Marie Caroline’s wedding continue to develop, we’ll all have our eyes on her Moltke-like post-wedding career. Although she now lives in London, her new marriage might affect her role in terms of public appearances and duties as a member of the royal family.
Princess Marie Caroline, despite being outside the line of succession, makes the most of her status. She is engaged in philanthropy and to the arts and serves her family as their representative on many boards. Her eventual marriage will open her more doors to continue to do great work for other charities and organizations in service to the less fortunate.
