Princess Leonie of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach Turns 35!

Princess Leonie of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, a renowned reporter and member of the esteemed House of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, marks a significant milestone as she celebrates her thirty-fifth birthday today. Born on October 30, 1986, in Frankfurt, Princess Leonie Mercedes Augusta Silva Elisabeth Margarethe of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach is the only child of Prince Michael Benedikt of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach and his wife Princess Dagmar, who married in 1980. Her early life was shaped by her education at the prestigious Schule Schloss Salem, where she was joined by notable figures such as the late Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Sofía of Spain. As Princess Leonie grew older, she pursued her passion for media and cultural studies, earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Arts London. Her professional career as a reporter has been marked by dedication and a keen eye for detail. In a poignant turn of events, Princess Leonie's father, Prince Michael, decided to name her as the inheritor of the family properties and charitable associations after his death, following the tragic loss of her cousin Prince Georg-Constantin in 2018. This decision highlights the significant role Princess Leonie is expected to play in the future of the House of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach1.

Today, Princess Leonie of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach celebrates her thirty-fifth birthday.

Princess Leonie held by her grandmother Hereditary Grand Duchess Elisabeth of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach and surrounded by her aunt Princess Elisabeth, her parents Prince Michael and Princess Dagmar, and her aunt Princess Beatrice.

Born on 30 October 1986 at Frankfurt, Princess Leonie Mercedes Augusta Silva Elisabeth Margarethe of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach is the only child of Prince Michael Benedikt of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach (b.1946) and his wife Princess Dagmar (b.1948; née Hennings), who married in 1980. At her baptism, Princess Leonie received Countess Silvia von Wedel as a godmother. Leonie's paternal grandparents were Hereditary Grand Duke Carl-August of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach and his wife Hereditary Grand Duchess Elisabeth (née Baroness von Wangenheim-Winterstein). Leonie's maternal grandparents were Heinrich Hennings and Margarethe Schacht.

Princess Leonie with her parents at the wedding of Hereditary Prince Hubertus and Hereditary Princess Kelly of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, 2009. Photo (c) Alamy.

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Leonie's education began at the well-known Schule Schloss Salem, the establishment founded by Kurt Hahn and attended by the late Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Sofía of Spain. The princess went on to receive her bachelors in media and cultural studies from the University of Arts London. Leonie is a reporter. 

After the tragic death of her cousin Prince Georg-Constantin in June 2018, her father Prince Michael, who is the Head of House Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, decided that Princess Leonie would become the inheritor of the family properties and charitable associations after Michael's death. The Grand Ducal House is governed by Salic law, and thus Leonie is not currently able to succeed as Head of the House after her father. The princess was very close to her cousin Georg-Constantin; Leonie and Georg-Constantin often spoke about the Klassik Stiftung Weimar, an important cultural heritage organisation of which Leonie had become a trustee of in January 2018. It was noted by the press that at Georg-Constantin's funeral his cousin was dressed in deep mourning. Although she is a very discreet person, one hopes that Princess Leonie will be allowed to carry on the legacy of the Grand Ducal House of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach in an official capacity at some point.

Our best wishes to the Princess on her birthday!

 

As we conclude our tribute to Princess Leonie of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach on her thirty-fifth birthday, we are reminded of the significant role she is expected to play in the future of the House of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. Her dedication to her family's cultural heritage and charitable associations is a testament to her commitment to carrying on the legacy of her ancestors. Princess Leonie's journey, from her early education at Schule Schloss Salem to her professional career as a reporter, has been marked by a keen eye for detail and a passion for media and cultural studies. Her appointment as the inheritor of the family properties and charitable associations by her father, Prince Michael, underscores her importance in the family's future. It is hoped that Princess Leonie will be given the opportunity to succeed in an official capacity, allowing her to continue the work of her family in preserving the cultural heritage of the region.

As we look to the future, it is clear that Princess Leonie will be a vital part of the House of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach's continued success. Her connection to the Klassik Stiftung Weimar, an organization that is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Weimar, is a significant aspect of her role. The trust she has been given in managing the family's properties and charitable associations is a reflection of her ability to lead and her dedication to the values of her family. As Princess Leonie continues to grow and develop in her role, it is likely that she will play a crucial part in shaping the future of the House of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. We wish her all the best on her thirty-fifth birthday and look forward to seeing the impact she will have in the years to come.