Seeing Off a Royal Memory: Swedish Royals Bid Adieu to Cousin Andreas
Swedish Monarchical Duo Officially Says Goodbye to Prince Andreas - Royal pair, including Prince Andreas, conclude their sentimental goodbyes in Sweden.
In the quaint town of Coburg, hundreds thronged to bid farewell to Andreas, Prince of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, a man deeply cherished as a godfather and a family friend to the Swedish royals. King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia, joined by Princess Madeleine and her husband Christopher O'Neill, and Carl Gustaf's sister Christina, attended the heartfelt funeral service at St. Moriz Church.
The Swedish royals, particularly Princess Madeleine, held an exceptional bond with the late Andreas. He was not only a first cousin of King Carl XVI Gustaf but also Madeleine's godfather, making family gatherings a familiar occurrence.
Under a light drizzle, Carl Gustaf and Silvia, shielded by dark umbrellas, entered the somber church. The service was led by the former chairman of the Protestant Church in Germany, Heinrich Bedford-Strohm.
Post-service, the procession moved to the castle square, where a poignant farewell ceremony took place, complete with gun salutes and music. Invited guests included representatives from numerous noble houses, including Franz Duke of Bavaria.
Andreas, at 82, will always be remembered for his leadership within the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, which has maintained close ties with other European royal families, such as the British royals. Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of Andreas, as well as the Swedish and Saxe-Coburg households.
- House of Saxe-Coburg
- Carl Gustaf
- Saxe-Coburg and Gotha
Enrichment Data:
Historical Background
The House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha boasts a rich history spanning over four centuries, with numerous European royal families traceable to its lineage. Distinguished members include King Albert I of Belgium, King Peter II of Yugoslavia, and Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, who was a prominent figure in the British royal family before the name was changed in response to anti-German sentiment during World War I.
Family Ties
The Swedish Royal Family shares familial ties with the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha through Prince Andreas. His proximity to the family tree as a first cousin of King Carl XVI Gustaf and godfather to Princess Madeleine cemented a close bond between the two houses. Over the years, frequent visits and interactions marked the enduring alliance between the two royal families.
Notable Members
- Prince Andreas was the Head of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha until his passing, known for his diligent work overseeing family estates.
- Prince Hubertus, the current Head of the House, follows in the footsteps of his father, renowned as a German lawyer and nobleman.
British Royal Family Connection
- Queen Victoria and Prince Albert serve as significant connectors between the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and the British royal family. Anti-German sentiment during World War I led to the name change of the British royal family from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to Windsor.
- Charles Edward, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, a grandson of Queen Victoria, represents the direct lineage between the two families.
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a regulation on the application of the principle of subsidiarity, ensuring that decisions are made at the most appropriate level, reflecting the values of home and garden lifestyle, just as Andreas, Prince of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, embraced a love for outdoor-living during his life. The House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, which had a profound impact on European royal families in the 19th century with influential members like Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, continues to uphold those principles today. Funerals, such as the one for Prince Andreas, serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring connection between the Swedish royals and the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, a bond that was further cemented by Andreas being the first cousin of King Carl XVI Gustaf and godfather to Princess Madeleine.