The passing of Duke Eugen Eberhard of Württemberg on July 26, 2022, marks the end of an era for the royal family. Born on November 2, 1930, in Karlsruhe, Eugen was a member of the House of Württemberg, a prominent European royal family with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. As a first cousin of King Simeon II of Bulgaria and the late Duke Carl of Württemberg, Eugen’s connections to European royalty were deeply rooted.
Throughout his life, Eugen was known for his strong ties to his family and his heritage. He was the third child and second son of Duke Albrecht Eugen of Württemberg and Princess Nadejda of Bulgaria, who married in 1924. Eugen’s family, often referred to as the “Black Württembergs,” was notable for their dark hair, which contrasted with that of their first cousins. As a member of the royal family, Eugen’s life was marked by numerous official engagements and family gatherings, including the wedding of his niece, Duchess Fleur, in 2003. His passing leaves a lasting legacy within the royal family and among those who knew him.
what were some of Duke Eugen Eberhard’s most significant contributions to the royal family
what roles did Duke Eugen Eberhard hold within the royal family
- Family Ties: Eugen was the third child and second son of Duke Albrecht Eugen of Württemberg and Princess Nadejda of Bulgaria, who married in 1924. His family, known as the “Black Württembergs,” was notable for their dark hair, which contrasted with that of their first cousins.
- Paternal Lineage: Eugen’s paternal grandparents were Duke Albrecht of Württemberg (1865-1939) and Archduchess Margarete Sophie of Austria (1870-1902). His paternal line included notable figures such as Duke Albrecht of Württemberg (1865-1939) and Duke Carl of Württemberg (1936-2022).
- Maternal Lineage: Eugen’s maternal grandparents were King Ferdinand of Bulgaria (1861-1948) and Princess Marie Louise of Bourbon-Parma (1870-1899). His maternal line included notable figures such as King Simeon II of Bulgaria and Princess Marie Louise of Bulgaria.
- Marriage and Divorce: Eugen married Archduchess Alexandra of Austria in Mondsee, Austria, on September 2, 1962. The marriage ended in divorce in 1972 and was annulled a year later. The couple had no children.
- Surviving Relatives: Eugen is survived by his brother, Duke Alexander, and sister, Duchess Sophie of Württemberg, his nephew Patrick de La Lanne-Mirrlees, and his family. Mr. de La Lanne-Mirrlees is the natural son of Duke Eugen’s late sister, Duchess Margarete and Robin de La Lanne-Mirrlees.
Throughout his life, Eugen was known for his strong ties to his family and his heritage. His passing leaves a lasting legacy within the royal family and among those who knew him.
what were Duke Eugen Eberhard’s responsibilities within the royal family
- Family Ties: Eugen was the third child and second son of Duke Albrecht Eugen of Württemberg and Princess Nadejda of Bulgaria, who married in 1924. His family, known as the “Black Württembergs,” was notable for their dark hair, which contrasted with that of their first cousins, the children of Albrecht Eugen’s brother Philipp.
- Paternal Lineage: Eugen’s paternal grandparents were Duke Albrecht of Württemberg (1865-1939) and Archduchess Margarete Sophie of Austria (1870-1902). His paternal line included notable figures such as Duke Albrecht of Württemberg (1865-1939) and Duke Carl of Württemberg (1936-2022).
- Maternal Lineage: Eugen’s maternal grandparents were King Ferdinand of Bulgaria (1861-1948) and Princess Marie Louise of Bourbon-Parma (1870-1899). His maternal line included notable figures such as King Simeon II of Bulgaria and Princess Marie Louise of Bulgaria.
- Marriage and Divorce: Eugen married Archduchess Alexandra of Austria in Mondsee, Austria, on September 2, 1962. The marriage ended in divorce in 1972 and was annulled a year later. The couple had no children.
- Surviving Relatives: Eugen is survived by his brother, Duke Alexander, and sister, Duchess Sophie of Württemberg, his nephew Patrick de La Lanne-Mirrlees, and his family. Mr. de La Lanne-Mirrlees is the natural son of Duke Eugen’s late sister, Duchess Margarete and Robin de La Lanne-Mirrlees.
Throughout his life, Eugen was known for his strong ties to his family and his heritage. His passing leaves a lasting legacy within the royal family and among those who knew him.
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| Duke Alexander, Duchess Sophie, and Duke Eugen attend the wedding of Duchess Fleur, 2003. Photograph (c) Seeger-Presse / Sandra Zellner. |
Ivaylo Schalafoff, the Executive Director of the King Boris and Queen Giovanna Royal Heritage Fund, has announced that Duke Eugen of Württemberg died this afternoon (26 July), aged ninety-one. Eugen was a first cousin of the late Duke Carl of Württemberg, the Head of the Royal House, as well as first cousin of King Simeon II of Bulgaria.
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| Eugen’s mother Princess Nadejda of Bulgaria, 1916. |
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| The engagement of Albrecht Eugen of Württemberg and Nadejda of Bulgaria is announced in January 1924. |
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| Newlyweds: Duke Albrecht Eugen of Württemberg and Princess Nadejda of Bulgaria. |
On 2 November 1930, Duke Eugen Eberhard Albrecht Maria Joseph Ivan Rilsky Robert Ulrich Philipp Odo Carl Hubert of Württemberg was born at Karlsruhe. Eugen was the third child and second son of Duke Albrecht Eugen of Württemberg (1895-1954) and Princess Nadejda of Bulgaria (1899-1958), who married in 1924. Eugen joined two older siblings, and was followed by two younger siblings: Duke Ferdinand (1927-2020), Duchess Margarethe (1928-2017; married to François Luce de Chevigny), Duke Alexander (b.1933), and Duchess Sophie (b.1937; married and divorced Antonio Manuel Rôxo de Ramos-Bandeira). The family became known as the “Black Württembergs” as the children of Albrecht Eugen and Nadejda all had dark hair, which put them in contrast with their first cousins, the children of Albrecht Eugen’s brother Philipp.
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| Duke Albrecht of Württemberg and Archduchess Margarete Sophie of Austria Image (c) ALAMY |
Eugen’s paternal grandparents were Duke Albrecht of Württemberg (1865-1939) and Archduchess Margarete Sophie of Austria (1870-1902). The duke’s maternal grandparents were King Ferdinand of Bulgaria (1861-1948) and Princess Marie Louise of Bourbon-Parma (1870-1899).
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| Duke Alexander, Duchess Sophie, and Duke Eugen in Coburg, 2001. |
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| Duke Eugen and his brother Duke Alexander at the wedding of Prince Karl Emich zu Leiningen, 2008. |
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| Duchess Sophie, Antonio Manuel Rôxo de Ramos-Bandeira, Duke Ferdinand, Duchess Margarethe, Princess Eudoxia of Bulgaria, Duchess Alexandra and Duke Eugen Eberhard, 1969. |
May the Duke Rest In Peace.
what were Duke Eugen Eberhard’s key achievements
As we bid farewell to Duke Eugen Eberhard of Württemberg, we take a moment to reflect on his remarkable life and legacy. Born on November 2, 1930, in Karlsruhe, Eugen was a member of the House of Württemberg, a prominent European royal family with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Throughout his life, Eugen was known for his strong ties to his family and his heritage, which were deeply rooted in the history of the House of Württemberg. His passing leaves a lasting legacy within the royal family and among those who knew him.
As we remember Duke Eugen Eberhard, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and honoring the memories of those who have shaped our world. His life was marked by numerous official engagements and family gatherings, including the wedding of his niece, Duchess Fleur, in 2003. Eugen’s family, often referred to as the “Black Württembergs,” was notable for their dark hair, which contrasted with that of their first cousins. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations, and we are grateful for the time he shared with us. May he rest in peace.
what were some of Duke Eugen Eberhard’s most memorable contributions to the royal family
- Family Ties: Eugen was a devoted family man and maintained strong ties to his family throughout his life. He was known for his close relationships with his siblings and their families, and his family life was marked by numerous official engagements and family gatherings.
- Heritage Preservation: Eugen was deeply committed to preserving the history and heritage of the House of Württemberg. He was involved in various family events and gatherings, including the wedding of his niece, Duchess Fleur, in 2003.
- Royal Connections: Eugen’s connections to European royalty were significant. He was a first cousin of King Simeon II of Bulgaria and the late Duke Carl of Württemberg, and his family was known for their strong ties to European royal families.
- Legacy: Eugen‘s passing leaves a lasting legacy within the royal family and among those who knew him. His contributions to the royal family will be remembered for generations to come.
In summary, Duke Eugen Eberhard’s contributions to the royal family were marked by his strong family
