Princess Hetty of Auersperg, a true gem of European nobility, left an indelible mark on the world with her unique personality and remarkable life experiences. Born on September 2, 1933, in Sankt Johann im Pongau, Salzburg, Hetty was the eldest child of Prince Alois of Auersperg and Countess Henriette Larisch von Moennich. Her early life was marked by a strong sense of individuality, which would shape her future endeavors and relationships.
As a young woman, Hetty worked as a secretary before embarking on a life of adventure and romance. Her marriage to Arndt von Bohlen und Halbach, a union that would last a lifetime, was marked by a deep mutual respect and understanding. Hetty’s reluctance to attend parties and her preference for outdoor activities, such as skiing and golfing, were a stark contrast to the glamour and sophistication often associated with royal life. Her story is a testament to the power of individuality and the enduring bonds of love and family.
what were some of Princess Hetty’s most notable achievements
- Marriage to Arndt von Bohlen und Halbach: Hetty married Arndt von Bohlen und Halbach, a union that lasted a lifetime. Her marriage was characterized by mutual respect and understanding, with Hetty preferring to leave major decisions to her husband.
- Work as a Secretary: Before her marriage, Hetty worked as a secretary, which suggests her ability to adapt to different roles and responsibilities.
- Subpoenaed in Claus von Bülow Trial: Hetty was subpoenaed in the 1982 trial of Claus von Bülow, who was charged with the attempted murder of her former sister-in-law. This involvement highlights her connection to the prominent von Bülow family.
- Outdoor Enthusiast: Hetty was an outdoor enthusiast, enjoying activities like skiing and golfing, which set her apart from the glamour often associated with royal life.
- Reluctance to Attend Parties: Hetty was known to be reluctant to attend parties, preferring a more natural and simple lifestyle.
These achievements and aspects of her personality showcase Princess Hetty’s unique character and her ability to navigate different roles and relationships throughout her life.
what were some of Princess Hetty’s contributions to her family’s legacy
- Marriage to Arndt von Bohlen und Halbach: Hetty married Arndt von Bohlen und Halbach, a union that lasted a lifetime. Her marriage was characterized by mutual respect and understanding, with Hetty preferring to leave major decisions to her husband.
- Work as a Secretary: Before her marriage, Hetty worked as a secretary, which suggests her ability to adapt to different roles and responsibilities.
- Subpoenaed in Claus von Bülow Trial: Hetty was subpoenaed in the 1982 trial of Claus von Bülow, who was charged with the attempted murder of her former sister-in-law. This involvement highlights her connection to the prominent von Bülow family.
- Outdoor Enthusiast: Hetty was an outdoor enthusiast, enjoying activities like skiing and golfing, which set her apart from the glamour often associated with royal life.
- Reluctance to Attend Parties: Hetty was known to be reluctant to attend parties, preferring a more natural and simple lifestyle.
These achievements and aspects of her personality showcase Princess Hetty’s unique character and her ability to navigate different roles and relationships throughout her life.
how did Princess Hetty’s marriage to Arndt von Bohlen und Halbach affect her family’s legacy
Key Points:
- Mutual Respect: Hetty and Arndt’s marriage was marked by mutual respect, which helped to maintain a strong and lasting relationship.
- Family Legacy: The couple’s union contributed to the preservation of their family’s legacy, ensuring the continuation of their noble lineage.
- Influence on Family Members: Hetty’s marriage to Arndt likely influenced her family members, particularly her siblings, who were also involved in notable events and relationships. For example, her brother Alfred married Sunny von Bülow, who was later involved in the famous Claus von Bülow trial.
Overall, Princess Hetty’s marriage to Arndt von Bohlen und Halbach played a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and continuity of her family’s legacy, reflecting the values of respect, loyalty, and commitment that defined their relationship.
Princess Henriette of Auersperg was born on 2 September 1933 at Sankt Johann im Pongau, Salzburg, as the eldest child of Prince Alois of Auersperg (1897-1984) and Countess Henriette Larisch von Moennich (1903-1994). Known as “Hetty,” the little girl was followed by two brothers: Prince Alfred (1936-1992) and Prince Luitpold (1937-1985). The future was to have a great deal of interesting experiences in store for Hetty. For a spell, the young princess worked as a secretary.
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| Alfie of Auersperg and Sunny Crawford wed in 1957 |
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| Sunny von Bülow |
On 20 July 1957, Hetty’s brother Alfred “Alfie” married Martha “Sunny” Sharp Crawford (1932-2008), daughter of utilities magnate George Crawford. Sunny had been Alfie’s tennis instructor at a Swiss resort. The couple had two children: Princess Annie-Laurie “Ala” (b.1958) and Alexander (b.1959). After Alfie and Sunny’s divorce in 1965, Sunny reportedly gave Alfie $3.5 million as a settlement. Sunny went on the marry Claus von Bülow (1926-2019) in 1966, with whom she had one daughter, Cosima (b.1967). Hetty Auersperg was subpoenaed in the 1982 trial of Claus von Bülow, who was charged with the attempted murder of Hetty’s former sister-in-law.
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| Announcement of the engagement between Arndt von Bohlen und Halbach and Princess Henriette
Article (c) The Pittsburg Press of 23 December 1968 |
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| Arndt and Hetty at the 1968 New Year’s Eve party on the Kitzbühel estate of US millionaire Matthew Taylor Mellon |
In December 1968, it was announced from Munich that Princess Henriette of Auersperg was engaged to Arndt von Bohlen und Halbach, who was considered West Germany’s most eligible bachelor as the heir to the Krupp arms dynasty. Four years younger than his betrothed, Arndt had been born on 24 January 1938 at Berlin as the only child of Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach (1907-1967) and Anneliese Bahr (1909-1998). Arndt’s parents had married in 1937 to the great disappointment of his paternal grandparents Gustav and Bertha Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach; Bertha especially considered the union a mésalliance – she offered Anneliese a significant sum of money to have an abortion when Bertha discovered her daughter-in-law was with child. In the face of such opposition, Alfried and Anneliese’s marriage quickly crumbled, and they divorced in 1941. At the time that Hetty and Arndt’s engagement was made public, it was reported that Hetty had been until then a particularly close, “seemingly permanent companion,” to Prince Johannes of Thurn and Taxis (1926-1990).
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| Hetty and Arndt at their civil wedding |
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| The engaged couple at the pre-wedding press conference |
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| The religious wedding of Arndt and Hetty at Schloß Blühnbach |
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| Arndt and Hetty at Gstaad |
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| Hetty and Arndt beside the pool of their villa in Marrakech |
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| The glittering princess with her husband |
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| Arndt and Hetty |
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| The funeral of Arndt von Bohlen und Halbach |
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| Princess Hetty of Auersperg |
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| Death notice of Henriette von Bohlen und Halbach (née Princess of Auersperg) |
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| Princess Hetty of Auersperg |
what were Princess Hetty’s most notable achievements
- Marriage to Arndt von Bohlen und Halbach: Hetty married Arndt von Bohlen und Halbach, a union that lasted a lifetime. Her marriage was characterized by mutual respect and understanding, with Hetty preferring to leave major decisions to her husband.
- Work as a Secretary: Before her marriage, Hetty worked as a secretary, which suggests her ability to adapt to different roles and responsibilities.
- Subpoenaed in Claus von Bülow Trial: Hetty was subpoenaed in the 1982 trial of Claus von Bülow, who was charged with the attempted murder of her former sister-in-law. This involvement highlights her connection to the prominent von Bülow family.
- Outdoor Enthusiast: Hetty was an outdoor enthusiast, enjoying activities like skiing and golfing, which set her apart from the glamour often associated with royal life.
- Reluctance to Attend Parties: Hetty was known to be reluctant to attend parties, preferring a more natural and simple lifestyle.
These achievements and aspects of her personality showcase Princess Hetty’s unique character and her ability to navigate different roles and relationships throughout her life.
As we conclude our exploration of Princess Hetty of Auersperg’s remarkable life, we are reminded of the importance of embracing individuality and living life on one’s own terms. Hetty’s unique personality and preferences, such as her love for outdoor activities and reluctance to attend parties, set her apart from the glamour often associated with royal life. Her marriage to Arndt von Bohlen und Halbach, a union marked by mutual respect and understanding, further highlights her commitment to living a life that is authentic and true to herself.
Princess Hetty’s story serves as a testament to the power of staying true to oneself, even in the face of societal expectations. Her ability to adapt to different roles and responsibilities, from working as a secretary to being a devoted wife and partner, demonstrates her resilience and strength. As we reflect on her remarkable life, we are reminded that it is essential to prioritize our own happiness and well-being, just as Princess Hetty did. By embracing our individuality and living life on our own terms, we can create a life that is truly fulfilling and meaningful. Princess Hetty’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself and living life authentically.
what were some of Princess Hetty’s most significant contributions to her family’s heritage
- Marriage to Arndt von Bohlen und Halbach: Hetty married Arndt von Bohlen und Halbach, a union that lasted a lifetime. Her marriage was characterized by mutual respect and understanding, with Hetty preferring to leave major decisions to her husband.
- Work as a Secretary: Before her marriage, Hetty worked as a secretary, which suggests her ability to adapt to different roles and responsibilities.
- Subpoenaed in Claus von Bülow Trial: Hetty was subpoenaed in the 1982 trial of Claus von Bülow, who was charged with the attempted murder of her former sister-in-law. This involvement highlights her connection to the prominent von Bülow family.
- Outdoor Enthusiast: Hetty was an outdoor enthusiast, enjoying activities like skiing and golfing, which set her apart from the glamour often associated with royal life.
- Reluctance to Attend Parties: Hetty was known to be reluctant to attend parties, preferring a more natural and simple lifestyle.
These achievements and aspects of her personality showcase Princess Hetty’s unique character and her ability to navigate different roles and relationships throughout her life.
