The diplomat was very interested to see our collection, and was particularly impressed by the former Crown Prince’s library and his extensive correspondence. He explained that his father was a historian and as such had a keen sense of historical heritage. He was also pleased to learn that Otto von Habsburg’s brothers had studied at the University of Laval in Quebec after 1940, where he himself had completed his studies. During the visit, he was introduced to the work of our Foundation and bilateral relations between our countries were discussed.
We have agreed with our esteemed guest that in the near future we would thoroughly explore the links between Otto von Habsburg and Canada and consider how we could commemorate them in a fitting way. The idea was raised that our Foundation could present itself in Toronto, where a significant Hungarian diaspora was based, and in Montreal, where Otto von Habsburg’s mother, Queen Zita, and her siblings had resided between 1940 and 1948. Francois Lafrénière has offered his help to make this a reality.
