A large and distinguished crowd gathered for the event at the Hungarian Embassy in London’s diplomatic quarter. The occasion was attended by delegates from various nations, journalists, and British dignitaries. We were particularly gratified to be joined on our programme by Adam Fergusson, Otto von Habsburg’s fellow MEP and friend, a renowned economist, journalist, and the author of the bestseller When Money Dies, as well as Otto’s other correspondent, Lord Alton, former Member of Parliament. Also present were Robert Malfatti di Monte Tretto, grandson of Count János Eszterházy, and Mátyás Sárközi, writer, translator and grandchild of Hungarian writer Ferenc Molnár.
Ferenc Kumin, Ambassador of Hungary to the United Kingdom, welcomed the audience. In his address, the diplomat presented the concept of the forthcoming Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, whose objectives were announced on the day of the event. Kumin pointed out that while the commemoration was dedicated to Otto von Habsburg, the occasion could be considered an opening ceremony for the presidency, as the former MEP’s ideals align with the Hungarian Presidency’s plans for the six months ahead.
The director of our Foundation gave a presentation on the life of our namesake, his connections, and his commitment to Europe. Gergely Prőhle underlined that Otto von Habsburg always valued Britain’s realistic perspective on European politics based on centuries-old traditions and that this approach is relevant and valuable for the EU even after Brexit. In conclusion, he stressed that Otto von Habsburg’s intellectual legacy, based on his in-depth knowledge and extensive network of contacts, is still worthy of our attention. “Britain has a special place in the European Union. It has always been a balancing factor, which we desperately need in the European Union today”, he recalled the former Crown Prince’s statement. A light-hearted slide show followed by Szilveszter Dékány, Senior Collection Fellow of our Photographic Archives, introducing our work and a selection of pictures from the photobook.
After the presentations, a round table discussion took place, with the participation of two of Hungary’s ambassadors: Georg von Habsburg, the representative of Hungary to France and member of the Board of our Foundation, and Eduard von Habsburg, the delegate of Hungary to the Holy See. The two family members reminisced about the former Crown Prince, his convictions and his thoughts on Europe. Georg von Habsburg emphasised his father’s optimism, which was an indispensable political source of strength for the former heir to the throne, and how the family’s history, closely linked to European political history, shaped Otto von Habsburg’s concept of Europe. Eduard von Habsburg focused on the historical consciousness of our namesake, citing the wise words that Otto von Habsburg often invoked: “Wer nicht weiß, woher er kommt, weiß nicht, wohin er geht, denn er weiß nicht, wo er steht” (He who does not know where he comes from does not know where he is going, for he does not know where he is). He recounted how, as a young man from the Hungarian branch of the family living in Germany because of the Cold War divisions, he was inspired by his uncle’s idea that “Paneuropa ist ganz Europa” (Pan-Europe is all of Europe). The third panellist was William Fraser, Senior Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners, who elaborated on the significance of the title of the Freeman of the City, which was awarded to Otto von Habsburg in 2007. Accompanying him to the ceremony was his youngest child, Georg von Habsburg, who remarked that it was a defining experience to sing the Imperial anthem of the Austrian Empire with members of the British royal family.
Subsequently, Franz Doppler’s Hungarian Fantasy was performed by flautist Noémi Győri, accompanied by Dinara Klinton on piano. Concluding the discussions, the audience viewed an exhibition featuring the life of our eponym through a selection of photographs from our latest book.
It has been proven once again that Otto von Habsburg is held in high esteem worldwide as a statesman, a visionary and, above all, a tireless advocate of European unity and peace. In Great Britain, where he regularly visited and maintained professional and friendly relations with leading figures over decades, the conference and exhibition on the intellectual and political legacy of the former Austro-Hungarian heir to the throne and Member of the European Parliament attracted a substantial number of visitors.
Photos by the Hungarian Embassy in London
