The Archduke, who has represented Hungary in the Vatican and the Order of Malta since 2015, is the son of Mihály Habsburg-Lothringen, who was also our guest recently and gave an oral history interview – the descendants of the so-called Hungarian branch of the family. His lineage includes Archduke Joseph and Emperor Franz Joseph I. Eduard Habsburg-Lothringen was deeply moved when he viewed the legacy of Otto von Habsburg, preserved by our Foundation. He was particularly touched to have a glimpse into the correspondence between him and the former heir to the throne during the period of regime change. In one of his letters, written in September 1989, he thanked Otto von Habsburg for allowing him to spend a month in Hungary and to discover the roots of his national identity. The full text of Eduard Habsburg-Lorraine’s reflections on his patriotism is available below, the original missive in German and the English transcription.
HOAL895
Munich, 8 September 1989.
Dear Uncle Otto,
Once again, please accept my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to spend a month in Hungary with Burgi.[1] Aside from the soul-stirring events we may experience, for me, it was a step towards discovering my identity, as I was finally able to understand Hungarians with my (still rather modest) knowledge of Hungarian – and not only linguistically! At last, I finally have a connection with this country to which we belong – until now, this was based on my intellect alone. I enclose my summary, which I have written for my Apapa and interested friends, and a photograph for Burgi!
With a kiss of the hand to my Aunt Regina,
your nephew, Dado.
[1] Walburga von Habsburg-Lothringen, daughter of Otto von Habsburg, with whom Eduard von Habsburg-Lothringen participated in the Pan-European Picnic.
