Otto von Habsburg, deposed head of the Habsburg dynasty has died aged 98, following a career as an important European politician. Did he deserve his success?
The last crown prince of one of the greatest and longest-lived dynasties the world has ever seen has died. Archduke Otto von Habsburg was the last remnant of a now defunct European ruling elite.
Habsburg Castle in Switzerland was home to a Count Habsburg and the Habsburg family from the 11th century AD. By marrying into other royal families their control extended and in 1452 Frederick III of Habsburg was crowned Holy Roman Emperor, becoming the most powerful monarch in Europe. Philip the Handsome's marriage to the Spanish Queen Joan the Mad brought Spain and vast areas of South America to the Habsburg crown.
Despite immense wealth and privilege, the family had its fair share of quirks. Joan the Mad ended her days locked in a convent by her son Charles, where she believed the nuns were trying to kill her. Charles II of Spain was so inbred it was as if a brother and sister had married, and consequently was severely disabled.
Otto's father, the Emperor Charles I of Austria, saw the end of World War I and of the ailing Habsburg Empire. The Habsburgs fled to Switzerland, forbidden to return.
Otto was brought up speaking seven languages and had a doctorate by 22. In 1938 when it was clear the Nazis were going to take over Vienna, Otto offered to return from exile to run the government, but was refused. He joined the resistance against Hitler and helped thousands of Jews flee Austria before the outbreak of World War II.
In 1950, while visiting a refugee centre near Munich, he met a nurse working there: Princess Regina of Sachsen-Meiningen, also a refugee. Perfectly matched, they married a year later and had seven children.
In 1961 Otto renounced his claim to the throne in order to return to his homeland and enter Austrian politics. Elected to the European Parliament, he was an MEP for 20 years, and kept working even after retirement to bring the nations his father had once ruled into the European Union.
A new elite
Otto von Habsburg was born into one ruling elite, and after its destruction, died a member of a new elite: a highly respected political figure.
Perhaps this should inspire fear. The Austrians tried to kick out their rulers and take away their power, but ninety years later they're still there, they've just got a new name: politicians.
On the other hand, Otto used his power for good. His connections and skills and the weight his name carried were put to the service of his homeland. He worked tirelessly for his country perhaps because of the duty he felt his fortunate position bestowed on him.
Habsburg Castle in Switzerland was home to a Count Habsburg and the Habsburg family from the 11th century AD. By marrying into other royal families their control extended and in 1452 Frederick III of Habsburg was crowned Holy Roman Emperor, becoming the most powerful monarch in Europe. Philip the Handsome's marriage to the Spanish Queen Joan the Mad brought Spain and vast areas of South America to the Habsburg crown.
Despite immense wealth and privilege, the family had its fair share of quirks. Joan the Mad ended her days locked in a convent by her son Charles, where she believed the nuns were trying to kill her. Charles II of Spain was so inbred it was as if a brother and sister had married, and consequently was severely disabled.
Otto's father, the Emperor Charles I of Austria, saw the end of World War I and of the ailing Habsburg Empire. The Habsburgs fled to Switzerland, forbidden to return.
Otto was brought up speaking seven languages and had a doctorate by 22. In 1938 when it was clear the Nazis were going to take over Vienna, Otto offered to return from exile to run the government, but was refused. He joined the resistance against Hitler and helped thousands of Jews flee Austria before the outbreak of World War II.
In 1950, while visiting a refugee centre near Munich, he met a nurse working there: Princess Regina of Sachsen-Meiningen, also a refugee. Perfectly matched, they married a year later and had seven children.
In 1961 Otto renounced his claim to the throne in order to return to his homeland and enter Austrian politics. Elected to the European Parliament, he was an MEP for 20 years, and kept working even after retirement to bring the nations his father had once ruled into the European Union.
A new elite
Otto von Habsburg was born into one ruling elite, and after its destruction, died a member of a new elite: a highly respected political figure.
Perhaps this should inspire fear. The Austrians tried to kick out their rulers and take away their power, but ninety years later they're still there, they've just got a new name: politicians.
On the other hand, Otto used his power for good. His connections and skills and the weight his name carried were put to the service of his homeland. He worked tirelessly for his country perhaps because of the duty he felt his fortunate position bestowed on him.
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