Who is Donatus, Landgrave of Hesse? Prince Philip's distant German cousin's life and marriage to Floria Franziska
The funeral of Prince Philip is to be a close-knit family affair. Due to Covid-19 guidelines, only the closest members of the royal family will attend the ceremony, with the list capped at 30 members. As more details emerge, we are beginning to get a clearer picture of all those close enough to be invited. One of those is Donatus, Landgrave of Hesse. A distant cousin of The Duke, Donatus' relationship with the British royal family stretches a long way back.
His presence comes at the specific request of The Duke, who wished for his “blood” family to pay their last respects. The Duke has often had to keep his distance from relatives like Donatus since their German heritage has posed a major challenge for a nation emerging from the shadow of World War 2. In the intervening years, The duke's family has been more widely accepted and will now finally come into the spotlight.
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Donatus has been occasionally spotted with the royal family, but he's often kept his distance from the spotlight. Seeing how he will be present at the funeral, we thought it was a good time to take a look at him. Here's everything we know about the duke's cousin, one of his three German relatives to attend the funeral.
Who is Donatus, Landgrave of Hesse?
The eldest son and successor of German aristocrat Moritz, Landgrave of Hesse, Donatus comes from a royal background. He was born on October 17, 1966, as Heinrich Donatus Philipp Umberto. His mother is Princess Tatiana and he is the great-grandson of Victor Emmanuel III of Italy. He is also related to Queen Victoria and German Emperor Fredrick III. He is also related to Prince Philip through his mother, Princess Andrew of Greece and Denmark.
The duke's sisters Sophie and Cecilie are also married into the Hesse family. It's through these intricate connections that Donatus became one of the three German relatives to attend The duke's funeral.
Who is Donatus' wife Countess Floria Franziska Marie-Luisa Erika von Faber-Castell?
In 2003, Donatus married Countess Floria Franziska Marie-Luisa Erika von Faber-Castell. Floria is from a family that owns the famous office supplies company Faber-Castell. She is a communications professional and the niece of Count Anton Wolfgang von Faber-Castell, chairman of the board of Faber-Castell.
The couple got married in a civil ceremony on April 25 and had a religious ceremony on May 17. They have one daughter and two sons — Princess Paulina, Prince Moritz and Prince August.
Director of the Foundation of the House of Hesse
Currently, he serves as the director of the Foundation of the House of Hesse. The foundation is in charge of preserving the House of Hesse and showcasing its heritage and history. The foundation currently manages a wide range of forests, agricultural estates, castles, hotels and an art collection.
A great-grandson of Victor Emmanuel III of Italy, he is named in part after Georg Donatus, Hereditary Grand Duke of Hesse. Not many know that he is also a great-great-great grandson of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. Not just that, his father Moritz was a third cousin of Queen Elizabeth.
Unlike other royals, he doesn't spend much time in public life. He has been spotted occasionally at royal events, but otherwise maintains a private life.