My family and I would like to thank you for taking an interest in the long history of the House of Hohenzollern, the formerly-ruling royal house of Prussia.
Our family’s ancestral Seat, Hohenzollern Castle near Hechingen, in Baden-Württemberg, sees 350,000 visitors from all over the world each year, making it one of the most popular private museums in Germany. Hohenzollern Castle is still privately owned by the two branches of our house. It was here that my family’s history began over 950 years ago – a history that has significantly shaped Europe over the last millennium. Today, the royal palaces in Potsdam and various royal parks are world cultural heritage sites. Many of my direct ancestors were important historical figures, including the Prussian kings and German Emperors who succeeded them – Wilhelm I, Friedrich III and Wilhelm II – as well as Queen Victoria of Great Britain, the grandmother of Emperor Wilhelm II.
The private art collection I presently manage includes numerous important artifacts from our family’s nearly 1,000-year history. A large portion of the collection has been on public display at Hohenzollern Castle for over 70 years. It includes the Prussian royal crown that was made for Emperor Wilhelm II. Because the exhibition has been so popular, we will be gradually increasing the exhibition space in the coming years, which will enable us to display even more artworks from my private collection at our ancestral seat. Hohenzollern Castle also houses our family’s private archive, which is open to scholars and researchers.
The castle has also been used as a holiday retreat for students from disadvantaged families since 1954. The Princess Kira of Prussia Foundation sponsors a free holiday retreat at Hohenzollern Castle for children and young people, which includes a music education programme. Over 14,000 children and young people have stayed at our castle since the foundation began its work.
My private estate includes another popular destination as well, the Princes’ Island at the Großer Plöner See near Hamburg. The restaurant there was renovated in winter 2020/2021.
My family and I appreciate your interest in our shared cultural heritage.
Sincerely,
Georg Friedrich
Prince of Prussia
Current events around the House of Hohenzollern
Prince Christian Ludwig represented the House of Hohenzollern at Brandenburg Day in Perleberg. At the opening ceremony, he met the President of the Brandenburg State Parliament, who personally knew his grandfather Prince Louis Ferdinand, as well as Minister Presidents Dietmar Woidke and Reiner Haseloff. Brandenburg Day is Brandenburg’s largest state festival and brings together culture, […]
On September 11, 2025, Prince Georg Friedrich had the opportunity to visit the nearly completed works at the Hohenzollern Crypt in Berlin Cathedral together with many of the project participants. In the coming weeks, the previously relocated coffins of the Hohenzollern family will be brought back into the Cathedral. On the previous day, a blessing […]
On 6 September 2025, a charity concert was held at Hohenzollern Castle in aid of the Princess Kira of Prussia Foundation, featuring a magnificent performance by the Zimbalist Trio from the Curtis Institute of Music, accompanied by its president, Professor Roberto Díaz. In her welcoming speech, Princess Sophie of Prussia recalled that since 1952, the […]
On 1 September 2025, Prince Georg Friedrich received the coffin seals of Frederick William I, the Soldier King (1688–1740), in the Christ Chapel of Hohenzollern Castle. They were handed over by Robert Edsel, founder of the Monuments Men and Women Foundation and author of the book on which the film Monuments Men is based. The […]
On 15 August 2025, guests enjoyed a special evening in the courtyard of Stolzenfels Castle: the gala concert ‘The Music of the Hohenzollerns’ commemorated Queen Victoria’s visit on 15 August 1845. Prince Friedrich Wilhelm was the guest of honour for the evening and, in his speech, recalled the twofold family connection – to King Friedrich […]
A special day for the Hohenzollern Family: On August 9th 2025, Prince Philipp of Prussia married Aline von Alvensleben in Tréguier, Brittany. The bride wore the famous Clover Leaf Tiara, personally designed by Prince Philipp’s great-great-grandfather, Emperor Wilhelm II, and presented to his wife, Empress Augusta Victoria, as a gift for their silver wedding anniversary […]
This year’s Gourmet Evening at the foot of Hohenzollern Castle focused on supporting a good cause. Princess Sophie was present in her capacity as Chairwoman of the Princess Kira of Prussia Foundation and, together with young guests from the Kinderhaus Weimar, who are currently invited to a holiday camp at the castle, distributed homemade cakes […]
At Schloss Jettingen, the birthplace of Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg, Prince Georg Friedrich of Prussia commemorated the failed assassination attempt of July 20, 1944. In front of members of the Stauffenberg family, representatives of public life, and guests from southern Germany, Prince Georg Friedrich emphasized how important the resistance was as an act of […]
Starting Signal for the new Foundation ‘Hohenzollernscher Kunstbesitz’ (= Hohenzollern Art Collection) In addition to the committees of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation and the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg, the Advisory Board of the German Historical Museum has now also approved an agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany, the states of Berlin […]
On May 27, Herrman Parzinger was bid farewell in a ceremonial event at the Neues Museum after serving 17 years as the President of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation. At the same event, his successor, Marion Ackermann, the former Director General of the Dresden State Art Collections, was officially welcomed. For Prince Georg Friedrich, this […]
Prince Christian Ludwig and Princess Desiree of Prussia attended the ceremonial reopening of the palace on Pfaueninsel on May 21. After seven years of restoration, the building originally constructed in 1795 for King Frederick William II is once again open to the public with a restored interior and renovated facade.
On May 9th, Margot Friedländer passed away at the age of 103 in Berlin. Prince Georg Friedrich and Princess Sophie are deeply grateful to have personally known the Holocaust survivor and honorary citizen of Berlin, and they express their admiration for her life’s work. Prince Georg Friedrich is a member of the board of trustees […]
On December 18, 2024, Prince Georg Friedrich participated in the traditional Hanukkah reception hosted by the Ambassador of the State of Israel, H.E. Ron Prosor, and his wife, Hadas. Commitment to the right of existence of the Jewish state is part of Germany’s raison d’état. Following in the footsteps of the Prince’s grandfather, Prince Louis […]
On St. Michael’s Day, September 29, 2024, Princess Sophie officially assumed the patronage of the Hechingen Hospice Association. With this patronage, the Princess wishes to honor the exemplary commitment of the association, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024.
On St. Michael’s Day, September 29, 2024, Princess Sophie officially assumed the patronage of the Hechingen Hospice Association. With this patronage, the Princess wishes to honor the exemplary commitment of the association, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024.
Prince Georg Friedrich received a delegation of 75 South African female managers at Hohenzollern Castle on June 11, 2024. As part of the “Women Leading in the Energy Industry” program from Duke University, the employees of the energy provider “Eskom” had the opportunity to discuss with experts from politics, business, and society in Germany. During […]
By the Prince’s command, the European flag is traditionally raised at Hohenzollern Castle on May 9, Europe Day. Normally, only the Prince’s Personal Flag is raised on the castle’s flagpole, and only when he is present at the castle. Commitment to European unification has a long tradition within the House of Hohenzollern. Prince Louis Ferdinand […]
On the occasion of the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the first free elections after the end of apartheid, Prince Georg Friedrich visited the Republic of South Africa from March 18 to 22, 2024. As part of his program, the Prince visited, among others, the Holocaust & Genocide Center Johannesburg, the University of Cape […]
Prince Christian Ludwig represented the House of Hohenzollern at Brandenburg Day in Perleberg. At the opening ceremony, he met the President of the Brandenburg State Parliament, who personally knew his grandfather Prince Louis Ferdinand, as well as Minister Presidents Dietmar Woidke and Reiner Haseloff.
Brandenburg Day is Brandenburg’s largest state festival and brings together culture, history, politics, and business on an annual basis. This year’s host was the city of Perleberg, which presented itself as a traditional district capital in the heart of Prignitz and presented the diversity of the region to its numerous guests.
For Prince Christian Ludwig, it was a special opportunity to experience the connection between history and present and to engage in dialogue with representatives from politics and society.
On September 11, 2025, Prince Georg Friedrich had the opportunity to visit the nearly completed works at the Hohenzollern Crypt in Berlin Cathedral together with many of the project participants.
In the coming weeks, the previously relocated coffins of the Hohenzollern family will be brought back into the Cathedral. On the previous day, a blessing ceremony in the form of a small family devotion was held at the place of interim storage.
Since March 2020, Germany’s most important dynastic burial site has been undergoing extensive restoration and redesign. With support from the State of Berlin, the Federal Ministry of Culture and Media, and the Cornelsen Cultural Foundation, a dignified place of rest is being created, which will also be accessible without barriers. In addition, a new educational space with an interactive model will provide fascinating insights into the history and architecture of the crypt.
The Hohenzollern Crypt ranks among the most significant burial sites in Europe and documents more than 500 years of Brandenburg-Prussian history.
On 6 September 2025, a charity concert was held at Hohenzollern Castle in aid of the Princess Kira of Prussia Foundation, featuring a magnificent performance by the Zimbalist Trio from the Curtis Institute of Music, accompanied by its president, Professor Roberto Díaz.
In her welcoming speech, Princess Sophie of Prussia recalled that since 1952, the foundation has been guided by a simple but powerful idea: ‘To give children who have a tough time a place of safety, community and joy. The Princess Kira of Prussia Foundation, based at Hohenzollern Castle, has been giving children and young people facing particular challenges carefree days filled with community, nature and creativity for over 70 years. Workshops, excursions and shared experiences create moments of joy, strength and confidence that have an impact far beyond the duration of the stay.
This year, the foundation has welcomed 19 groups with 169 children and young people as well as 50 carers to the castle – from Baden-Württemberg, Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony, Thuringia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Bavaria and Ukraine. The young guests enjoyed many varied days filled with literature workshops, theatre, yoga, excursions, baking and hiking. More groups are expected until the end of October, including children from Zvanivka in the Bakhmut district, who will spend eight days at the castle.
Donations finance accommodation, meals, educational support, materials, admission fees and travel.
On behalf of the foundation, Princess Sophie thanked everyone who makes this work possible through their commitment and generosity.
On 1 September 2025, Prince Georg Friedrich received the coffin seals of Frederick William I, the Soldier King (1688–1740), in the Christ Chapel of Hohenzollern Castle. They were handed over by Robert Edsel, founder of the Monuments Men and Women Foundation and author of the book on which the film Monuments Men is based.
The coffins of the Soldier King and his son Frederick the Great underwent a dramatic odyssey in the 20th century: originally buried in the Garrison Church in Potsdam, Hitler had them removed in 1943 to protect them from bombing raids and moved to various locations. In the final weeks of the war, they were finally taken to the depths of the Bernterode salt mine in Thuringia, where they were stored more than 500 metres underground, hidden among flags, paintings and other cultural artefacts. On 27 April 1945, American soldiers discovered this secret depot. Shortly afterwards, Monuments Man Captain Walker K. Hancock documented the spectacular find before the coffins were laboriously recovered and brought to safety. Decades later, they found a temporary home in the Christ Chapel of Hohenzollern Castle, where they remained until reunification in 1991 – the very place where the long-lost seals were now returned.
There is a special connection between the House of Hohenzollern and the Monuments Men: Captain Clyde Kenneth Harris, Prince Georg Friedrich’s great-uncle by marriage, was himself a member of this legendary unit, which also included a dozen women. As an art protection officer, he helped save the Holbein Madonna – and in doing so met his future wife, Princess Cecilie of Prussia.
Prince Georg Friedrich emphasised: ‘The return of these seals is more than just a piece of family history. It reminds us of our responsibility to preserve cultural heritage. At the same time, it honours the selfless mission of the Monuments Men.’
On 15 August 2025, guests enjoyed a special evening in the courtyard of Stolzenfels Castle: the gala concert ‘The Music of the Hohenzollerns’ commemorated Queen Victoria’s visit on 15 August 1845.
Prince Friedrich Wilhelm was the guest of honour for the evening and, in his speech, recalled the twofold family connection – to King Friedrich Wilhelm IV, the host of the historic concert in 1845, and to Queen Victoria, his great-great-grandmother. At the same time, he emphasised the traditional role of the Hohenzollerns as patrons of the arts and music:
‘The Hohenzollerns considered art and music not only as a form of representation, but as a fundamental part of a vibrant society.’
A special day for the Hohenzollern Family: On August 9th 2025, Prince Philipp of Prussia married Aline von Alvensleben in Tréguier, Brittany.
The bride wore the famous Clover Leaf Tiara, personally designed by Prince Philipp’s great-great-grandfather, Emperor Wilhelm II, and presented to his wife, Empress Augusta Victoria, as a gift for their silver wedding anniversary in 1906.
Historical connections between the two families can be traced back to the 15th century.
This year’s Gourmet Evening at the foot of Hohenzollern Castle focused on supporting a good cause. Princess Sophie was present in her capacity as Chairwoman of the Princess Kira of Prussia Foundation and, together with young guests from the Kinderhaus Weimar, who are currently invited to a holiday camp at the castle, distributed homemade cakes and muffins to the guests.
The Royal Prussian Beer Manufactory took this as the first chance to show off its non-alcoholic Pilsner, which was served as free beer that evening.
Our special thanks go to the participating restaurateurs – Getränke Mebold, Albmetzgerei Steinhart, Landhaus Stiegel, Restaurant Kupferpfanne and the former operators of the Fecker tavern – and in particular to Mr. Ralf Merkel, who has been organising this donation-based culinary and cinema experience for over 15 years.
The donations collected will go directly to the work of the Princess Kira of Prussia Foundation.
At Schloss Jettingen, the birthplace of Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg, Prince Georg Friedrich of Prussia commemorated the failed assassination attempt of July 20, 1944. In front of members of the Stauffenberg family, representatives of public life, and guests from southern Germany, Prince Georg Friedrich emphasized how important the resistance was as an act of conscience and humanity. He honored the courage of Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg and his fellow resistance fighters and also acknowledged his own family’s responsibility during the Nazi era.
Prince Georg Friedrich called for the remembrance of July 20 not just as a look back, but as an ongoing obligation: for democracy, freedom, civil courage, and humanity – today and in the future.
Prince Georg Friedrich thus accepted an invitation from Hans Reichhart, the district administrator of the district of Günzburg. The owner of the castle is Hieronymus Count Wolff-Metternich.
Starting Signal for the new Foundation ‘Hohenzollernscher Kunstbesitz’ (= Hohenzollern Art Collection) In addition to the committees of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation and the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg, the Advisory Board of the German Historical Museum has now also approved an agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany, the states of Berlin and Brandenburg, and the House of Hohenzollern.
The goal of the agreement, signed by Prince Georg Friedrich on May 5, 2025, was to resolve all outstanding issues concerning the art collection of the House of Hohenzollern. The core of the agreement is the joint establishment of a foundation’ which will ensure the preservation, care, and accessibility of significant objects related to Prussian, German, and European history in the future.
On May 27, Herrman Parzinger was bid farewell in a ceremonial event at the Neues Museum after serving 17 years as the President of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation. At the same event, his successor, Marion Ackermann, the former Director General of the Dresden State Art Collections, was officially welcomed. For Prince Georg Friedrich, this is the third transition of office he has witnessed as the head of the House of Hohenzollern, following previous presidents Klaus-Dieter Lehmann and Werner Knopp.
As the new president, Marion Ackermann will also become a member of the board of the “Hohenzollern Art Foundation,” co-founded by the Prince Georg Friedrich.
Prince Christian Ludwig and Princess Desiree of Prussia attended the ceremonial reopening of the palace on Pfaueninsel on May 21. After seven years of restoration, the building originally constructed in 1795 for King Frederick William II is once again open to the public with a restored interior and renovated facade.
On May 9th, Margot Friedländer passed away at the age of 103 in Berlin. Prince Georg Friedrich and Princess Sophie are deeply grateful to have personally known the Holocaust survivor and honorary citizen of Berlin, and they express their admiration for her life’s work. Prince Georg Friedrich is a member of the board of trustees of the Margot Friedländer Foundation, established last year.
On December 18, 2024, Prince Georg Friedrich participated in the traditional Hanukkah reception hosted by the Ambassador of the State of Israel, H.E. Ron Prosor, and his wife, Hadas. Commitment to the right of existence of the Jewish state is part of Germany’s raison d’état. Following in the footsteps of the Prince’s grandfather, Prince Louis Ferdinand (1907-1994), Prince Georg Friedrich and Princess Sophie are also avowed supporters of Israel and the Jewish people.
On St. Michael’s Day, September 29, 2024, Princess Sophie officially assumed the patronage of the Hechingen Hospice Association. With this patronage, the Princess wishes to honor the exemplary commitment of the association, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024.
On St. Michael’s Day, September 29, 2024, Princess Sophie officially assumed the patronage of the Hechingen Hospice Association. With this patronage, the Princess wishes to honor the exemplary commitment of the association, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024.
Prince Georg Friedrich received a delegation of 75 South African female managers at Hohenzollern Castle on June 11, 2024. As part of the “Women Leading in the Energy Industry” program from Duke University, the employees of the energy provider “Eskom” had the opportunity to discuss with experts from politics, business, and society in Germany. During his trip to South Africa, Prince Georg Friedrich had met the organizers of the project and invited them, along with all participants, for a visit to the Swabian Alb.
By the Prince’s command, the European flag is traditionally raised at Hohenzollern Castle on May 9, Europe Day. Normally, only the Prince’s Personal Flag is raised on the castle’s flagpole, and only when he is present at the castle. Commitment to European unification has a long tradition within the House of Hohenzollern. Prince Louis Ferdinand (1907-1994), the grandfather of Prince Georg Friedrich, as Head of the House of Hohenzollern, strongly advocated for overcoming the division of Germany and Europe into East and West.
On the occasion of the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the first free elections after the end of apartheid, Prince Georg Friedrich visited the Republic of South Africa from March 18 to 22, 2024. As part of his program, the Prince visited, among others, the Holocaust & Genocide Center Johannesburg, the University of Cape Town and educational institutions in Orange Farm. Discussions with human rights activists were also on the program. The highlight of the 5-day trip was an official dinner by the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, in honor of the visit of Prince Georg Friedrich.
On the first day of his South African tour, Prince Georg Friedrich visited the Holocaust & Genocide Centre Johannesburg. Speaking to students from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, the Prince emphasized the importance of dialogue. In the evening, Prince Georg Friedrich spoke to around 100 invited guests at a fundraising dinner for the center about the importance of historical responsibility.
On the evening of the second day of his South African tour, Prince Georg Friedrich was received in Cape Town by the Premier of the Western Cape Province, Alan Winde. In his dinner speech at the Premier’s official dinner, the Prince highlighted the successful cooperation between Germany and South Africa in in overcoming the consequences of apartheid. German Consul-General Tanja Werheit was in attendance.
On the occasion of Human Rights Day, Prince Georg Friedrich visited educational projects in Orange Farm, west of Johannesburg, on the morning of the last day of his visit. In discussions with learners and teachers, the Prince emphasized the importance of addressing historical injustices.
At the conclusion of his trip, Prince George Friedrich visited the Constitutional Court of the Republic of South Africa on Constitution Hill on the afternoon of Human Rights Day and met with human rights activists. The Constitutional Court is located in a former prison for opponents of the apartheid regime. South African Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela was also imprisoned there for a time.
