Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Prince Georg Friedrich and Princess Sophie wish you a merry and blessed Christmas and all the best for the New Year.
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 Georg Friedrich and Princess Sophie wish you a merry and blessed Christmas and all the best for the New Year.
On 17 December, Prince Georg Friedrich attended the traditional Hanukkah reception hosted by the Ambassador of the State of Israel, H.E. Ron Prosor, in Berlin and visited the public celebration at the Brandenburg Gate the following day. There, another light was lit on Europe’s largest Hanukkah menorah. The Festival of Lights stands for hope, solidarity […]
During his last visit to Hohenzollern Castle, Prince Georg Friedrich, together with his sons Carl Friedrich, Louis Ferdinand and Heinrich, visited the site not far from the castle hill where, 55 years ago, the then Member of the Bundestag Prince Konstantin of Bavaria and two other people lost their lives in a plane crash. A […]
On 6 December, Princess Sophie of Prussia and Prince Georg Friedrich, together with their children, attended a performance of The Wizard of Oz in Weimar. The young performers from the Kinderhaus Weimar captivated the audience with a joyful, moving and remarkably professional production. The first rehearsals for the play had already taken place in August […]
Prince Georg Friedrich visited the Secret State Archives Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation in Berlin to discuss the planned consolidation of historical archival materials with its director, Ulrike Hörold. The aim is to reunite the collections preserved at Hohenzollern Castle since 1959 with the Brandenburg-Prussian House Archive, thereby restoring their historically evolved unity. Following the meeting, […]
Prince Georg Friedrich and Prince Christian Ludwig accepted an invitation from Minister-President Dr Reiner Haseloff for a meeting at the State Chancellery of Saxony-Anhalt. The discussion focused on current developments in the state, the long-standing historical ties between the region and the House of Hohenzollern, and shared interests in the fields of culture and remembrance.
Prince Christian Ludwig was elected by the members of the Cathedral Congregation on 30 November 2025 to the Domkirchenkollegium (Cathedral Chapter) of the Berlin Cathedral. He will assume his office as Domkirchenrat in January. The term of office is six years. Prince Georg Friedrich congratulated Prince Christian Ludwig on his election, through which he becomes […]
Starting next year, Prince Georg Friedrich of Prussia will be the sole owner of Hohenzollern Castle, the ancestral seat of the House of Hohenzollern. With effect from 31 December 2025, Prince Karl Friedrich of Hohenzollern has transferred his one-third share to his cousin. Since the joint reconstruction of the castle in the mid-19th century, this […]
A special evening in Munich: On November 13th Sophie, Princess of Prussia, attended the BAMBI Awards 2025 – the gala honouring personalities whose achievements, creativity, and commitment inspire and shape our society. She was accompanied by her sister-in-law, Dr. Sarah, Princess of Isenburg, who appears alongside her in the photograph. As a member of the […]
On 13 November 2025, Prof. Wolfgang Ischinger – former ambassador and actual chairman of the Munich Security Conference – delivered an impressive address on peace and security in the 21st century as part of this year’s Oberlinrede. Prince Georg Friedrich, member of the Oberlinhaus Foundation Board, thanked him for his clear analysis and his committed […]
On September 21, 2025, Prince Joachim Albrecht and Prince Christian Ludwig were admitted into the Prussian branch of the Order of Saint John in the Stadtkirche St. Peter and Paul in Weimar. Prince Georg Friedrich, Head of the House of Hohenzollern, was also present and personally congratulated all new members of the order. The Order […]
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 the Prime Ministers Dr. Dietmar Woidke and Dr. Reiner Haseloff. Brandenburg Day is Brandenburg’s largest state festival and […]
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 Georg Friedrich and Princess Sophie wish you a merry and blessed Christmas and all the best for the New Year.
On 17 December, Prince Georg Friedrich attended the traditional Hanukkah reception hosted by the Ambassador of the State of Israel, H.E. Ron Prosor, in Berlin and visited the public celebration at the Brandenburg Gate the following day. There, another light was lit on Europe’s largest Hanukkah menorah.
The Festival of Lights stands for hope, solidarity and the spreading of light – especially in times when the visibility and security of Jewish life in Germany can no longer be taken for granted.
During his last visit to Hohenzollern Castle, Prince Georg Friedrich, together with his sons Carl Friedrich, Louis Ferdinand and Heinrich, visited the site not far from the castle hill where, 55 years ago, the then Member of the Bundestag Prince Konstantin of Bavaria and two other people lost their lives in a plane crash.
A memorial consisting of three wooden crosses was erected in the difficult-to-access wooded area at the time. It was severely damaged in a storm in 2023; the corresponding signpost on the path is also no longer there. Also the regional press begann to report on this.
The damaged crosses have since been secured. The House of Bavaria and Prince Georg Friedrich are committed to restoring the memorial site next year.
Prince Constantine was first married to Princess Maria Adelgunde of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen – one of many family connections between the Wittelsbach and Hohenzollern families. The marriage produced Prince Leopold (‘Poldi’) and Prince Adalbert of Bavaria.
On 6 December, Princess Sophie of Prussia and Prince Georg Friedrich, together with their children, attended a performance of The Wizard of Oz in Weimar. The young performers from the Kinderhaus Weimar captivated the audience with a joyful, moving and remarkably professional production.
The first rehearsals for the play had already taken place in August at Hohenzollern Castle, when 20 children from the Kinderhaus spent a holiday week on the castle grounds at the invitation of the Princess Kira of Prussia Foundation.
Kinderhaus Weimar is a safe haven for children who often experience material hardship, neglect or indifference in their daily lives. For more than 30 years, under the leadership of Ramona Zach, it has provided them with a space to simply be children: to be creative, to have regular meals, to meet friends, to share worries, to learn – and to enjoy carefree moments that give them strength. The Princess Kira of Prussia Foundation is proud to support this important work.
Prince Georg Friedrich visited the Secret State Archives Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation in Berlin to discuss the planned consolidation of historical archival materials with its director, Ulrike Hörold.
The aim is to reunite the collections preserved at Hohenzollern Castle since 1959 with the Brandenburg-Prussian House Archive, thereby restoring their historically evolved unity.
Following the meeting, Prince Georg Friedrich was given an extensive tour of the archive, whose vast holdings rank among the oldest and most significant in Germany.
Prince Georg Friedrich agreed to the integration of these materials on 5 May 2025 as part of his arrangement with the Federal Republic of Germany and the States of Berlin and Brandenburg.
Prince Georg Friedrich and Prince Christian Ludwig accepted an invitation from Minister-President Dr Reiner Haseloff for a meeting at the State Chancellery of Saxony-Anhalt.
The discussion focused on current developments in the state, the long-standing historical ties between the region and the House of Hohenzollern, and shared interests in the fields of culture and remembrance.
Prince Christian Ludwig was elected by the members of the Cathedral Congregation on 30 November 2025 to the Domkirchenkollegium (Cathedral Chapter) of the Berlin Cathedral. He will assume his office as Domkirchenrat in January. The term of office is six years. Prince Georg Friedrich congratulated Prince Christian Ludwig on his election, through which he becomes the first member of the House of Hohenzollern to serve on the governing body of the Berlin Cathedral.
The Berlin Cathedral was consecrated in 1905 in the presence of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Close historical and spiritual ties between the Cathedral Congregation and the House of Hohenzollern continue to this day. Around 100 members of the family from several centuries rest in the Hohenzollern Crypt, which—following comprehensive restoration—will reopen early next year.
Starting next year, Prince Georg Friedrich of Prussia will be the sole owner of Hohenzollern Castle, the ancestral seat of the House of Hohenzollern. With effect from 31 December 2025, Prince Karl Friedrich of Hohenzollern has transferred his one-third share to his cousin. Since the joint reconstruction of the castle in the mid-19th century, this one-third share belonged to the Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen line. In 1849 the former Principality of Hohenzollern was incorporated into the Kingdom of Prussia.
With the completion of the transfer, all responsibility for the operation, maintenance and cultural development of the castle passes to Prince Georg Friedrich.
‘I am deeply grateful to my cousin for his tremendous support and shared commitment to our ancestral seat. Our close partnership has contributed significantly to the preservation and further development of the castle. Our cooperation will continue in many areas,’ said Prince Georg Friedrich.
‘I would like to thank my cousin for many years of constructive cooperation. I myself would like to focus on the preservation and further development of Sigmaringen Castle in the future,’ said Prince Karl Friedrich.
The two heads of the families share a seat on the board of the Princess Kira of Prussia Foundation, which is also based at Hohenzollern Castle.
With over 300,000 visitors annually, Hohenzollern Castle is one of the most successful private museums in Germany. In the spring, Prince Georg Friedrich had already reached a historic agreement on long-standing property issues; large parts of the former Royal Prussian Collection were then transferred to the newly founded Hohenzollern Art Collection Foundation. Prince Georg Friedrich is Deputy Chairman of the Foundation Board.
Photos: © Roland Beck/Hohenzollern Castle
A special evening in Munich: On November 13th Sophie, Princess of Prussia, attended the BAMBI Awards 2025 – the gala honouring personalities whose achievements, creativity, and commitment inspire and shape our society. She was accompanied by her sister-in-law, Dr. Sarah, Princess of Isenburg, who appears alongside her in the photograph.
As a member of the Board of Trustees of the TRIBUTE TO BAMBI Foundation, Princess Sophie is dedicated to supporting children and young people in need. For more than 20 years, the foundation has been promoting impactful projects across Germany, offering hope, protection, and new opportunities to those who need it most.
Photo: BrauerPhotos / G. Nitschke
On 13 November 2025, Prof. Wolfgang Ischinger – former ambassador and actual chairman of the Munich Security Conference – delivered an impressive address on peace and security in the 21st century as part of this year’s Oberlinrede.
Prince Georg Friedrich, member of the Oberlinhaus Foundation Board, thanked him for his clear analysis and his committed appeal for a united and capable Europe.
The Oberlinhaus is one of the most important social-diaconal institutions in Brandenburg and has been supporting people with disabilities, illnesses or special needs for more than 150 years. With its clinics, schools, vocational training programmes and a wide range of social services, it accompanies children, young people and adults on their path toward greater participation.
The Oberlinrede is an annual event that invites prominent figures from politics, society and culture to offer impulses on current social issues, while also engaging in conversations that touch on personal questions.
On September 21, 2025, Prince Joachim Albrecht and Prince Christian Ludwig were admitted into the Prussian branch of the Order of Saint John in the Stadtkirche St. Peter and Paul in Weimar. Prince Georg Friedrich, Head of the House of Hohenzollern, was also present and personally congratulated all new members of the order.
The Order of Saint John – officially “Der Orden St. Johannis vom Spital zu Jerusalem” – is a Protestant chivalric order with centuries of tradition. It originated from the medieval hospital brotherhoods in Jerusalem and remains dedicated to Christian charity to this day. The Order is particularly well known for its commitment to medical and rescue services, hospice work, and numerous social projects in Germany and around the world. In 1852, it was re-established in its present Protestant form by King Frederick William IV of Prussia.
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 the Prime Ministers Dr. Dietmar Woidke and Dr. 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.
