Franz von Bayern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Franz von Bayern |
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Franz in 2023
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| Head of the House of Wittelsbach | |
| Tenure | 8 July 1996 – present |
| Predecessor | Albrecht |
| Heir presumptive | Max-Emanuel |
| Born | Franz Bonaventura Adalbert Maria Prinz von Bayern 14 July 1933 Munich, Germany |
| House | Wittelsbach |
| Father | Albrecht, Duke of Bavaria |
| Mother | Countess Maria Draskovich of Trakostjan |
| Religion | Catholicism |
Franz Bonaventura Adalbert Maria, Duke of Bavaria (born 14 July 1933), is the current head of the House of Wittelsbach. This family used to rule the Kingdom of Bavaria. His great-grandfather, King Ludwig III, was the last king of Bavaria. He was removed from power in 1918.
Franz was born in Munich, Germany. During World War II, his family, the Wittelsbachs, were against the Nazis. They first left Nazi Germany for Hungary. However, they were arrested in 1944. Franz was only 11 years old at the time. He was held in several special camps during the war.
After the war, Franz studied at the University of Munich. He became a big collector of modern art. In 1996, after his father passed away, Franz became the head of the House of Wittelsbach. He lives in Nymphenburg Palace and Berg Palace in Munich.
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Early Life and Challenges
Franz was born on 14 July 1933 in Munich. He was the third child and older son of Albrecht, Duke of Bavaria. His mother was Countess Maria Draskovich of Trakostjan. Her family was a noble family from Croatia.
The Wittelsbach family did not support the Nazi government in Germany. Franz's grandfather, Crown Prince Rupprecht, spoke out against Adolf Hitler in 1923. In 1933, his father, Prince Albrecht, sent a letter to the President. This letter protested the Nazi government's actions.
In July 1934, Prince Albrecht and his family moved to Hungary. They returned to Bavaria for a few years, living quietly. But in 1939, they moved back to Budapest, Hungary. The children were taught at home because the local German school had Nazi supporters.
In March 1944, German forces took over Hungary. On 6 October 1944, the entire family, including 11-year-old Franz, was arrested. They were sent to different special camps. These included Flossenbürg and Dachau. As special prisoners, they were kept together in separate buildings. Franz remembers getting only one slice of bread a day. The family suffered greatly from hunger and sickness. They were finally freed by the United States Third Army in April 1945.
After the war, Franz went to school at the Benedictine Abbey of Ettal. He then studied business at the University of Munich and in Zürich. He also went on special ship tours in 1954 and 1956. These were called the "Cruise of the Kings" and included many royal families from Europe.
Supporting Modern Art
Franz developed a strong interest in modern art. He began collecting art from German artists. He has loaned his important art collection to the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich. He worked for many years to help create this museum. His collection includes works by famous artists like Joseph Beuys and Georg Baselitz.
He also supports other art institutions in Munich. He is the chairman of the Association for the Promotion of the Alte Pinakothek. He is also an honorary president of the Friends of the Egyptian Collection Munich. In 2009, he gave his large private library of 20th and 21st-century art to the Central Institute for Art History in Munich.
Because of his connections in the New York City art world, Franz was the first German to join the International Council of the Museum of Modern Art. He later became the chairman of this council for 16 years. He worked closely with the museum's president to grow its collection. Even though he was friends with American artists like Andy Warhol, he mostly collected German art. He once said, "American art was always one step ahead of my financial possibilities."
In 2003, he received the Duncan Phillips Award. This award is given to collectors who support museums. Franz was the first European to receive this honor.
Family Activities and Public Role
The head of the House of Wittelsbach manages important family foundations. One is the Wittelsbach Compensation Fund. This fund holds many valuable family possessions. These include art treasures and collections. Many of these are now in Munich museums like the Alte Pinakothek. The fund also includes former royal palaces like Berg and Hohenschwangau.
The Wittelsbach family receives about 14 million Euros each year from this fund. The head of the family decides how this money is used.
As the head of his family, Franz is also the Grand Master of several special family orders. These include the Order of Saint George. He is also president of the Bavarian branches of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
Franz is also interested in science. He has supported the growth of research in Bavaria. He was a board member for several universities and museums. He also leads many other groups as a patron.
The Wittelsbach family has a strong connection to the Roman Catholic Church. Franz has worked for many years with the Catholic Academy in Bavaria. He has also built relationships with other faiths. In 2007, he helped start the Nymphenburg Talks. This group encourages discussions between different cultures and religions.
Franz continues a tradition started by his father. He hosts a large yearly reception at Nymphenburg Palace, where he lives. About 1,500 guests attend this dinner. These guests come from government, churches, science, and art. He also invites smaller groups to Berchtesgaden Palace to discuss important topics.
His 80th birthday party in 2013 was held at the Schleissheim Palace. About 2,500 guests attended, including important political figures.
Family and Future Leadership
The person who will lead the House of Wittelsbach after Franz is his brother, Prince Max, Duke in Bavaria. Since Max has five daughters but no sons, the next in line after him is their cousin, Prince Luitpold. After Luitpold, his son, Prince Ludwig of Bavaria (born 1982), would be next.
Franz is also a descendant of the House of Stuart. This means he is connected to the old kings of England, Scotland, and Ireland. If certain old laws were different, he would be the successor to those crowns. However, Franz has made it clear that this is just a "charming historical curiosity" and not something he is pursuing.
Titles and Honors
Franz is traditionally known as His Royal Highness the Duke of Bavaria. He also holds titles related to other regions like Franconia and Swabia.
At birth, Franz was called Prinz von Bayern (Prince of Bavaria). In 1996, after his father passed away, he changed his title to Herzog von Bayern (Duke of Bavaria).
Honors and Awards
Germany: Commander's cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
Holy See: Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre
Sovereign Military Order of Malta: Protector Bailiff Knight Grand Cross of Obedience of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, 1st Class- Sovereign Military Order of Malta: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit
Romania: Knight Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit
House of Habsburg-Lorraine: Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece, 1960
See also
- Monarchism in Bavaria after 1918
- History of Jacobite Pretenders
