Karl von Habsburg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Karl von Habsburg
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Habsburg-Lothringen in 2022
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| Member of the European Parliament for Austria | |
| In office 1996 – 1999 |
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| Head of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine | |
| Reign | 1 January 2007 – present |
| Predecessor | Otto von Habsburg |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 January 1961 Starnberg, Bavaria, West Germany |
| Political party | Austrian People's Party |
| Spouses |
Francesca von Thyssen-Bornemisza
(m. 1993; div. 2017)Christian Nicolau de Almeida Reid
(m. 2022) |
| Children | 3, including Eleonore and Ferdinand |
| Parents |
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Karl von Habsburg (born 11 January 1961) is an Austrian politician. He is also the current head of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine. This family was once the royal family of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In Austria, his legal name is Karl Habsburg-Lothringen.
Karl is the son of Otto von Habsburg and Regina von Sachsen-Meiningen. He is also the grandson of Charles I, who was the last emperor of Austria-Hungary. Karl Habsburg was a member of the European Parliament for the Austrian People's Party from 1996 to 1999. He is known for supporting European unity and for protecting important cultural sites around the world.
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Early Life and Family History
Karl Habsburg was born on January 11, 1961, in Starnberg, Bavaria, which was then in West Germany. When he was born, his father did not have a country to call his own. His mother was a German citizen.
For the first few years of his life, Karl and his family were not allowed to live in Austria. This was because of old laws related to the former royal family. However, in 1966, the family was finally allowed to return to Austria.
About the Habsburg Family Titles
In 1961, Karl's father, Otto von Habsburg, gave up all claims to the old Austrian throne. This was a necessary step for the family to be allowed back into Austria. In Austria and Hungary, people are not allowed to use old noble or royal titles.
Karl Habsburg himself does not use these old titles. He has said that people use them out of respect for his family's history. On January 1, 2007, Karl's father passed on his role as the head of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine to Karl.
Career and Public Service
Karl Habsburg has had a varied career, focusing on politics and protecting cultural heritage.
Military Service
In 1981, Karl Habsburg joined the Austrian Armed Forces. He served as a platoon commander and later trained as a pilot. He is now a reserve captain in the Austrian Air Force. He also works as an officer who helps protect cultural sites during military operations. Since 2001, he has been the President of the European Military Paratroopers Association.
Working for Europe
Since 1986, Karl Habsburg has been the president of the Austrian branch of the Paneuropean Union. This group works to bring European countries closer together. In 1990, he led a convoy to Vilnius to deliver aid like food and medicine. This was in response to a blockade by the Soviet Union. In 1991, he helped organize aid for Dubrovnik and other parts of former Yugoslavia that were affected by conflict.
European Parliament Member
In October 1996, Karl Habsburg was elected to the European Parliament. He represented Austria as a member of the Austrian People's Party. He served in this role until 1999.
Protecting Cultural Heritage
Karl Habsburg is very passionate about protecting cultural heritage. This means saving important historical sites and objects from dangers like war or natural disasters.
From 2008 to 2020, he was the president of Blue Shield International. This organization works to protect cultural sites around the world. He strongly supported creating a "No Strike List" of cultural places that should not be attacked during conflicts. This helped encourage military forces, like NATO troops, to protect these sites.
He believes it is important for military and civilian groups to work together to protect cultural heritage. For example, he helped coordinate aid after the 2020 explosion in Beirut, Lebanon. He also gives talks and training worldwide on how the military can help protect cultural property.
Other Activities
In 1992 and 1993, Karl Habsburg hosted a TV game show in Austria called Who Is Who. He has also been involved in media and investment businesses.
Personal Life
Karl Habsburg has lived in Austria since 1981. He used to live in a home called Casa Austria near Salzburg. On January 31, 1993, he married Baroness Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza in Mariazell. They separated in 2003 and divorced in 2017.
Karl and Francesca have three children:
- Eleonore (born 1994)
- Ferdinand (born 1997)
- Gloria (born 1999)
In the spring of 2022, Karl married Christian Nicolau de Almeida Reid in Portugal.
In March 2020, Karl Habsburg tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. He recovered after almost three weeks of self-isolation. After his illness, he encouraged everyone to follow safety rules and asked people who had recovered to donate blood plasma.
Minor Issues
In 1998, Karl von Habsburg faced a minor legal issue. He was fined for not immediately telling customs officials about an antique item in his luggage when crossing the border from Switzerland. The item belonged to his wife. Also in 1998, there were some issues related to campaign funding during his election for the European Parliament.
Honours and Awards
Karl von Habsburg has received several honours and awards.
Family Honours
- House of Habsburg-Lorraine:
- Head of the Order of the Golden Fleece
- Head of the Order of the Starry Cross
- Head of the Order of Saint George
National Honours
- Tonga: Knight Grand Cross, Special Class of The Most Devoted Royal Household Order of Tonga
- Sovereign Military Order of Malta: Bailiff Grand Cross of Honour and Devotion
Other Honours
- Grand Master of the Military Order of Saint Sebastian in Europe
- Protector of the Order of Knights of Wine
- Ehrenritter of the Teutonic Order
See also
In Spanish: Carlos de Habsburgo-Lorena para niños
