Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Europe Bids Farewell to Last von Habsburg Heir

Last heir to Austro-Hungarian empire buried alongside wife

By the Associated Press

Posted Jul 16, 2011 6:17 AM CDT

(AP) – European royals are gathering in Vienna for the funeral of Otto von Habsburg, the son of Austria's last emperor, and his wife. Among the guests expected are Sweden's king and queen; the ruling grand duke and grand duchess of Luxembourg; Liechtenstein's ruling duke and duchess, and the former kings of Romania and Bulgaria. Royalty from Britain, Belgium, and Spain should also be there.

Adding color to today's pomp-filled ceremony will be hundreds of men and women dressed in traditional uniforms that date back to Austro-Hungarian empire. Habsburg died July 4 at age 98 in southern Germany. His wife, Regina, died last year. The dynasty ruled for more than seven centuries until the end of World War I.

In this Dec. 3, 1936 file picture, Archduke Otto von Habsburg poses in a captain's uniform. A spokeswoman says the oldest son of Austria-Hungary's last emperor has died at age 98.
In this Dec. 3, 1936 file picture, Archduke Otto von Habsburg poses in a captain's uniform. A spokeswoman says the oldest son of Austria-Hungary's last emperor has died at age 98.   (AP Photo,File)
Georg von Habsburg, left, and Karl von Habsburg, right, sons of Otto von Habsburg and his wife Regina wait for the coffins of their parents for a ceremony in Mariazell, Austria, Tuesday July 12, 2011.
Georg von Habsburg, left, and Karl von Habsburg, right, sons of Otto von Habsburg and his wife Regina wait for the coffins of their parents for a ceremony in Mariazell, Austria, Tuesday July 12, 2011.   (AP Photo/dapd Hans Punz)
Riflemen carry the coffins of Otto von Habsburg and his wife Regina in Mariazell, Austria, Tuesday July 12, 2011.
Riflemen carry the coffins of Otto von Habsburg and his wife Regina in Mariazell, Austria, Tuesday July 12, 2011.   (AP Photo/dapd Hans Punz)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
My TakeCLICK BELOW TO VOTE
5%
33%
46%
3%
0%
13%
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
HMunster
Jul 18, 2011 6:01 AM CDT
The Wicked Witch of the West just called, dude. She wants her hat back...
Edgar
Jul 16, 2011 9:26 AM CDT
What is there left to say, we are witnessing the collapse of European civilisation.  When Kings and Emperors reviewed their troops at magnificent parades, when people fell in behind their leaders marching to what seemed like never ending progress to greater things.  Every country should have a monarch.
Rammrodd
Jul 16, 2011 8:18 AM CDT
That's very sad. The Hapsburgs were an amazing and important family in the history of Europe and the world.

Copyright 2013 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

 
Austria • royalty • funeral • Otto von Habsburg

 
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Timelines   |   POPSUGAR Tech   |   Business Insider   |   HuffPost Entertainment   |   NewsOne