Europe Bids Farewell to Last von Habsburg Heir

Last heir to Austro-Hungarian empire buried alongside wife
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jul 16, 2011 6:17 AM CDT
Otto von Habsburg, Final Heir to Austro-Hungarian Empire, Buried Today
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)

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. (More Otto von Habsburg stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X