Biography of Prinz Maximilian, Markgraf von Baden

Maximilian Margrave of Baden (born 3 July 1933 at Schloss Salem; died there on 29 December 2022), usually known as Max Margrave of Baden, was a German businessman and from 1963 until his death head of the House of Baden. His life was connected with Schloss Salem, Schule Schloss Salem, the Markgraf von Baden winery and the administration of historic family property on Lake Constance. In Germany after 1919, the title Margrave was carried as part of the civil name.

Family and origins

Max von Baden was born as the son of Berthold Margrave of Baden and Theodora of Greece. His grandfather was Prince Max of Baden, the last chancellor of the German Empire and a co-founder of Schule Schloss Salem. After 1918 the family no longer held a state function, but remained connected with property, history, educational institutions and public attention.

Education and military service

He attended Schule Schloss Salem and Gordonstoun in Scotland, then studied agriculture and forestry in Heidelberg and Munich. His family background was therefore linked with practical questions of forestry, agriculture, winegrowing and administration. After active service in the Bundeswehr, he remained a reserve officer until 1990, ultimately with the rank of colonel.

House of Baden and Salem

After his father's death on 27 October 1963, Max Margrave of Baden took over leadership of the House of Baden. This included economic tasks, dealing with Schloss Salem and responsibility for property that had grown historically and still had to be financed permanently. Schloss Salem remained a place where family history, school life, public attention and economic decisions closely met.

Marriage, family and succession

On 23 September 1966 he married Valerie Isabella Habsburg-Lothringen in Salem. The marriage produced four children. His son Bernhard later became hereditary prince and, after his father's death, took over leadership of the House of Baden. The family remained connected with Salem, the Lake Constance region and the Baden name, without deriving a state role from it.

Business, winegrowing and school

Max Margrave of Baden managed forestry and agricultural operations as well as the Markgraf von Baden winery. In later years, questions of ownership around Schloss Salem were reorganised; parts of the complex passed to the state of Baden-Württemberg. At the same time he remained connected with Schule Schloss Salem and followed its development also as a grandfather. His work lay in administration, preservation, sale, adaptation and passing on responsibility.

Farewell

Max Margrave of Baden died at Schloss Salem on 29 December 2022. He was 89 years old. His son Bernhard succeeded him as head of the House of Baden. His life connected historic origin, family business, school and the long-term care of cultural property.