Biography of Prinzessin Elisabeth, Herzogin von Hohenberg

Princess Elisabeth of Luxembourg, later Duchess of Hohenberg (born 22 December 1922 at Berg Castle; died 22 November 2011 in Fischbach), was a member of Luxembourg's grand ducal family. She was the second child of Grand Duchess Charlotte and Prince Felix of Bourbon-Parma, sister of Grand Duke Jean and aunt of Grand Duke Henri.

Family

Elisabeth was born at Berg Castle, a central place for Luxembourg's ruling family. Her childhood fell between the two world wars. Within the family she came between her elder brother Jean and her younger siblings Marie-Adélaïde, Marie-Gabrielle, Charles and Alix. Through her mother she belonged to the House of Nassau, and through her father to the Bourbon-Parma family.

Engagement

On 22 November 1955, her engagement to Prince Franz Ferdinand of Hohenberg was announced and celebrated at Fischbach Castle. He was the son of Maximilian of Hohenberg and Elisabeth of Waldburg zu Wolfegg und Waldsee. The match connected Luxembourg's grand ducal family with the House of Hohenberg, whose history was closely tied to Austrian history.

Marriage to Franz Ferdinand of Hohenberg

On 9 May 1956, Elisabeth married Prince Franz Ferdinand of Hohenberg in Luxembourg. The wedding took place at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg. The couple had two daughters: Anita von Hohenberg and Sophie de Potesta. After 1977, Elisabeth later returned to Luxembourg.

Luxembourg and Hohenberg

Elisabeth's life connected two European family histories. In Luxembourg she remained part of the family around Grand Duchess Charlotte, Grand Duke Jean and the following generation. Through her marriage she was also connected with the House of Hohenberg, the family of the descendants of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Sophie of Hohenberg.

Later years

Princess Elisabeth died on 22 November 2011 in Fischbach, one month before her 89th birthday. She was the mother of Anita von Hohenberg and Sophie de Potesta. Her funeral took place on 3 December 2011 in Artstetten, Austria; in December a service in her memory was held in Luxembourg.