The Thurn und Taxis Dynasty: Legacy & Modernity

The name Thurn und Taxis resonates with centuries of European history, conjuring images of immense wealth, aristocratic grandeur, and a legacy deeply intertwined with the very fabric of communication across the continent. From their pioneering role in establishing the first postal systems to their modern-day prominence, the Princely House of Thurn und Taxis remains a subject of enduring fascination. Today, the family continues to capture public attention, particularly through the colourful and often controversial figure of Princess Gloria, and the more recent, quieter emergence of Princess Alessandra, who represents a new generation within this storied dynasty.

The Enduring Legacy of Thurn und Taxis: A Postal Empire and Vast Fortune

For centuries, the House of Thurn und Taxis held a unique position in European history, largely due to their establishment and operation of private postal services across vast swathes of the Holy Roman Empire and beyond. This monumental undertaking laid the groundwork for modern communication and amassed an extraordinary fortune, solidifying their status as one of Europe's wealthiest and most influential noble families. Their wealth was not merely in cash but in an extensive portfolio of land, properties, industrial holdings, and even private banks.

This immense legacy was inherited by Johannes von Thurn und Taxis, the 11th Prince, a figure who, despite his traditional aristocratic background, found himself married to a woman who would become a modern media sensation. His unexpected death would thrust his young widow into the challenging role of managing this vast, complex inheritance, a task she approached with both shrewd business acumen and a flair for the dramatic.

Mariae Gloria: From Punk Princess to Controversial Figurehead

Mariae Gloria von Thurn und Taxis, born Countess von Schönburg-Glauchau, entered the public consciousness with a splash. Her marriage in 1980 to Johannes von Thurn und Taxis, who was significantly older, quickly made headlines. Initially dubbed the 'Punk Princess' or 'Princess TNT' by the tabloid press, Gloria was known for her flamboyant fashion, unique hairstyles, and a vibrant jet-set lifestyle that stood in stark contrast to traditional aristocratic reserve. She was a darling of the international social scene, embodying an era of aristocratic glamour mixed with rebellious youth culture.

However, her world dramatically shifted with the severe illness and eventual death of her husband in 1990, following two heart transplants. Shortly before his passing, Johannes granted her a general power of attorney, a critical decision that empowered her to take the reins of the family enterprise. Faced with a daunting inheritance tax bill of approximately 45 million Deutsche Marks and a complex, sprawling business empire that needed urgent restructuring, Princess Gloria rose to the challenge. She meticulously managed the family's assets, which included numerous private banks, countless properties, industrial interests, and a brewery. With the assistance of seasoned professionals, notably Nicolas Hayek, she successfully restructured and revitalised the family's finances. To cover the inheritance tax, she famously auctioned off a portion of the family's heritage at Sotheby's in 1992, a move that garnered significant attention but ultimately stabilised their financial standing. As of 2024, her personal wealth is estimated at a staggering 3 billion Euros, a testament to her remarkable business acumen.

Beyond her financial stewardship, Princess Gloria has also ensured the continued public relevance of Schloss St. Emmeram, the family's magnificent ancestral seat in Regensburg. In 1998, the Princely Treasury Thurn und Taxis, a branch of the Bavarian National Museum, was opened within the castle grounds. The stately rooms of the castle museum, the riding hall, and the refectory are regularly used for grand events, including the renowned Regensburg Schlossfestspiele, ensuring the castle remains a vibrant cultural hub.

A Shift in Public Persona: The Rise of Controversy

While her initial public image was defined by her youthful exuberance, since the turn of the millennium, Princess Gloria's public persona has undergone a significant transformation. She has increasingly become known as a vocal proponent of radical Catholicism and a staunch supporter of right-wing and conservative political views. This shift has led to numerous controversial statements and actions, often drawing considerable criticism and media scrutiny.

One of her most widely reported controversial remarks came in 2001, during a talk show, where she attributed AIDS deaths in Africa not to a lack of contraception but to people "snackseln" (a German colloquialism for having sex) "too much." She later clarified this by suggesting it was due to people wearing less clothing in warmer climates. Such statements have frequently been labelled as racist and insensitive.

Her strong religious convictions have also shaped her public discourse. She is closely associated with the pro-life movement, vehemently opposing abortion and speaking of a "culture of death and killing." She welcomed the election of Pope Benedict XVI as an answer to her prayers, expressing that his words helped her navigate life's challenges. Her traditionalist views extend to her criticism of the Ecumenical Church Day in Munich in 2010, which she dismissed as an "ecumenical fair." She also supports the readmission of the Tridentine Mass and advocates for dialogue with the Society of Saint Pius X, considering them "our brothers and closest relatives" who have "fallen away from Rome."

In 2012, during a television appearance, she argued against condom vending machines in schools, likening them to cigarette or "hashish machines." When challenged about teenage contraception, she famously retorted that teenagers "should rather play tennis." She further asserted that humans are "monogamous animals" and that sharing partners, as was common in the 1968 counter-culture, is detrimental for women, concluding that "the education towards promiscuity is not a good idea. It harms society in the long term."

Politically, Princess Gloria has embraced increasingly radical positions. In 2015, she warned that the refugee crisis in Germany was "a kind of war" and that accepting refugees was the harbinger of "a third world war." She has consistently aligned herself with conservative and right-wing figures. In 2016, she hosted Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller for a book presentation at her castle, inviting guests from across the conservative spectrum, including Peter Gauweiler, Henryk M. Broder, and figures associated with the AfD party like Sven von Storch and Michael Klonovsky. Müller's presence was seen as a stand against the "Zeitgeist."

Her connections extend internationally; in 2017, she joined the supervisory board of the Kremlin-affiliated Dialogue of Civilizations Research Institute. Her views on Russia are distinctly pro-Russian, as evidenced by her 2019 statement at a St. Petersburg economic forum, where she called for an end to "Russia-phobia in Europe," claiming that "the Russian way of life is what we need here in Europe." When questioned about the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, she asserted a lack of informed perspective, suggesting only the "Western warring party's" view was available and that there was an "information blockade." She stated, "We only know, Putin is evil, Zelensky is great," implying a more complex reality.

Princess Gloria has also faced strong criticism for her comments on social issues. In 2017, regarding the child abuse cases at the Regensburger Domspatzen choir, she dismissed the idea that the institution enabled the abuse as "total nonsense," claiming sexual abuse exists in every school and sports club and always will. She defended Cardinal Müller and even described physical beatings as a "very normal pedagogical tool," drawing outrage from victims' advocates. In 2018, she described same-sex marriage as the "handwriting of the disrupter and confuser," meaning the devil, in the right-wing magazine Cato. She also labelled early sex education as a "form of child abuse" and criticized counter-demonstrators during a "Bus for Freedom of Opinion" tour as not being "Regensburgers."

Her controversial statements have had tangible consequences. In January 2019, the Museo del Barrio in New York City withdrew a planned honour due to her remarks and connections to former Trump strategist Stephen Bannon. She dismissed this as an "excessive dictatorship of conviction" where "the philistines had taken over." In the same year, she was a speaker at the World Family Congress in Verona, a gathering of ultra-conservative Christians that the Vatican distanced itself from and which sparked massive protests. In October 2019, she was quoted saying that "the only two people in the world who give us clarity today are Donald Trump and Gerhard Ludwig Müller," even asserting that Müller was "the Donald Trump of the Catholic Church."

Her stance on climate change is equally contentious. In 2019, she spoke of a "systematic misleading" in the climate debate, suggesting it was "suggested that humans are to blame for climate change." She called for science to depoliticise the debate, stating in 2020 that science was "absolutely divided on whether we can turn back the climate like a heater," and that it was "money-making." She advocates for nuclear power as the solution for climate protection.

In December 2019, she withdrew her signature from a petition criticising Pope Francis for "idolatry" after local bishop Rudolf Voderholzer expressed disapproval. In 2020, she criticised the Catholic Church for behaving like a "UN-compatible NGO" and condemned the cancellation of church services during the COVID-19 pandemic as "pure harassment," believing that most churches were large enough to maintain distance. She even suggested that the devil was the cause of the coronavirus and other earthly ills, viewing it as a "sign from God."

More recently, in late 2022, she appeared on Julian Reichelt's YouTube show, where she claimed Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, used "racism as a business model." She also downplayed criticism of Arab countries' treatment of homosexuality, stating that gay people in the Middle East were "decent people" who "discreetly treat their bedroom and their sexuality for religious reasons. Just like decent people do here." Her comments sparked the "Thurn und Toxisch" campaign and widespread criticism. She has also claimed that democracy "no longer exists" and is being "dismantled" through "massive steps."

Her increasingly radical views have led to significant public backlash. In 2023, 100 representatives of Regensburg's cultural scene called for a boycott of the Regensburg Schlossfestspiele, of which she is the patron, citing her "racist, homophobic, and anti-science statements" and "right-wing conservative radicalisation." This led to the Regensburg energy and water supply company (REWAG) and BMW withdrawing their financial support. In July 2023, she hosted a fundraising dinner for former intelligence chief Hans-Georg Maaßen, who was facing expulsion from the CDU party. The event was attended by figures from right-wing circles, including some who later organised the controversial "Potsdam meeting" on "remigration." She defended her actions by asserting her right to free speech and stating that she knows "no right-wing extremist positions, nor right-wing extremist people." In April 2024, she participated in the National Conservatism (NatCon) conference in Brussels, alongside figures like Viktor Orbán and Nigel Farage. In May 2024, she controversially described the far-right AfD politician Björn Höcke as a "German idealist." More recently, in September 2024, it was reported she gifted concert tickets worth $900 to US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, who attended the Regensburg Schlossfestspiele in 2023, stating he was a "private friend." For the 2024 and 2025 Schlossfestspiele, she invited AfD politicians Maximilian Krah and Alice Weidel, defending it as making the party "really interesting" and a matter of "freedom of opinion."

Princess Alessandra: A New Chapter for the Family

While Princess Gloria navigates the complex landscape of public controversy, a new, quieter chapter has unfolded for the Thurn und Taxis family with the emergence of Princess Alessandra. She is married to Philipp Prinz von Thurn und Taxis, the grandnephew of Princess Gloria. Philipp, 44 at the time of his civil wedding, married Alessandra Caspari, who was 35 at the time of their church wedding. A little over a year ago from the latest information, Princess Alessandra was 36 when she and Philipp, then 45, celebrated their romantic dream wedding near Schloss Neuschwanstein.

Their church wedding took place in the picturesque St. Coleman Church in Schwangau, Bavaria, following a civil ceremony the day before. Alessandra arrived in a pastel-yellow vintage convertible, captivating onlookers. Philipp was visibly moved, reportedly wiping away a tear at the sight of his beautiful bride. Alessandra, too, expressed her excitement, stating she was "looking forward to my beautiful husband and was, of course, under high tension."

Princess Alessandra's bridal look was elegant and traditional: a floor-length white wedding dress with a high-necked lace insert at the décolletage from a Munich boutique. Her blonde hair was styled in an updo, adorned with the laurel tiara from the House of Thurn und Taxis, encrusted with numerous stones, and a veil. With her marriage, Alessandra Caspari officially became a Princess of Thurn und Taxis.

The wedding celebration was attended by prominent family members, including Prince Albert von Thurn und Taxis, 35, and his sister Maria Theresia, 38, with her husband Hugo Wilson, 37. Notably, Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis, then 59, was absent from the festivities. Following the ceremony, the newlywed couple departed in a carriage drawn by six horses to a nearby hotel to continue the celebrations with their guests.

The family expanded further on December 19, 2020, when Philipp and Alessandra welcomed their first child, a son. Mother and child were reported to be in good health, and the parents and grandparents were overjoyed. The baby was given a historically significant Bavarian name: Tassilo Max Emanuel Albert Emmeram Antonius Maria Lamoral. The young prince will carry the title "Prince" and belongs to the German high nobility, being a direct descendant of Duchess Helene in Bavaria, known as Néné, who was the elder sister of Empress Sisi of Austria. The name Tassilo has deep Bavarian roots, dating back to the 7th century, and is also linked to the German word for badger (Dachs), which is the heraldic animal of the Thurn und Taxis family.

The Thurn und Taxis Legacy Today

The Thurn und Taxis family continues to be a fascinating study in the navigation of historical legacy and modern challenges. While Princess Gloria's outspoken and often controversial political and social views keep the family name in the headlines, drawing both fervent support and strong condemnation, the younger generation, exemplified by Princess Alessandra and Prince Philipp, appears to be carving out a more private and traditional path. The family's vast wealth, historical significance, and the ongoing public interest in their affairs ensure that the House of Thurn und Taxis remains a prominent fixture in European aristocracy, constantly balancing its rich past with the demands and criticisms of the contemporary world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Princess Alessandra?

Princess Alessandra is the wife of Philipp Prinz von Thurn und Taxis, who is the grandnephew of the well-known Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis. She became a princess upon her marriage.

How old is Princess Alessandra?

According to the provided information, Princess Alessandra was 35 at the time of her church wedding to Philipp Prinz von Thurn und Taxis. A subsequent report stated she was 36 at the time of their wedding celebration, which occurred a little over a year before the birth of their son in December 2020. Therefore, as of late 2020/early 2021, she was 36 years old.

What is the Thurn und Taxis family known for?

The Thurn und Taxis family is historically renowned for establishing and operating the first large-scale postal services in Europe, particularly within the Holy Roman Empire. They amassed immense wealth and influence through this enterprise. Today, they are also known for their vast real estate holdings, cultural events at their ancestral Schloss St. Emmeram, and the prominent public figure of Princess Gloria.

Who manages the Thurn und Taxis fortune today?

Since the death of her husband Johannes von Thurn und Taxis in 1990, Mariae Gloria von Thurn und Taxis has managed the vast family fortune. Although her son became the official head of the house in 2001 upon reaching adulthood, Princess Gloria continues to de facto manage the family's assets and represents the family publicly.

Why is Princess Gloria controversial?

Princess Gloria has become controversial due to her increasingly radical and outspoken views on religion, politics, and social issues. Her statements on topics such as AIDS in Africa, abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, climate change, and immigration, as well as her association with and support for right-wing political figures and movements, have drawn significant criticism and led to public protests and sponsor withdrawals from events associated with her.

What is Schloss St. Emmeram?

Schloss St. Emmeram is the magnificent ancestral home of the Princely House of Thurn und Taxis, located in Regensburg, Germany. It is a former Benedictine monastery that was secularised and acquired by the family. Today, parts of the castle are open to the public, including the Princely Treasury, and its grounds are used for large cultural events, most notably the annual Regensburg Schlossfestspiele.

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