Princesses of Thurn und Taxis: Lives of Royalty

The illustrious House of Thurn und Taxis, a name synonymous with European aristocracy and historical influence, has a rich tapestry woven with the lives of remarkable women. From their origins deeply rooted in the Holy Roman Empire, this noble family has played a significant role, particularly in postal services, which earned them immense wealth and standing. Beyond their entrepreneurial prowess, their lineage is replete with figures who navigated the complexities of royal life, enduring both personal triumphs and profound tragedies. This article delves into the captivating stories of two such princesses: Helene in Bavaria, famously known as Néné, and Elisabeth Helene von Thurn und Taxis, offering a glimpse into their lives, their legacies, and the often-overlooked personal struggles behind the grand titles.

Helene in Bavaria: The Unconventional Duchess and Formidable Matriarch

Born Caroline Therese Helene, Duchess in Bavaria, on 4th April 1834 in Munich, she was affectionately known as "Néné" or "Lenza." As the eldest daughter of Duke Max in Bavaria and Princess Ludovika of Bavaria, Helene's early life was far from the fairytale often associated with royalty. Accounts from her own family painted a candid picture; her aunt, Queen Elisabeth of Prussia, described the seven-year-old as "squinting and unhappily ugly," an impression echoed by Archduchess Sophie of Austria years later, noting the "poor Helene... not pretty." More tellingly, her niece Amelie recalled in her memoirs that Helene had made her mother, Duchess Ludovika, "life sour" during her "maiden years," suggesting a spirited and perhaps challenging disposition. This early portrayal sets the stage for a woman who would navigate life with a unique resilience.

A persistent historical myth surrounding Helene involves a supposed planned engagement to Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria in 1853. The narrative often suggests that Helene, rather than her younger sister Elisabeth (the future Empress Sisi), was the intended bride. However, recent scholarly examination of primary sources, including the correspondence of Archduchess Sophie and Duchess Ludovika, reveals no evidence whatsoever to support this claim. This debunking highlights the often-romanticised nature of historical accounts versus the meticulous reality of archival research. The engagement of Franz Joseph to Sisi, though perhaps unexpected by some, did not, contrary to popular belief, sour the relationship between the two sisters.

Despite being considered an "old maid" at 22, Helene's fortunes changed. Through her mother's efforts, she met the wealthy Hereditary Prince Maximilian Anton von Thurn und Taxis. Maximilian was immediately captivated by Helene. Despite initial dynastic objections from King Maximilian of Bavaria, who felt the Thurn und Taxis family, as mediatised princes, were not entirely equal to the sovereign Wittelsbachs, Empress Elisabeth's influence on the King ultimately paved the way for the union. Their wedding took place on 24th August 1858 in Possenhofen. As a wedding gift, her in-laws presented her with a magnificent collier valued at 160,000 Gulden. Their marriage proved to be the only truly happy one among the Bavarian siblings, a stark contrast to her younger sisters, whose extravagant private lives frequently drew public attention.

Helene quickly embraced her role within the Thurn und Taxis family. She gave birth to four children:

• Princess Louise (born 1859)
• Hereditary Prince Maximilian Maria (born 1862)
• Prince Albert (born 1867)
• Princess Elisabeth (born 1867)

Shortly after the birth of her second child in 1860, she travelled to Corfu to visit her gravely ill sister Elisabeth. Upon her return, she informed Emperor Franz Joseph in Vienna about his wife's poor health. The happiness of her marriage was tragically cut short by her husband Maximilian's severe kidney ailment. Despite seeking cures in Karlsbad and consulting the best doctors, he succumbed to his illness in 1867 at the young age of 35.

Widowhood did not diminish Helene's spirit; instead, it revealed her extraordinary strength. She immersed herself in charitable activities and, remarkably, was entrusted with the guardianship of her children by the Austrian Emperor. Her father-in-law, recognising her inherent capabilities, began to induct her into the business affairs of the House of Thurn und Taxis, seeing in her a pillar of support and a capable successor. She served as the family head until her eldest son reached adulthood, a testament to her royal resilience and administrative acumen.

Tragedy, however, continued to shadow her life. In 1877, her younger daughter Elisabeth married Prince Miguel of Braganza, but her health deteriorated after the birth of her first child in 1878, and she passed away in 1881. Following this immense loss, Helene withdrew from public life. In 1883, her eldest son, Maximilian Maria, took over the family businesses. However, this highly educated young man also fell ill, suffering severe heart attacks at nearly 23 years old and dying of a pulmonary infarction in 1885. Once again, Helene stepped forward to lead the family until her second son, Albert, came of age in 1888 and assumed control. After this, Helene retreated further into her faith.

Helene herself fell gravely ill in 1890 with an abdominal ailment, suffering fever and unexpected chills. Her son Albert promptly informed her sister Elisabeth, who rushed to her side. Elisabeth was the last person to speak with Néné. Empress Elisabeth's daughter, Archduchess Marie Valerie, recorded their poignant final dialogue in her diary, conducted in English: "‘We two have had hard puffs in our lives,’ Mama said. ‘Yes but we had hearts,’ Aunt Nene replied." Helene in Bavaria died on 16th May 1890 at the age of 56. Before her death, she had arranged for the destruction of her private letters, preserving her personal thoughts from posterity. Her death chamber was later converted into a chapel by her son, where he also married on 15th July 1890. Her enduring legacy is also marked by the Helenentor in Regensburg, completed in 1908, a gate named in her honour that continues to serve as a significant architectural feature near Schloss St. Emmeram.

Elisabeth Helene von Thurn und Taxis: A Princess of the Modern Era

Born Elisabeth Helene Maria Valerie Franziska Maximiliane Antonie Princess von Thurn und Taxis on 15th December 1903 at Schloss St. Emmeram, Regensburg, she was the only daughter of Albert, the last reigning Prince of Thurn und Taxis, and his consort Margarethe, born Archduchess of Austria. Her birth marked a period of transition for European royalty, as the old empires began to wane.

On 16th June 1923, Elisabeth Helene married Friedrich Christian, Prince of Saxony, the second son of the last King of Saxony. This union further cemented the Thurn und Taxis family's connections within the European aristocracy. Together, Friedrich Christian and Elisabeth Helene had five children, ensuring the continuation of a distinguished regal lineage:

• Maria Emanuel (born 31st January 1926, Schloss Prüfening; died 23rd July 2012, La Tour-de-Peilz) – Head of the House of Wettin-Albertine Line since 1968.
• Maria Josepha (born 20th September 1928, Bad Wörishofen).
• Maria Anna Josepha (born 13th December 1929, Bad Wörishofen; died 13th March 2012, Munich); married 1952 Roberto Afif Prince von Gessaphe (1916–1978).
• Albert Joseph Maria Franz Xaver (born 30th November 1934, Bamberg; died 6th October 2012, Munich).
• Mathilde Maria Josepha Anna Xaveria (born 17th January 1936, Bamberg; died 17th March 2018, Sistrans/Tirol); married 1968 Johannes Prince von Saxe-Coburg and Gotha-Kohary (1931–2010), divorced 1993.

Elisabeth Helene passed away on 22nd October 1976 in Munich and was laid to rest next to the Königskapelle Imst-Brennbichl in North Tyrol. Her life, spanning much of the 20th century, saw immense changes in the world, yet she maintained the traditions and dignity associated with her noble heritage.

A Comparative Glance: Two Princesses, Different Eras

While both Helene in Bavaria and Elisabeth Helene von Thurn und Taxis held the esteemed title of princess, their lives unfolded in vastly different contexts. Helene, born in the mid-19th century, experienced the height of European monarchy, albeit with personal struggles that challenged the idyllic image of royal life. Her role as a formidable matriarch stepping into the shoes of family headship after multiple tragedies showcases a strength rarely seen. Elisabeth Helene, born at the dawn of the 20th century, lived through two World Wars and the dismantling of many European monarchies, yet continued to embody the grace and lineage of her ancestors.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Princesses of Thurn und Taxis

Who was Helene "Néné" in Bavaria?
Helene, born Caroline Therese Helene, Duchess in Bavaria, was the eldest daughter of Duke Max in Bavaria and Princess Ludovika of Bavaria. She was known for her strong character and her eventual marriage to Hereditary Prince Maximilian Anton von Thurn und Taxis. She was also the elder sister of Empress Elisabeth ("Sisi") of Austria.

What was Helene's relationship with Empress Sisi?
Helene and Sisi were sisters. Despite the popular misconception that Helene was initially intended for Emperor Franz Joseph, their relationship remained strong and supportive throughout their lives. Sisi was present at Helene's deathbed, sharing a poignant final conversation.

Did Helene almost marry Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria?
No. While this is a widely circulated historical anecdote, recent research of primary sources has found no evidence to support the claim that Helene was ever intended to marry Emperor Franz Joseph. The engagement between Franz Joseph and Sisi proceeded without any indication of a prior plan involving Helene.

Who was Elisabeth Helene von Thurn und Taxis?
Elisabeth Helene von Thurn und Taxis was the only daughter of Albert, the last reigning Prince of Thurn und Taxis. Born in 1903, she married Friedrich Christian, Prince of Saxony, and had five children. Her life represented the continuation of noble lines into the 20th century.

What is the significance of the Thurn und Taxis family in European history?
The House of Thurn und Taxis is a prominent German noble family with a rich history. They are most famously known for establishing and operating the first large-scale postal service in Europe, the Kaiserliche Reichspost, from the late 15th century, which significantly contributed to their wealth and influence, allowing them to secure princely status within the Holy Roman Empire.

The lives of Helene in Bavaria and Elisabeth Helene von Thurn und Taxis offer fascinating insights into the shifting landscape of European aristocracy. From Helene's remarkable journey as a resilient matriarch navigating personal tragedies and assuming leadership, to Elisabeth Helene's role in maintaining noble traditions through the turbulent 20th century, these princesses embodied strength, dignity, and a profound connection to their esteemed heritage. Their stories, though centuries apart, resonate with themes of duty, family, and the enduring legacy of a house that once connected an entire continent.

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