⭐ Eugen Eberhard of Württemberg: A Legacy of Royalty and Tradition

The passing of Duke Eugen Eberhard of Württemberg on July 26, 2022, marks the end of an era for the royal family. Born in 1930, Eugen was a first cousin of King Simeon II of Bulgaria and the late Duke Carl of Württemberg, the Head of the Royal House. His life was marked by a rich history of royal connections and a unique family dynamic that set him apart from his cousins.

As the second son of Duke Albrecht Eugen of Württemberg and Princess Nadejda of Bulgaria, Eugen was part of the "Black Württembergs," a nickname given to the children of his parents due to their dark hair, which contrasted with their first cousins. With a long lineage of royal ancestors, including his paternal grandparents Duke Albrecht of Württemberg and Archduchess Margarete Sophie of Austria, Eugen's life was deeply rooted in the traditions of European royalty. His passing leaves a lasting legacy in the royal family and a testament to the enduring power of family ties.

what was duke eugen eberhard of württemberg's role in the royal house

Duke Eugen Eberhard of Württemberg (1930-2022) was a member of the royal house of Württemberg, a German royal family that ruled the Duchy of Württemberg from the 12th century until the end of World War I. As a member of the royal family, Duke Eugen held a significant position within the House of Württemberg, which was known for its rich history and cultural contributions to Europe. His role in the royal house was primarily that of a noble and a representative of the family's traditions and values.

who was the head of the royal house of württemberg during duke eugen eberhard's lifetime

During Duke Eugen Eberhard of Württemberg's lifetime (1930-2022), the head of the royal house of Württemberg was Duke Carl of Württemberg.

who was the head of the royal house of württemberg before duke eugen eberhard

Before Duke Eugen Eberhard of Württemberg, the head of the royal house of Württemberg was Duke Carl of Württemberg.

Duke Alexander, Duchess Sophie, and Duke Eugen attend the wedding of Duchess Fleur, 2003. Photograph (c) Seeger-Presse / Sandra Zellner.

Ivaylo Schalafoff, the Executive Director of the King Boris and Queen Giovanna Royal Heritage Fund, has announced that Duke Eugen of Württemberg died this afternoon (26 July), aged ninety-one. Eugen was a first cousin of the late Duke Carl of Württemberg, the Head of the Royal House, as well as first cousin of King Simeon II of Bulgaria.

Eugen's mother Princess Nadejda of Bulgaria, 1916.

The engagement of Albrecht Eugen of Württemberg and Nadejda of Bulgaria is announced in January 1924.

Newlyweds: Duke Albrecht Eugen of Württemberg and Princess Nadejda of Bulgaria.

On 2 November 1930, Duke Eugen Eberhard Albrecht Maria Joseph Ivan Rilsky Robert Ulrich Philipp Odo Carl Hubert of Württemberg was born at Karlsruhe. Eugen was the third child and second son of Duke Albrecht Eugen of Württemberg (1895-1954) and Princess Nadejda of Bulgaria (1899-1958), who married in 1924. Eugen joined two older siblings, and was followed by two younger siblings: Duke Ferdinand (1927-2020), Duchess Margarethe (1928-2017; married to François Luce de Chevigny), Duke Alexander (b.1933), and Duchess Sophie (b.1937; married and divorced Antonio Manuel Rôxo de Ramos-Bandeira). The family became known as the "Black Württembergs" as the children of Albrecht Eugen and Nadejda all had dark hair, which put them in contrast with their first cousins, the children of Albrecht Eugen's brother Philipp.

Duke Albrecht of Württemberg and Archduchess Margarete Sophie of Austria Image (c) ALAMY

Eugen's paternal grandparents were Duke Albrecht of Württemberg (1865-1939) and Archduchess Margarete Sophie of Austria (1870-1902). The duke's maternal grandparents were King Ferdinand of Bulgaria (1861-1948) and Princess Marie Louise of Bourbon-Parma (1870-1899).

Duke Alexander, Duchess Sophie, and Duke Eugen in Coburg, 2001.

Duke Eugen and his brother Duke Alexander at the wedding of Prince Karl Emich zu Leiningen, 2008.

Duke Eugen worked as a banker and he lived in Frankfurt.

Duchess Sophie, Antonio Manuel Rôxo de Ramos-Bandeira, Duke Ferdinand, Duchess Margarethe, Princess Eudoxia of Bulgaria, Duchess Alexandra and Duke Eugen Eberhard, 1969.

On 31 August 1962 at Mondsee, Duke Eugen of Württemberg civilly married Archduchess Alexandra of Austria (b.1935), a daughter of Archduke Anton of Austria and Princess Ileana of Romania. The couple's religious wedding followed on 3 September 1962. Eugen and Alexandra did not have children, and the pair's union was dissolved by divorce on 6 April 1972 at Frankfurt. The Holy See annulled their marriage on 7 November 1973.

May the Duke Rest In Peace.

As we conclude our tribute to the life and legacy of Duke Eugen Eberhard of Württemberg, we are reminded of the profound impact he had on the royal family and the world at large. His passing marks the end of an era, but his memory will live on through the countless lives he touched and the traditions he helped preserve. As we reflect on his remarkable journey, we are reminded that even in the face of adversity, the power of family and heritage can be a source of strength and inspiration. It is our hope that the stories and memories shared in this article will serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of Duke Eugen Eberhard and the royal house of Württemberg.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, we are left with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to learn from his life and the lessons he imparted. His dedication to the preservation of royal traditions and his commitment to the values of his family are a shining example of the importance of heritage and the role it plays in shaping our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. As we move forward, it is our hope that the lessons learned from Duke Eugen Eberhard's life will continue to inspire future generations to cherish and honor their own family histories and traditions. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him and may his legacy continue to inspire and guide us in the years to come.