Archduke Leo Stefan of Austria, a member of the Teschen line of the Austrian imperial family, passed away on February 3, 2020, at the age of ninety-one. Born on June 12, 1928, in Zywiec, Poland, Leo Stefan was the eldest son of Archduke Leo Karl of Austria and Countess Marie Clotilde “Maja” von Montjoye-Vaufrey et de la Roche. His family’s history is marked by a unique circumstance: his parents’ 1922 marriage was considered morganatic, which initially prevented their children from inheriting the titles of their father’s dynasty.
However, this situation was reversed by Archduke Otto and his son Archduke Karl, who decreed that male-line descendants of archdukes who had contracted morganatic marriages would be upgraded to the title of Count(ess) von Habsburg and later to the title of Archduke/Archduchess of Austria. This change in status allowed Leo Stefan to bear the title of Archduke of Austria, a distinction that reflects his family’s rich history and heritage. His life and legacy serve as a testament to the enduring significance of the Austrian imperial family.
what were the key achievements of Archduke Leo Stefan of Austria during his lifetime
what were Archduke Leo Stefan’s contributions to the Polish Army
what specific roles did Archduke Leo Stefan hold in the Polish Army
Death notice of Leo Habsburg, Archduke of Austria. |
On Monday, 3 February 2020, Archduke Leo Stefan of Austria died at Lochen am See, Austria. He was ninety-one years-old. Leo Stefan was buried on Saturday, 8 February 2020, at the Pfarrkirche Lochen am See. The archduke belonged to the Teschen line of the Austrian imperial family.
Archduke Leo Karl of Austria. |
Born on 12 June 1928 at Zywiec in Poland, Leo-Stefan Maria Carl Wolfgang Rudolf Fidelis Habsburg was the eldest son and fourth child of Archduke Leo Karl of Austria (1893-1939) and Countess Marie Clotilde “Maja” von Montjoye-Vaufrey et de la Roche (1893-1978). The 1922 marriage of Leo Karl and Maja was considered to be morganatic; therefore, their children did not bear the titles of their father’s dynasty. This situation was reversed by Archduke Otto and his son Archduke Karl, Heads of the Imperial House of Austria, who decreed that male-line descendants of archdukes who had contracted morganatic marriages would be upgraded to the title of Count(ess) von Habsburg and, later, to the title of Archduke/Archduchess of Austria.
The five children of Archduke Leo Karl of Austria and Countess Maja von Montjoye-Vaufrey. |
Leo Stefan had three older siblings: Maria Desiderata (1923-1988; married and divorced Count Wolfgang von Hartig), Mechthildis (1924-2000; married Count and Marchese Manfred Piatti), Elisabeth (1927-2014). Leo Stefan had one younger brother, Hugo (1930-1981; married Eleonore Kristen).
Archduke Leo Stefan of Austria. |
what were Archduke Leo Stefan’s military achievements
Archduke Leo Stefan of Austria, a member of the Teschen line of the Austrian imperial family, passed away on February 3, 2020, at the age of ninety-one. Born on June 12, 1928, in Zywiec, Poland, Leo Stefan was the eldest son of Archduke Leo Karl of Austria and Countess Marie Clotilde “Maja” von Montjoye-Vaufrey et de la Roche. His family’s history is marked by a unique circumstance: his parents’ 1922 marriage was considered morganatic, which initially prevented their children from inheriting the titles of their father’s dynasty. However, this situation was reversed by Archduke Otto and his son Archduke Karl, who decreed that male-line descendants of archdukes who had contracted morganatic marriages would be upgraded to the title of Count(ess) von Habsburg and later to the title of Archduke/Archduchess of Austria. This change in status allowed Leo Stefan to bear the title of Archduke of Austria, a distinction that reflects his family’s rich history and heritage.
Archduke Leo Stefan’s life and legacy serve as a testament to the enduring significance of the Austrian imperial family. His family’s history is a testament to the complexities and nuances of the Habsburg dynasty, which has been marked by both triumph and tragedy. The Archduke Leo Stefan of Austria was a significant figure in the history of the Habsburg family, and his passing marks the end of an era. His life was marked by a deep commitment to his family and his heritage, and his legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come. As we reflect on the life of Archduke Leo Stefan, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and the significance of the Habsburg dynasty in shaping European history. His story is a powerful reminder of the enduring power of family and tradition, and we are honored to have had the opportunity to share it with you.