The royal family of Oettingen is mourning the death of Prince Albrecht Ernst of Oettingen-Oettingen and Oettingen-Spielberg, who passed away on November 12, 2023, at the age of 71. His daughter, Princess Nora of Oettingen-Spielberg, a friend of the British royal family, is grappling with the loss of her father. She married Lord Max Percy, son of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, in 2017.
The news, first reported by the Royal Musings blog, resonates deeply with Prince William and Prince Harry, who have fond memories of attending hunting parties at the family’s residence, Schloss Oettingen. The late prince and his wife, Princess Angela Jank, were guests at the wedding of William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in 2011. Princess Nora and Lord Max also shared special moments with the royal family, attending the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank alongside Princess Nora’s brother, Prince Franz Albrecht, and his wife, Princess Cleopatra.
Born on February 7, 1951, Prince Albrecht Ernst inherited his title in 1975. He married Angela Jank five years later, and together they had four children: Prince Franz Albrecht, the current 12th Prince of Oettingen-Oettingen, followed by Princess Theresa (born in 1984), Princess Antonia Carolina (born in 1987), and Princess Nora (born in 1990). The family legacy continues with Prince Franz Albrecht’s son, Prince Louis Albrecht, born in 2019, who is now the heir to the title.
In the UK, Princess Nora and Lord Max are currently focused on the sale of the family’s 9,600-acre Rothbury Estate, which represents the largest land sale in England in three decades. The estate’s sale is crucial for conservation efforts, with a goal of raising £30 million to be pooled by a coalition of The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust. Notable naturalist Sir David Attenborough has publicly supported the initiative, urging the public to contribute to the campaign.
“Time is running out to save the historic Rothbury Estate,” stated Attenborough, highlighting the unique ecological and cultural significance of the land. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the natural beauty of the area, which is popular for its scenic hills and historical rock carvings. So far, the campaign has raised £8 million in donations, but concerns linger regarding the urgency of securing the remaining funds.
Located just a 45-minute drive from Newcastle, the Rothbury Estate is adjacent to Northumberland National Park and features diverse landscapes, including 1,800 acres of woodland, 12 farms, and residential properties. Despite the estate’s allure, Lord Max Percy has expressed a desire to relocate to the South of England to establish a more settled family life with Princess Nora and their children.
As the family navigates this period of grief following the loss of their patriarch, they will undoubtedly draw strength from the bonds they share and the memories of a man whose influence extended well beyond Schloss Oettingen and into the hearts of many, including members of the British royal family.
