Today, Archduchess Eilika of Austria celebrates a significant milestone in her life: her 50th birthday. Born on August 22, 1972, in Bad Segeberg, Germany, Eilika has led a life marked by dedication to her family, philanthropy, and a passion for equestrian sports. Her journey began with her marriage to Archduke Georg of Austria in 1997, and since then, she has been actively involved in various charitable initiatives and has become a prominent figure in European royal circles.
As she marks this important anniversary, it is a fitting moment to reflect on her remarkable achievements. From founding the Eilika of Habsburg Foundation in Hungary to promoting equestrian sports, Archduchess Eilika has consistently demonstrated her commitment to making a positive impact. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of giving back to the community. As we celebrate her 50th birthday, we honor her remarkable life and look forward to the many contributions she will continue to make in the years to come.
what are some key achievements of Archduchess Eilika's career
- Founding the Eilika of Habsburg Foundation: In September 1998, Archduchess Eilika founded the Eilika of Habsburg Foundation in Hungary. The foundation has provided support to hospitals and social institutions in the country, demonstrating her commitment to philanthropy.
- Promoting Equestrian Sports: Archduchess Eilika has been actively involved in promoting equestrian sports, encouraging both adults and children to participate by facilitating training and practice. This reflects her passion for the sport and her dedication to promoting physical activity.
- Marriage and Family: Archduchess Eilika is married to Archduke Georg of Austria, and they have three children together: Archduchess Zsófia "Sophie" (b.2001), Archduchess Ildiko (b.2002), and Archduke Károly-Konstantin (b.2004). This highlights her role as a devoted mother and wife.
- Education and Career: Archduchess Eilika has pursued higher education, attending the Sorbonne in Paris, studying Spanish in Madrid, and enrolling at the University of Lille, focusing on business. This demonstrates her commitment to personal development and professional growth.
- Lineage and Titles: Archduchess Eilika is the daughter of Duke Johann of Oldenburg and Duchess Ilka of Ortenburg. She is also the wife of Archduke Georg of Austria, making her a princess of Austria and Hungary. Additionally, she is the Duchess of Oldenburg, reflecting her noble lineage.
what are some notable projects supported by the Eilika of Habsburg Foundation
what hospitals and social institutions has the Eilika of Habsburg Foundation supported
Archduchess Eilika and Archduke Georg of Austria, 2016. The couple are here attending the wedding in Tirana of Crown Prince Leka of Albania. Photo (c) Seth B. Leonard. |
Today, Archduchess Eilika of Austria celebrates her fiftieth birthday!
Johann and Ilka of Oldenburg with their daughter Eilika and her fiancé Georg of Austria in 1997. Photograph (c) Seeger-Presse. |
Born on 22 August 1972 at Bad Segeberg, Duchess Eilika Helene Jutta Clementine of Oldenburg was the eldest child of Duke Johann of Oldenburg (b.1940) and Duchess Ilka (b.1942; née Countess zu Ortenburg), who wed in 1971. Eilika was followed by a sister and a brother: Duchess Tatjana (b.1974; married Count Axel de Chavagnac) and Duke Konstantin (b.1975; married Esther Sáchez Calvo). From 1993-1994, Eilika of Oldenburg attended the Sorbonne in Paris. In the summer of 1994, the duchess studied the Spanish language in Madrid. Between 1996-1997, Eilika enrolled at the University of Lille where her focus was business management.
Hereditary Grand Duke Nikolaus of Oldenburg and Hereditary Grand Duchess Helene (née Waldeck und Pyrmont) |
Eilika's paternal grandparents were Hereditary Grand Duke Nikolaus of Oldenburg (1897-1970) and his first wife Hereditary Grand Duchess Helene (1899-1948; née Princess of Waldeck and Pyrmont). Her maternal grandparents were Count Alfred-Friedrich zu Ortenburg (1906-1973) and Jutta von Lücken (1906-1991).
Georg and Eilika on their wedding day, 1997. | Photo (c) Getty Images / Jean-Claude Deutsch.
On 18 October 1997 at Budapest, Duchess Eilika of Oldenburg married Archduke Georg of Austria (b.1964), the youngest child and second son of Archduke Otto of Austria and Archduchess Regina (née Princess of Saxe-Meiningen). In addition to the Habsburg and Oldenburg families, their wedding was attended by King Felipe VI of Spain (then Prince of Asturias) and Prince Albert II of Monaco (then Hereditary Prince of Monaco). Through their respective mothers, Duchess Eilika and Archduke Georg are fifth half cousins once removed; they are both descendants of Kurfürst Wilhelm II of Hessen (1777-1847), with Georg descending from Wilhelm and his first wife Princess Auguste of Prussia (1780-1841) and with Eilika descending from Wilhelm and his second wife Emilie Ortlöpp, Countess von Reichenbach und Lessonitz (1791-1843).
Archduke Georg and Archduchess Eilika with their parents and their three children, 2004. Photo (c) Getty Images / Isza Ferenc. |
Archduke Georg and Archduchess Eilika are the parents of three children: Archduchess Zsófia "Sophie" (b.2001), Archduchess Ildiko (b.2002), and Archduke Károly-Konstantin (b.2004). Georg and Eilika had made their home in Budapest, the Hungarian capital, which is where their three children were born.
In September 1998, Eilika founded the Eilika of Habsburg Foundation (HABSBURG EILIKA ALAPITVÁNY) in Hungary. The foundation has provided support to hospitals and social institutions in the country. At a certain point, the archduchess began to focus on encouraging adults and children to participate in equestrian sports by facilitating training and practice. Eilika recalled: "When I came to Hungary as a young bride, I didn't speak a word of Hungarian and didn't even understand the language. However, my language skills have now at least developed to such a level that, for example, I can comprehend the information that people tell me and pass it on. I've always been a curious person who likes to work, and if necessary I'll do hard physical work. I can say that my work is also my hobby, and my hobby is also my work...and I give many people the opportunity to enjoy this hobby with us...I have been riding since my early childhood and have passed this passion on to my children. Horse riding is not only a sport but also a way of life. It helps with body language, communication, clear and honest words and driving skills." Eilika's son Karoly is also becoming an accomplished horseman, following in the steps of his mother.
Our best wishes to the Archduchess on her birthday!
As we conclude this article celebrating the 50th birthday of Archduchess Eilika of Austria, we are reminded of her remarkable journey and the significant contributions she has made to her family, philanthropy, and equestrian sports. Her dedication to her family, particularly her husband Archduke Georg and their three children, is a testament to her strong sense of responsibility and commitment. Similarly, her foundation, the Eilika of Habsburg Foundation, has provided vital support to hospitals and social institutions in Hungary, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to the community. The foundation's focus on encouraging adults and children to participate in equestrian sports is a reflection of her passion for the sport and her desire to promote physical activity among all ages.
Archduchess Eilika's remarkable life is a shining example of the power of perseverance and the importance of giving back to society. As she marks this significant milestone, we honor her remarkable achievements and look forward to the many contributions she will continue to make in the years to come. We wish her a happy 50th birthday and hope that her future endeavors will be filled with joy, success, and continued dedication to her family and philanthropic pursuits.
what other philanthropic activities has Archduchess Eilika been involved in
- Eilika of Habsburg Foundation: In September 1998, Archduchess Eilika founded the Eilika of Habsburg Foundation (HABSBURG EILIKA ALAPITVÁNY) in Hungary. The foundation has provided support to hospitals and social institutions in the country, demonstrating her commitment to philanthropy.
- Equestrian Sports: Archduchess Eilika has also focused on encouraging adults and children to participate in equestrian sports by facilitating training and practice. This reflects her passion for the sport and her desire to promote physical activity among all ages.
- Charitable Initiatives: Although specific details about her charitable initiatives are not readily available, it is mentioned that Archduchess Eilika has been actively involved in various charitable activities, making a positive impact in her community.
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