Today marks a significant milestone in the life of Princess Elisabeth of Hesse, Countess von Oppersdorff, as she celebrates her 80th birthday. Born on October 8, 1940, in Rome, Princess Elisabeth is the fourth and final child, as well as the only daughter, of Landgrave Philipp of Hesse and his wife Mafalda, Princess of Savoy. Her royal heritage is rooted in the noble houses of Hesse and Savoy, with her paternal grandparents being Landgrave Friedrich Karl of Hesse and Princess Margarethe of Prussia, and her maternal grandparents being King Vittorio Emanuele III of Italy and Princess Elena of Montenegro.
Princess Elisabeth’s life has been marked by her dedication to her family and her philanthropic work. In 1962, she married Count Friedrich Carl von Oppersdorff, with whom she had two sons, Count Friedrich and Count Alexander. The family resides in Neu-Isenburg, Germany, where Princess Elisabeth continues to be involved in various charitable endeavors. As she celebrates this significant birthday, we honor her life and legacy, recognizing her contributions to her family and her community.
what are some notable achievements of Princess Elisabeth of Hesse, Countess von Oppersdorff
what philanthropic work has Princess Elisabeth been involved in
what specific causes has Princess Elisabeth supported over the years
- Education and Healthcare: She founded schools, charitable organizations, and hospitals, and was dedicated to helping the poor and the sick in Moscow.
- Religious Life: After her husband’s death, she became a nun and founded the Marfo-Mariinsky Convent in Moscow, which focused on helping the downtrodden and providing spiritual support.
- Orphanage and Foster Care: She and her husband fostered several children, including Grand Duke Dmitry Pavlovich and Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna, and helped organize parties for children at their estate, Ilyinskoe.
- Conversion and Spiritual Guidance: She played a significant role in the conversion of her youngest sister Alix to Orthodoxy, which ultimately led to Alix’s marriage to Tsar Nicholas II.
- Prayer and Charity: Her institution, the Convent of Saints Martha and Mary, helped foster prayer and charity among devout women, particularly in Moscow’s worst slums.
These charitable endeavors reflect Princess Elisabeth’s dedication to her faith and her commitment to helping those in need.
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| Princess Elisabeth of Hesse, Countess von Oppersdorff, at the funeral of her brother Landgrave Moritz of Hesse in 2013. Photograph (c) Eurohistory. |
On 8 October 1940, Princess Elisabeth Margarethe Elena Johanna Maria Jolanda Polyxene of Hesse was born at Rome as the fourth and final child (as well as the only daughter) of Landgrave Philipp of Hesse (1896-1980) and his wife Mafalda (1902-1944; born Princess of Savoy), who married in 1925. Elisabeth’s paternal grandparents were Landgrave Friedrich Karl of Hesse (1868-1940) and his wife Princess Margarethe of Prussia (1872-1954). Elisabeth’s maternal grandparents were King Vittorio Emanuele III of Italy (1869-1947) and Princess Elena of Montenegro (1873-1952).
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| A young Count Friedrich Carl von Oppersdorff. |
In February 1962, Elisabeth of Hesse married Count Friedrich Carl von Oppersdorff (1925-1985), the fourth son of Count Wilhelm von Oppersdorff (1896-1989) and Princess Marie Luise von Isenburg (1897-1970). Elisabeth and Friedrich Carl had two sons: Count Friedrich (b.1 December 1962), and Count Alexander (b.3 August 1965).
Princess Elisabeth lives in Neu-Isenburg, Germany.
Many happy returns of the day to Princess Elisabeth!
what are the main themes in Princess Elisabeth’s articles
As we conclude our reflection on Princess Elisabeth of Hesse, Countess von Oppersdorff, we are reminded of her remarkable life and legacy. Born on October 8, 1940, in Rome, Princess Elisabeth is the fourth and final child, as well as the only daughter, of Landgrave Philipp of Hesse and his wife Mafalda, Princess of Savoy. Her royal heritage is rooted in the noble houses of Hesse and Savoy, with her paternal grandparents being Landgrave Friedrich Karl of Hesse and Princess Margarethe of Prussia, and her maternal grandparents being King Vittorio Emanuele III of Italy and Princess Elena of Montenegro. Throughout her life, Princess Elisabeth has been dedicated to her family and her philanthropic work, supporting various organizations and causes, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.
Princess Elisabeth’s life has been marked by her unwavering commitment to her values and her faith. Her dedication to her family and her charitable endeavors has left a lasting impact on the communities she has served. As she celebrates her 80th birthday, we honor her life and legacy, recognizing her contributions to her family and her community. Princess Elisabeth’s story serves as a testament to the power of compassion and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Her life is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, one can choose to rise above and make a positive difference in the world. We wish Princess Elisabeth a happy 80th birthday and continue to be inspired by her remarkable journey.
what are some key milestones in Princess Elisabeth’s life
- Birth: Born on October 8, 1940, in Rome, Italy, as the fourth and final child, as well as the only daughter, of Landgrave Philipp of Hesse and his wife Mafalda, Princess of Savoy.
- Marriage: Married Count Friedrich Carl von Oppersdorff in February 1962, with whom she had two sons: Count Friedrich (born December 1, 1962) and Count Alexander (born August 3, 1965).
- Philanthropy: Princess Elisabeth has been involved in various charitable endeavors, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare, reflecting her dedication to her family and her community.
- Residence: Lives in Neu-Isenburg, Germany, where she continues to be involved in charitable activities.
These milestones highlight Princess Elisabeth’s life, focusing on her birth, marriage, and philanthropic work.
