Princess Hilda of Luxembourg
Princess Hilda of Luxembourg was a Princess of Luxembourg by birth and Princess of Schwarzenberg by marriage.
Early life
Princess Hilda Sophie Marie Adélaïde Wilhelmine of Luxembourg was born on 15 February 1897 at Berg Castle, Colmar-Berg. She was the third daughter of William IV, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and his wife, Infanta Marie Anne of Portugal.She grew up in the Grand Ducal family alongside her five sisters. Her two eldest sisters, Marie-Adélaïde and Charlotte, later reigned as sovereign Grand Duchesses of Luxembourg and were also titular Duchesses of Nassau.
Marriage
Princess Hilda married Adolf, 10th Prince of Schwarzenberg on 29 October 1930 at Berg Castle in Luxembourg.The couple shared a strong interest in agriculture, wildlife, and botany, and spent much of their time at their Stará Obora hunting lodge near Hluboká in Bohemia.
In 1933, they acquired Mpala Farm in Laikipia, Kenya, where Prince Adolf introduced modern agricultural methods. He also oversaw the construction of a hydroelectric power station—using machinery partly imported from Hluboká—and implemented significant improvements to the living conditions of estate workers.
Following his father’s death in 1938, Adolf inherited the Schwarzenberg family estates. The marriage remained childless.
Titles
- 15 February 1897 – 29 October 1930: Her Grand Ducal Highness Princess Hilda of Luxembourg, Princess of Nassau
- 29 October 1930 – 1 October 1938: Her Grand Ducal Highness The Hereditary Princess of Schwarzenberg, Princess of Luxembourg and Nassau
- 1 October 1938 – 27 February 1950: Her Grand Ducal Highness The Princess of Schwarzenberg, Princess of Luxembourg and Nassau
- 27 February 1950 – 8 September 1979: Her Grand Ducal Highness The Dowager Princess of Schwarzenberg, Princess of Luxembourg and Nassau