Heinrich IV, Prince Reuss of Köstritz

Heinrich IV, Prince Reuss (26 October 1919 – 20 June 2012) was the head of the German formerly princely House of Reuss.

Early life

He was born on 26 October 1919 in Ernstbrunn, Austria, the son of Heinrich XXXIX, Prince Reuss of Köstritz and Countess Antonia of Castell-Castell.

His paternal grandparents were Heinrich XXIV, Prince Reuss of Köstritz and Princess Elisabeth Reuss of Köstritz. His maternal grandparents were Friedrich Karl, 1st Prince of Castell-Castell and Countess Gertrud zu Stolberg-Wernigerode.

Career

Heinrich IV became head of the princely family after the previous Prince Heinrich XLV went missing in 1945 and was declared dead in 1962. He lived with his family at Castle Ernstbrunn in Lower Austria. His son, Heinrich, also bought a piece of expropriated property in Eastern Germany.

Personal life

On 10 June 1954 the prince married Princess Marie Luise of Salm-Horstmar (1918–2015), daughter of Otto, 3rd Prince of Salm-Horstmar, and Countess Rosa of Solms-Baruth. Together, they had one son and three daughters:

• Heinrich Reuss (b. 1955), the current head of the family; he married Baroness Johanna Raitz von Frentz, a daughter of Jan, Baron Raitz von Frentz and Baroness Marie-Kunigunde zu Hoenning O'Carroll. They have two sons and two daughters.
• Anna Elisabeth Johanette Reuss (b. 1957)
• Karoline Adelma Henriette Anna Elisabeth Reuss (b. 1959), who married Carl Philipp, Baron von Hohenbuhel gennant Heufler zu Rasen.
• Espérance Eleonore Anna Elisabeth Reuss (b. 1962), who married Count Johannes Ferdinand Kinsky von Wchinitz und Tettau.

The Prince died at Ernstbrunn on 20 June 2012. He was succeeded by his only son, Heinrich XIV.

References

External links

• The House Reuss – Website Fuerstenfamilien.de (German)
• – from TV channel ORF2