Fürst Wolfgang-Ernst zu Ysenburg und Büdingen celebrates a significant milestone today: his 85th birthday. Born on June 20, 1936, in Frankfurt, he is the eldest child and first son of Fürst Otto Friedrich zu Ysenburg und Büdingen and Princess Felizitas Reuß, who married in 1935.
Wolfgang-Ernst's life has been marked by dedication to his family and his heritage. He married Princess Leonille zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg in 1967, and they have three children together. Throughout his life, he has been deeply involved in the preservation of his family's history and traditions, ensuring their legacy for future generations. As he celebrates this remarkable birthday, we take a moment to reflect on his remarkable life and the enduring impact he has had on those around him.
what are some notable achievements of Fürst Wolfgang-Ernst zu Ysenburg und Büdingen

- President of the Automobilclub von Deutschland (AvD): He served as the president of the AvD from 1992 to 2008, leading the organization during a significant period of growth and development.
- Diploma-Merchant and Banker: Wolfgang-Ernst was responsible for the private clients transactions of the DG-Bank for many years, demonstrating his expertise in finance and commerce.
- Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany: In 2001, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (1st class) for his volunteer work, recognizing his contributions to society.
- President of the Foundation "Mathilden-Hospital": He has been actively involved in the foundation, which supports medical care and research, and has contributed to its growth and success.
- Engagement in Social and Cultural Organizations: Wolfgang-Ernst has been involved in various social and cultural organizations, including the Förderverein Collegium musicum, the Freunde der Universität Mainz, and the EuropaChorAkademie, demonstrating his commitment to the arts and education.
- Head of the House of Ysenburg and Büdingen: As the current head of the House of Ysenburg and Büdingen, he has been instrumental in preserving the family's history and traditions, ensuring their legacy for future generations.
what are some of Fürst Wolfgang-Ernst zu Ysenburg und Büdingen's contributions to philanthropy

- Foundation "Präsenz zu Büdingen": As head of the family of the House of Ysenburg and Büdingen, Wolfgang-Ernst acts as director of the foundation, which owns and conserves two churches, the Church of St. Mary, and the cemetery in Büdingen town.
- President of the Foundation "Mathilden-Hospital": He is actively involved in the foundation, which supports medical care and research, demonstrating his commitment to healthcare and social welfare.
- Social Engagement: Wolfgang-Ernst has been involved in various social and cultural organizations, including the Förderverein Collegium musicum, the Freunde der Universität Mainz, and the EuropaChorAkademie, reflecting his dedication to the arts and education.
- Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany: In 2001, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (1st class) for his volunteer work, recognizing his contributions to society.
what is the "Präsenz zu Büdingen" foundation
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The Fürst zu Ysenburg u.Büdingen, 1999. Photo (c) Seeger-Presse. |
Today Fürst Wolfgang-Ernst zu Ysenburg und Büdingen celebrates his eighty-fifth birthday!
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Fürst Otto-Friedrich zu Ysenburg und Büdingen and Princess Felizitas Reuß on their wedding day, 1935. |
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Fürst Otto Friedrich zu Ysenburg und Büdingen with his wife Fürstin Felizitas, 1971. Photo (c) United Archives GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo. |
Born on 20 June 1936 at Frankfurt, Prince Wolfgang-Ernst Ferdinand Heinrich Franz Karl Georg Wilhelm zu Ysenburg und Büdingen was the eldest child and first son of Fürst Otto Friedrich zu Ysenburg und Büdingen (1904-1990) and Princess Felizitas Reuss (1914-1989), who wed in 1935. Wolfgang-Ernst was joined by four younger siblings: Princess Alexandra (1937-2015; married Prince Welf Heinrich of Hannover), Prince Ferdinand (1940-1989; married Princess Elisabeth of Schleswig-Holstein), Prince Christian (1943-2003; married Baroness Monika von Plessen), and Prince Johann (b.1949; married Countess Hemma-Christiane von Goëß).
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Fürst Wolfgang-Ernst and Fürstin Leonille zu Isenburg und Büdingen. Photo (c) Seeger-Presse. |
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Fürst Wolfgang-Ernst and Fürstin Leonille zu Ysenburg und Büdingen with their three children: Hereditary Prince Casimir-Alexander, Prince Maximilian, and Princess Felizitas. | Photo (c) Seeger-Presse.
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Fürst Wolfgang-Ernst and Fürstin Leonille zu Isenburg und Büdingen. Photo (c) Seeger-Presse. |
In January 1967, Wolfgang-Ernst zu Ysenburg und Büdingen married Princess Leonille zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg (b.Hamburg 6 Jul 1941). Leonille was the only daughter of Prince Casimir-Johannes zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg (1917-2010) and his first wife Ingrid Alsen (1915-1966), who wed in 1939 and divorced in 1949. Wolfgang-Ernst and Leonille have three children: Hereditary Prince Casimir-Alexander (b.1967), Prince Maximilian (b.1969), and Princess Felizitas (b.1980). In 2003, Prince Maximilian zu Ysenburg und Büdingen married Sophie De Bois (b.1970), the daughter of Francis De Bois (1926-2014) and Diane de Woot de Trixhe de Jannée (b.1943; later married Jacques Boël); the couple have two children: Princess Madeleine (b.2004) and Prince Tassilo-Alexander (b.2006). In 2010, Hereditary Prince Casimir-Alexander zu Ysenburg und Büdingen married Countess Alexandra von Bernstorff (b.1977), the daughter of Count Nikolas von Bernstorff (b.1940) and his former wife Barbara Kückens (b.1944); Casimir-Alexander and Alexandra have one son, Prince Tristan Alexander (b.2014). In 2014, Princess Felizitas zu Ysenburg und Büdingen married Michael Max Senfft von Pilsach.
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Archduke Rudolph of Austria and Fürst Wolfgang-Ernst zu Ysenburg und Büdingen. Photo (c) Seeger-Presse. |
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Count Hans Veit zu Törring-Jettenbach and Fürst Wolfgang-Ernst zu Ysenburg und Büdingen. Photo (c) Seeger-Presse. |
As we conclude this article celebrating the 85th birthday of Fürst Wolfgang-Ernst zu Ysenburg und Büdingen, we are reminded of the significant contributions he has made to his family, community, and the preservation of his heritage. His dedication to his family and his legacy is a testament to his enduring commitment to his roots and traditions. Throughout his life, he has been a shining example of the importance of preserving cultural and historical assets for future generations.
Wolfgang-Ernst's remarkable life has been marked by numerous achievements, from his presidency of the Automobilclub von Deutschland to his involvement in various philanthropic initiatives. His commitment to his family and his heritage is a beacon of hope for those who value the preservation of cultural traditions. As we wish him a happy 85th birthday, we are grateful for the impact he has had on those around him and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. May his remarkable life continue to inspire future generations to cherish and preserve their own cultural heritage.
what are some lesser-known facts about Fürst Wolfgang-Ernst zu Ysenburg und Büdingen
- Early Life and Education: Wolfgang-Ernst was born on June 20, 1936, in Frankfurt, Germany. He was the eldest child and first son of Fürst Otto Friedrich zu Ysenburg und Büdingen and Princess Felizitas Reuß, who married in 1935.
- Marriage and Family: He married Princess Leonille zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg in 1967, and they have three children: Hereditary Prince Casimir-Alexander, Prince Maximilian, and Princess Felizitas.
- Presidency of the Automobilclub von Deutschland (AvD): Wolfgang-Ernst served as the president of the AvD from 1992 to 2008, leading the organization through significant developments and transformations.
- Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany: In 2001, he received the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (1st class) for his volunteer work, recognizing his contributions to society.
- Philanthropic Work: He is involved in various social and cultural initiatives, including the Förderverein Collegium musicum in Mainz, the EuropaChorAkademie, and the Foundation "Mathilden-Hospital".
- Preservation of Family Heritage: As head of the House of Ysenburg and Büdingen, he acts as director of the foundation "Präsenz zu Büdingen", which owns and conserves several historical buildings, including churches and the cemetery in Büdingen town.
- Investigations and Controversies: In 2012, the Evangelical Church in Hesse and Nassau accused him of having acted to the detriment of the foundation and in favor of the family fortune, leading to investigations and allegations of infidelity.
- Royal Response: On the occasion of his 86th birthday, he sent a royal response to a birthday wish, thanking the sender and signing the card with his cypher.
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