On April 3, 2025, Prince Andreas of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha passed away at the age of 82, marking the end of an era for the German royal family. His funeral, held on April 24, 2025, at the church of St. Moriz in Coburg, brought together a significant gathering of royal relatives and dignitaries from across Europe to pay their respects.
King Carl Gustaf of Sweden, who was a first cousin to the late prince, led the tributes at the service. He was accompanied by his wife, Queen Silvia, their daughter Princess Madeleine, and his sister, Princess Christina, Mrs. Magnuson. The emotional weight of the occasion was palpable, especially for King Carl Gustaf, whose grief was evident as he arrived at the church.
Prince Andreas was deeply connected to the Swedish royal family, having served as godfather to Princess Madeleine. The princess was visibly emotional during the ceremony, highlighting the close familial ties that existed between the two royal households. She attended the funeral with her husband, financier Christopher O'Neill, as they joined the mourning family.
Queen Silvia, who was seen on crutches due to recent foot surgery, also attended the service, underscoring the importance of family solidarity during times of loss. The relationship between the Swedish and Saxe-Coburg royal families dates back generations, with Princess Sibylla, King Carl Gustaf's mother, being the eldest daughter of the last reigning Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Carl Eduard.
Born at Schloss Casel, Prince Andreas was the son of Prince Friedrich Josias of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and Countess Viktoria-Luise of Solms-Baruth. His upbringing was marked by significant family changes, particularly after his parents' separation when he was young. Following the separation, he moved to New Orleans with his mother and her second husband, only returning to Germany in 1965.
In 1971, Prince Andreas married Carin Dabelstein, and together they welcomed three children: Princess Stephanie, Prince Hubertus, and Prince Alexander. The couple shared a long-lasting bond until Carin's passing in 2023 due to multiple sclerosis. His death this month has now seen Prince Hubertus ascend as the new head of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
The funeral also saw a wide array of European aristocracy in attendance, including Prince Laurent of Belgium, the Duke of Württemberg, and Georg Friderich, Prince of Prussia, amongst others. Their presence highlighted the significance of Prince Andreas's legacy and the respect he garnered within royal circles.
Interestingly, while Prince Andreas had expressed disappointment over the perceived coldness between his house and the British royal family, the Court Circular noted that King Charles was represented at the funeral by the Margrave of Baden, his first cousin once removed. This gesture indicates the importance of maintaining royal connections despite past grievances.
Prince Ernst of Hanover, who had recently left intensive care, also made the journey to Coburg for the funeral. His attendance was particularly poignant given his recent health struggles, and many were relieved to see him well enough to pay his respects.
The gathering at St. Moriz was not just a tribute to Prince Andreas but a reflection of the enduring bonds of family and tradition that define European royalty. As the service concluded, it served as a reminder of the shared history and connections that continue to unite these royal families across generations.
As tributes poured in from various corners of the globe, it became clear that Prince Andreas's legacy would not be forgotten. His life, marked by personal trials and triumphs, has left an indelible mark on the history of the Saxe-Coburg family and their connections to other royal houses.
In the days following the funeral, many have shared memories and stories about Prince Andreas, illustrating the warmth he brought to those around him. His contributions to royal duties and family life will surely be remembered by those who knew him well.
As the new head of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Prince Hubertus faces the challenge of carrying on his father's legacy while navigating the complexities of modern royal life. The support from family, as seen during the funeral, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in this transition.
With the passing of Prince Andreas, a chapter in royal history has closed, but the bonds of family and tradition remain strong, promising to carry forward into the future.
