King Charles Mourns the Passing of His First Cousin, Maximilian, Margrave of Baden

The year has presented challenges for King Charles, with the recent loss of his first cousin, Maximilian, Margrave of Baden, adding to the monarch's difficulties.

Maximilian, an aristocrat who had led the House of Baden since 1963, was Prince Philip's nephew and the son of Theodora of Greece and Denmark.

The House of Baden confirmed his passing on December 29 at his residence, Solos-Salem in Lake Constance, Germany.

According to the official statement from the House of Baden, Max Margrave of Baden passed away in Salem Castle in the early hours of December 29, 2022.

Max Margrave of Baden had been the Head of the House since 1963, overseeing the formerly ruling Grand Ducal Baden princely house, which had produced sovereigns in the Baden region from 1112 to 1918.

Following his passing, Bernard Margrave of Baden, the previous hereditary prince, is set to succeed him as the Head of the House of Baden.

In 1966, Max married Austria's Archduchess Valerie Isabella Habsburg-Lothringen, and they remained together until his death, raising children of their own.

Notably, Max was absent from the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II, where the Baden family was represented by the Archduchess.

Their son and heir, Bernard, along with his wife Stephanie, attended the solemn occasion.

Max had a brief engagement with Princess Beatrice of Hohenlohe-Langenberg, his first cousin, in the 1960s.

After his father's passing in 1963, he assumed the position of Head of the House of Baden, inheriting the family's title and vast estates, including properties like Schoess-Lost-Salem and the castles of Baden-Baden, Zieglingberg, and Eberstein.

The royal family has faced significant losses this year, starting with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8 due to old age.

Charles and his sister, Princess Anne, were by their mother's side during her final moments, while other relatives like Prince William and Sophie Wessex traveled to Balmoral to be with the family.

Following his mother's death, Charles ascended the throne and recently delivered his inaugural Christmas speech as the reigning monarch.

Receiving positive feedback from royal enthusiasts, Charles's first Christmas speech resonated with many as he appeared emotional, paying tribute to the late Queen.

Addressing the nation from the Chapel of St. George's at Windsor Castle, near Queen Elizabeth II's resting place at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, Charles expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and sympathy from the public.

He acknowledged the significance of Christmas for those who have lost loved ones, emphasizing the importance of cherished traditions in remembering departed family members.

Observant followers of the royal family noted the emotional impact on King Charles during the recording of his speech earlier in the month.

Social media users shared sentiments of support and admiration for the new monarch, with one Twitter user observing, “You can see King Charles has been crying, thinking of mum.”

Another user praised Charles's performance, stating, “Such a beautiful first speech from our beloved King.

Merry Christmas King Charles and family.”

The absence of the Queen's traditional Christmas address was acknowledged, with many commending King Charles for his heartfelt delivery in honoring his mother's legacy.