Margrave Max of Baden: A Life of Legacy and Devotion (1933-2022)

The passing of Margrave Max of Baden on December 29, 2022, marks the end of an era in European nobility. Born in 1933, Margrave Max was a prominent figure in the aristocratic circles of Europe, known for his distinguished lineage and his dedication to preserving the traditions of his family. His life was marked by significant events and milestones, from his marriage to Archduchess Valerie of Austria to his involvement in various royal and noble functions. Throughout his life, Margrave Max was a respected figure in the European nobility, often seen at high-profile events such as weddings and funerals. His connections to the royal family were particularly notable, as he was a nephew of the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Margrave Max's legacy extends beyond his personal achievements, as he played a significant role in maintaining the historical and cultural heritage of his family and the European nobility as a whole.

Margrave Max of Baden at the funeral of his first cousin Fürst Kraft zu Hohenlohe-Langenburg.

Max and Valerie of Baden at the memorial service of Kraft of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, 2004.

Yesterday, 29 December, Margrave Max of Baden died at Schloß Salem in Germany. The margrave was eighty-nine years-old. Margrave Max of Baden was a nephew of the Duke of Edinburgh, a second cousin of King Michael of Romania, a second cousin of King Constantine II of the Hellenes, and a second cousin of Duke Amedeo of Aosta.

Theodora and Berthold.

Margrave Berthold and Margravine Theodora with Prince Max and Princess Margarita.

Born on 3 July 1933 at Salem, Hereditary Prince Maximilian "Max" Andreas Friedrich Gustav Ernst August Bernhard of Baden was the first son and second child of Margrave Berthold of Baden (1903-1963) and Princess Theodora of Greece and Denmark (1906-1969), who wed in 1931. Max joined an older sister, Princess Margarita (1932-2013; married Prince Tomislav of Yugoslavia) and he was followed by a younger brother Prince Ludwig (b.1937; married Princess Marianne von Auersperg-Breunner). After the end of the Second World War, Max attended the Gordonstoun boarding school in Scotland, under the administration of Dr. Kurt Hahn. At Gordonstoun, he was brought up according to the educational principles of the Salem school founded in 1919 by his grandfather, Prince Max of Baden. Max, his brother Ludwig, and his cousin Karl of Hesse attended the 1960 wedding of Princess Margaret to Antony Armstrong-Jones.

Archduchess Valerie of Austria and Margrave Max of Baden, 1966.

On 23 September 1966 at Salem, Margrave Max of Baden civilly married Archduchess Valerie of Austria. The couple celebrated their religious wedding on 30 September 1966 at Schloß Salem. Valerie was the ninth child and seventh daughter of Archduke Hubert Salvator of Austria (1894-1971) and his wife Princess Rosemary zu Salm-Salm (1904-2001). Margrave Max of Baden was a nephew of the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Margrave Max and Margravine Valerie of Baden, 1987. Photograph (c) Getty Images / Slim Aarons.

Margrave Max and Margravine Valerie of Baden had four children: Princess Marie Louise (b.1969; married Richard Baker), Hereditary Prince Bernhard (b.1970; married Stephanie Anne Kaul), Prince Leopold (b.1971), and Prince Michael (b.1976; married Christina Höhne). The late Margrave of Baden is survived by his wife, his four children, and his four grandchildren.

Valerie and Max of Baden at the wedding of Hereditary Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, 2003.

Valerie and Max of Baden in the 1960s. Photograph (c) Seeger-Presse.

The Margrave and Margravine of Baden with Duchess Donata of Oldenburg at the wedding of Duke Paul of Oldenburg in 2001. Photograph (c) Seeger-Presse.

As we bid farewell to Margrave Max of Baden, we are reminded of the significant impact he had on the European nobility. His life was marked by numerous milestones, from his marriage to Archduchess Valerie of Austria to his involvement in various royal and noble functions. Throughout his life, Margrave Max was a respected figure in the aristocratic circles of Europe, often seen at high-profile events such as weddings and funerals. His connections to the royal family were particularly notable, as he was a nephew of the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. This legacy extends beyond his personal achievements, as he played a significant role in maintaining the historical and cultural heritage of his family and the European nobility as a whole.

As we reflect on the life of Margrave Max, we are reminded of his unwavering dedication to preserving the traditions of his family. His marriage to Archduchess Valerie of Austria, which took place in 1966, was a significant event in the European nobility, and their union produced two children, Prince Max and Princess Margarita. Margrave Max's involvement in various royal and noble functions, including the funeral of his first cousin Fürst Kraft zu Hohenlohe-Langenburg, further solidified his position within the aristocratic circles. His passing leaves a void in the European nobility, but his legacy will continue to be celebrated through the preservation of his family's historical and cultural heritage. We honor his memory by acknowledging the significant contributions he made to the European nobility, and we pay tribute to his unwavering commitment to preserving the traditions of his family.