The Lobkowicz family, a lineage that continues to develop the achievements of their ancestors. In politics and winemaking.
Did you know that a Czech nobleman was in the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic for many years? The Lobkowicz family is generally well known, but little is known about how its members live to this day. Let's look a little into history, but more into the present. Jaroslav Lobkowicz has already celebrated his eighty-second birthday and you can find him at the family castle in Křimice near Pilsen.
History has not always been kind to them, but this illustrious family has always managed to make something of their history.
Two types of names, one of which we are proud!
Sometimes you may come across the name Lobkowitz. It's the German version of this surname. But the family still uses out of respect for its lineage the first Old Czech form. That is Lobkowicz.
Roots of the Lobkowicz family
The beginnings of this family can be traced back to the 14th century, and historically they are closely related to the current British royal family and the Přemysl dynasty. History literally flows in their veins.
Everything began with Nicholas the Poor from Újezd, whose son gained the Lobkowicz forest near Neratovice. This established their name.
Diplomatic and travelling tendencies
In their colourful history we find several interesting facts. For example, Jan Hasištejnský of Lobkowicz was a renowned traveller and diplomat, who travelled at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries as far as Jerusalem. A magnificent journey for that time.
The princely titles came to the family from friendship with the Habsburgs during the Thirty Years' War.
Confiscation of property and return after the revolution
After 1948, the Lobkowicz fate did not avoid all the nobles. Their property was nationalized and they had to go into exile.
For example, Jaroslav Lobkowicz from Pilsen had to emigrate to West Germany after 1968.
After 1989 they returned, continued to care for their properties, especially the Lobkowicz Palace in Prague or the Roudnický Castle. They promote culture, carry out charitable projects. Lobkowicz Wineries is one of the most renowned in our country.
Active Jaroslav Lobkowicz
One of the most prominent descendants, already mentioned, Jaroslav Lobkowicz, was in the nineties elected to the Chamber of Deputies. Today, he remains active for the TOP 09 party, he was active in Pilsen politics, but now he is enjoying retirement on his estate in Křimice near Pilsen. He returned after the revolution as the only one of the descendants of the Křemice branch from the west to Bohemia. The others have already stayed with their new lives. He brought with him his wife Elisabeth de Vienne. It was said of her that she was a Parisian married to a Czech nobleman. Both now have their estates under their administration.
The descendants of the Lobkowiczs live their lives, continuing to manage their estates
They have three sons together.
The eldest, Vladimír, took over the management of the family estate in 2012, the second son, Jaroslav, entered the priesthood and lives in his mother's birthplace, in Paris.
The youngest son, Filip, works in banking in Frankfurt am Main.
The Lobkowiczs have several branches, one of which is engaged in winemaking
The family is extensive, as one might expect. Jaroslav and Elisabeth belong to the Krimice branch. However, you will also encounter Lobkowicz in other parts of our country.
The Roudnice branch is now represented mainly by William Lobkowitz, who returned to Bohemia after studying at Harvard and his administration also includes the castle in Nelahozeves.
In Roudnice nad Labem, he then promotes cultural and educational events. Of course, the greatest fame here is brought to the clan by the renowned winery.
Sources: krimice.info, zpravy.aktualne.cz, lobkowicz.cz, youtube.com
