Translated Interview with princess marie (2010)
Today, Princess Marie of Liechtenstein celebrates her 70th birthday. In the "Fatherland" interview, it is clearly expressed that the Princess's social commitment is rooted in a deep faith and in her own experiences with hunger and hardship.
Günther Fritz spoke with Princess Marie of Liechtenstein
Your Highness, being able to celebrate a milestone birthday takes on a different meaning from decade to decade. What is so special about this milestone birthday for you personally?
Princess Marie of Liechtenstein: Simply true joy.
When you look back on your life, do religious thoughts and, in this context, feelings of gratitude perhaps also resonate?
Yes, I feel a great deal of gratitude towards our Creator, the dear Lord
The ban on minarets in Switzerland in particular has shown that there is great unease about the impending Islamization of our European culture. How far can our tolerance towards Muslims go so as not to ultimately endanger the values of our Christian West?
I do not want to comment on a democratic vote. In principle, however, I want to state that we should respect every person in the entire world for the way they live their faith, as long as they want what is good
What do you say about recent incidents, such as the Molotov cocktail attack on a Turkish kebab bistro in Nendeln? What is going on in Liechtenstein that right-wing extremist ideas can keep surfacing?
Of course, I can't say much about that. It's simply sad when outbreaks of violence occur in any way. I never find that positive.
In some issues, the discomfort towards Islam is, of course, easily understandable. For example, the position of women in Islam is notoriously far lower than in our multicultural society, in which the call for a balance between family and career is becoming ever louder. What does equality between men and women mean to you?
Woman is created to complement man. I have been happily married for 43 years now I get along excellently with my husband. In seven years, God willing, we can celebrate our golden wedding anniversary. Therefore, I can't say much about that from personal experience. Of course, I think it's right that women have equal rights with men.
How would you describe the division of roles between the Prince and Princess in your own family?
My husband and I discuss everything together. Certain things are the main responsibilities of our men, and certain things are the main responsibilities of us women.
But you can understand that many women want to return to work as soon as possible after the birth of their children and therefore demand models from their employers for a better balance between family and career?
Of course, I can understand that
As a mother of four children, you have a wealth of experience when it comes to raising children. What were your most memorable experiences, and when did your patience finally run out?
We are fortunate to have been blessed by our children. I really can't complain about problems raising children. Of course, as parents, you worry when your children don't come home on time at the agreed-upon time. When punctuality slacked, I worried to the point where I told myself: I hope nothing bad happened, like a car accident. But on the whole, everything has always gone smoothly in our family
What lasting values do you hope to have passed on to your children?
It was always important to me that the children know that not everything comes raining down on them, but that they have to make an effort themselves to achieve something positive. The most important thing I tried to convey, however, is faith, because no life in the world is without a cross. And when you are strengthened by faith, you see life more positively, even when there is a cross.
To what extent are the children of a royal family raised differently than those of a middle-class family?
There isn't much difference today. Of course, attempts are made to pass on cultural values as well.
But the children of a royal family are surely specifically raised to represent something different in public than children from "normal" families?
Yes, in a certain sense, that's certainly true
How did your family manage to stay away from the tabloid press for decades?
We already sensed during our engagement and at the very beginning of our marriage that the press can be very tedious and restricts personal freedom. Our decision was then completely clear: No tabloid press! And look, you can see the positive side. Our children can exist completely normally in cities like everyone else, without having to have a bodyguard behind them.
<<Noblesse oblige, nobility obliges.>>> What does this old saying mean to you as Princess of Liechtenstein?
I am very grateful that my father always made it clear to me and my siblings: A nobleman is worth no more than a commoner! Of course, there are also people among the nobility who can be selfish. But there are also wonderful people among them. The particularly beautiful thing that I have repeatedly experienced among the nobility is a certain solidarity. Often, when a nobleman is in need, be it from close or distant relatives, they immediately offer mutual help. As I said, however, my father always emphasized: Never imagine that you are somehow even a shade better than anyone else.
And can you underline that?
Yes, one hundred percent! (Princess laughs)
Your Highness, you were born in Prague and had to flee what was then Czechoslovakia with your family in 1945. What fate befell you and your family?
For my parents and the six of us children—a seventh was added later—it was undoubtedly a very difficult time. An unforgettable experience. My grandfather was a very wealthy man in what was then Czechoslovakia. My father was the third son and had also inherited a beautiful castle and estate. My father's eldest brother died very early, and so my father had to take care of the entire estate. Otherwise, he probably would have left Czechoslovakia sooner. But as a result of this sense of duty, we were taken to a Czech concentration camp in June 1945. Thank God, we weren't there very long. But it was a horrific time for me. Thirty of us were crammed into a very small room and all had to sleep on the floor. We children slept on our parents' loden coats. The lack of food was also a chapter in itself
The Benes Decrees expropriated your husband's family's property. To what extent could your family still make claims for compensation?
Princess Marie of Liechtenstein: It's exactly the same in my family as it is in the Liechtenstein family. But the question of compensation is very difficult to resolve politically. In my hometown of Horazdovice, however, a certain gratitude towards my parents can still be felt. For example, my eldest brother (who was 10 years old when we had to flee) was invited to a grand celebration for his 75th birthday last year.
What are your feelings towards the current Czech government, which is making diplomatic efforts to normalize the relationship with Liechtenstein that has been cool for decades?
I view this development positively, because even after very difficult times, one should reach out to one another. Special thanks for the efforts to normalize relations go to Prince Karl zu Schwarzenberg, who was Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic from 2007 to 2009. I have known him since my earliest youth.
You attended elementary school in Ering am Inn, Germany, in the first few years after the end of the war. How did you experience this time?
one of many refugees. That was, of course, a very different time. We were 64 students in a class, which was also attended by many. Sometimes we even had lessons in a guesthouse. It was a time when discipline reigned. But I didn't have to go through any negative experiences there; I have many fond memories.
What special experiences do you associate with your boarding school life at Wald Monastery in Württemberg? Were the Lioba sisters strict teachers?
We had not only sisters as teachers, but also secular teachers. Some of them were strict, some less strict, just as personalities differ in other professions.
When you think back on your time as a growing young woman and compare these memories with the youth of your own children and grandchildren, what are the essential differences?
I believe there are differences in every generation—and that's a good thing
Were there fewer temptations when it came to partying, alcohol, and drugs than there are today?
I would say so. It was certainly a stricter time, with much stronger discipline. Currently, the newspapers are full of reports about teachers who, a few years ago, illegally handed out slaps. In my generation, we often talk about how we were actually grateful that we received slaps. Because this punishment was over more quickly than, for example, now writing two pages. And our hands survived.
What do you say about the "zero-motivation" attitude that is so widespread among young people today?
Such an attitude is, of course, very regrettable, and young people are doing themselves no good by doing so. Many young people go through difficult times again and again until they are out of puberty.
As a woman, you were allowed to attend a Realgymnasium (secondary school). In your opinion, how important is a good education for young people?
I believe a good education is an infinite help for life.
How deeply did the very emotional discussion about the SPES I educational reform affect you, and how did you react to the voters' "no" vote?
I am glad that the lower grammar school is being retained.
In 1967, you spent a language stay in England. Later, you also went to Paris. What recommendation do you have for Liechtenstein's students regarding learning foreign languages?
Being able to speak different languages greatly enriches life. Foreign languages help you enormously in your career and when traveling. Being able to speak other languages also means being able to gain insight into other cultural worlds.
You then studied commercial art at the University of Munich and graduated with a diploma. What attracted you to this profession? And what do you do as a commercial artist?
I actually wanted to study art history, but my father didn't have the money. We mustn't forget that there were seven of us children in the post-war period. My brothers earned their own money for their studies. However, I wasn't that hard-working. My oldest brother, for example, worked in construction so he could study. My oldest sister's studies were paid for by my grandmother, who was her godmother. My father told me that I shouldn't pursue a long course of study. But since I really wanted to work in the art field, I studied commercial art
You worked at a printing company in Dachau until your engagement in 1966. What experiences did you have during this time?
During this very interesting time, which I was able to spend in a not-so-large community, I was able to help design many covers. Of course, these are produced on computers these days. Back then, however, we still did everything by hand. What impressed me most was the lead typesetting technology of the time. Older men would spend hours setting letters one by one. Something like that is unthinkable in today's computer age. But working quickly on a computer also has its disadvantages. There is hardly a book today that is without errors.
Was it better in the past?
Do you still sometimes use pen and brush today?
Unfortunately, too rarely. But on the other hand, I have the joy of working in the social sector. Drawing and painting require peace and quiet. However, I am constantly interrupted by phone calls, etc., etc. Then I end up getting annoyed with myself that the product didn't turn out the way I wanted.
And on the rare occasion that you do get around to it, which motifs do you prefer to depict?
I either sketch or model something. Or I might cheekily create a caricature. Sometimes I paint together with my granddaughter Marie Caroline.
With your artistic background, it must have been a stroke of luck for you to find a man whose family owns one of the most famous private collections. How did you meet your husband?
I met my husband in Liechtenstein, up here in the castle.
Under what circumstances?
My mother's sister had married Prince Hans. So one day I was staying with my aunt in Liechtenstein. We were a whole youth group together and met Princess Gina in Vaduz. She was there. She then said to us: Please come up to the castle, because my boys are on vacation and are bored! And that's how I met my husband.
How were you welcomed into the family by your future parents-in-law?
With great love and warmth. My father-in-law knew my father quite well, because they used to go to the same school, even in the same class. They respected each other very much.
What was going through your mind when you were first given a glimpse into the Princely Collections?
Princess Marie of Liechtenstein: The Princely Collections were first shown to me by my father-in-law, who was also a great art lover. I was deeply impressed
In the meantime, your husband has been able to close numerous gaps in the Princely Collections through acquisitions. The collections have also been expanded in a targeted manner over the last three decades. Which works did you particularly like?
I have to say, there are quite a few works that I really like. But one of my favorites is undoubtedly "Girl with a Straw Hat" by Friedrich von Amerling. It's a stroke of luck that we were able to buy this painting.
What acquisitions could your husband and museum director, Johann Kräftner, make that would give you particular pleasure?
You know, it's very difficult for me to say in advance because private individuals often sell works of art quite suddenly. From one month to the next, there can be a chance of being confronted with an offer you never expected.
How did you feel when the Liechtenstein Museum on Fürstengasse in Vienna opened in 2004?
This was a great joy for our family, as this palace had already been a museum before the war. A major restoration of the palace was necessary for its reopening. We followed this renovation intensively. To my delight, I was able to collaborate on the interior design. I've often heard from people who really know something about art that it's the most beautiful private museum in the world. Unfortunately, it's located somewhat out of the way in Vienna, and therefore not as many visitors come as we had hoped.
What does the renovation of the Liechtenstein Palace on Bankgasse mean to you? Do you also advise on the interior design?
Yes, of course. When it comes to important decisions, the Prince, the Hereditary Prince, and I are always there
The Princely Collections primarily contain Old Masters. What do you think about modern, abstract art?
There are, of course, some very beautiful works in modern art. However, my husband's ancestors set clear priorities in their collecting. For example, there are no Impressionists or Expressionists in the Princely Collections. So it wouldn't necessarily be wise to start collecting modern art today. We think it's wiser to supplement the existing collections.
On July 30, 1967, you married the then Hereditary Prince Hans-Adam and became Hereditary Princess. All of Liechtenstein was on its feet. Can you remember any anecdotes?
Princess Marie of Liechtenstein: Everything was magnificent and organized with a great deal of love. I fondly remember a funny little story. My maternal grandmother did not want to walk in front of the then last Empress, Empress Zita, during the procession into the church. she made it clear to us: I am not going behind my Empress
What was it like to help shape the country's destiny alongside the heir to the throne?
My husband and I grew into these responsibilities step by step
In November 1989, you lost your mother-in-law and father-in-law. How was it for you?
It was undoubtedly a very difficult month. My husband visited his parents in the hospital every morning before going to work. Together with one of my husband's aunts, who supported me very lovingly, I took on the remaining tasks that were necessary in addition to the care provided by the hospital staff. Looking back I can say that one can learn a lot personally from such tasks.
Was it a big step for you, as Hereditary Princess, to take over the duties of the Princess overnight?
It was more of a small step, as I had already been in the country for many years and during this time was also able to accompany my husband in his duties as heir to the throne.
Were you, are you, and are you still being involved in political decision-making by your husband and your son? Or is that a purely male affair at Vaduz Castle?
No. Not a purely male affair! The Prince always informed me comprehensively and in detail about the key issues on which he had to make a decision. And I was always able to express my opinion.
The ten-year constitutional debate, which was only brought to a conclusion with the referendum in March 2003, could not have been easy for you either. What sometimes went through your mind when the Princely House came under particular fire?
It did hurt at times, because my husband really did put his proposals for constitutional reform on a large scale out of concern and love for the country, and also out of conviction that such a constitution would be good for the whole world. That is why he has now published his book. It was certainly not easy for the Prince and for our children Even our eldest grandchild, Prince Wenzel, understood what it was ultimately all about. We were all the more pleased by the positive vote result.
Which charitable tasks have particularly occupied your time over the past twenty years as Princess? I am thinking of your social commitment as the former long-time President of the Special Education Center (HPZ), as the current President of the Liechtenstein Red Cross, etc
Princess Marie of Liechtenstein: My commitment as President of the Special Education Center has taken up quite a lot of my time. It is important to have a lawyer on the board because the HPZ has grown considerably over the years. I then handed over the presidency to Philipp Wanger because, especially after Dr. Alfred Hilbe's retirement, I felt how important it is to have a lawyer on the board. Of course, my work as President of the Liechtenstein Red Cross also demands a considerable amount of my time. At the same time, however, this activity gives me great joy because we can help many people in need.
You are repeatedly asked to take on the patronage of certain organizations and events. What is important to you in this regard?
People can be helped in many different ways. For example, I have also taken on the patronage of family assistance because I think it is very important that elderly people remain in their own homes for as long as possible. It is nice, for example, to be able to observe when a woman can celebrate her 100th birthday in her own four walls thanks to family support.
You are known for feeling particularly great joy when you receive something personally that you can give to those in need all over the world. You are also pleased by the generosity of the Liechtenstein population to donate, as was most recently the case on the national donation day for the earthquake victims in Haiti. Where does your repeatedly demonstrated charity come from? Are you pleased by the generosity?
Perhaps I am particularly moved because I have experienced hardship and hunger myself. I believe that the most important thing in our lives is to give people love and to help those in need. We must be infinitely grateful that we live in a country where there is no existential hardship. Certainly, there are people in our country who need help. I know many people who provide assistance in such cases. But it is important that we also are abroad, to provide help where there is need. And the people of Liechtenstein do this in a magnificent way. I am able to experience this again and again. When the Liechtenstein Red Cross provides aid for the victims of a tsunami When a humanitarian disaster or earthquake issues an appeal for donations, the residents of our country, when one calculates the total donations collected per capita are always in first, second, or third place in international comparison. And that is a great joy.
To what extent has Hereditary Princess Sophie already followed in your footsteps in the area of charitable work?
Princess Marie of Liechtenstein: My daughter-in-law also has a very big heart, and she is always there to help, for example, when it comes to visiting elderly people at Christmas time. This is done with a lot of love, and the elderly are naturally happy when they see a young, loving face. Princess Gina only entrusted me with charitable work when my children were already of a certain age where they no longer needed their mother so much. I would like to continue this tradition with my daughter-in-law.
How busy are you with your grandchildren?
My grandchildren only take up a small amount of my time. I am happy to see my eldest son's grandchildren every day. When they weren't yet at school, I saw them more often. As for the grandchildren of my other children who don't live in Liechtenstein, it is of course true that I cannot see them that often. But when I am with my daughter Tatjana, for example, her six children are a real whirlwind
Why do you prefer to celebrate your name day on September 12th with the kindergarten and school children rather than your birthday?
There is a simple reason for this. My birthday is often during the Easter holidays. The great joy that I am able to give the children who give me a performance is a day off school the next day. This was already a tradition with Princess Gina. September 12th is not a holiday season, and that is why I had the idea of celebrating my name day with the children.
How will you celebrate your special birthday?
I will celebrate this birthday on April 14th with my family here. However, since this day is during the week and my sons work very hard, we will celebrate my birthday with the whole family on May 1st in Austria.
What is your birthday wish for the people of Liechtenstein?
I wish that the people are well and that they are happy to be able to live in such a beautiful country as Liechtenstein. Finally, I wish everyone God's rich blessings!
Your Highness, thank you very much for the conversation and happy birthday!
