This story touches a little-known strand of European history linking the British monarchy with the German princely House of Anhalt. King Charles III, who even before ascending the throne often spoke fluent German, has long had a personal bond with his distant relative Prince Eduard of Anhalt. The two met in their youth, during family visits to Windsor and at polo tournaments in the circle of Prince Philip.
One cherished memory recounts how, as a child, the future king was invited by a great‑aunt to Windsor, which also brought him a rare glimpse of Buckingham Palace – a privilege his mother could not enjoy because of her divorce. The royal family’s travels also led to the Wörlitz Park, about 100 kilometres south of Berlin, the first English landscape garden on the European continent, which Charles has long admired. The Prince of Anhalt was often a gracious host there, strengthening family ties across borders.
These recollections show how personal relationships once softened political boundaries, allowing members of royal houses to speak each other’s languages and share each other’s cultures. Such stories remind us that the threads of heritage run through both history and present-day friendship.
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