The Ambassador will talk about his family in the 21^st century. The Habsburgs are renowned as one of the most prominent and important dynasties in European history. As dukes, archdukes, and emperors, they ruled Austria from 1282 until 1918. They controlled Hungary and Bohemia between 1526–1918 and ruled Spain and the Spanish empire for almost two centuries from 1504–06, and 1516–1700.  What has become of them?

George Habsburg-Lorraine is the grandson of the last Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary, Charles Habsburg-Lorraine, and holds many titles within the dynasty.  These include “Imperial and Royal Highness”, “Archduke”, and “Royal Prince” of Hungary, Bohemia and Croatia. In the 1960s, his father, Otto Habsburg-Lorraine renounced all claims to the throne in Austria and these titles cannot now be used in some European countries.  

A fervent believer in the European community, Otto Habsburg-Lorraine served as a member of the European Parliament for 20 years. From his father and his ancestors, George has inherited this passion for European integration and like his father, he speaks many languages. 

Having studied law, history, and political science, George first worked in television and journalism. He settled in Hungary in 1992. In 1996, he became Hungary’s Ambassador at Large to the European Union and served as President of the Hungarian Red Cross between 2004 and 2012, before being appointed Hungarian Ambassador to France in 2020.

Invitations and attendance slips have been circulated. Please note the deadline for returning the attendance slips and payments is Saturday 11 February.