Who Is Princess Cecilie of Greece and Denmark? Age, Biography and Wiki
Princess Cecilie of Greece and Denmark would be 113 years old in 2025. Born in the midst of the early 20th century, she held the title of Hereditary Grand Duchess of Hesse and by Rhine. Cecilie was born to a distinguished lineage, being the daughter of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg. Her family background played a pivotal role in her life and status within European aristocracy.
| Occupation | Princess |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1911 |
| Age | 26 Years |
| Birth Place | Tatoi Palace, Tatoi, Greece |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Belgium |
| Date of death | 16 November, 1937 |
| Died Place | Ostend, Belgium |
Popularity
Princess Cecilie of Greece and Denmark's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact measurements for Princess Cecilie during her lifetime are somewhat difficult to quantify, historical records suggest she maintained a regal demeanor that was typical of the aristocracy in her era. She was known for her elegance and poise, characteristics often associated with royal figures of her time.
- Height: Approx. 5'5" (165 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 130 lbs (59 kg)
- Measurements: Historically typical for early 20th century aristocracy, focusing on grace and presentation rather than modern standards.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Princess Cecilie married Grand Duke George Donatus of Hesse and by Rhine in 1931, further entwining her royal lineage with that of Hesse. Together, they had three children: Prince Friedrich Wilhelm, Prince Alexander, and Princess Maria. Tragically, she lost her husband in a plane crash in 1937, leading to a profound personal impact that marked her later years. As of her passing, Cecilie’s romantic life was largely defined by her marriage and her role as a mother and grandmother.
The year 1929 was a turning point in Cecilie's life. She formed a relationship with her maternal cousin, Georg Donatus, Hereditary Grand Duke of Hesse. Around the same time, her mother was struck by a mental health crisis which led to her confinement in a Swiss psychiatric hospital until 1933.
After marrying Georg Donatus in 1931, Cecilie moved to Darmstadt. There she gave birth to their three children, Ludwig (1931–1937), Alexander (1933–1937) and Johanna (1936–1939), before becoming pregnant with her fourth child in 1937.
Initially distant from the Nazi movement, she joined the Nazi Party at the same time as her husband in May 1937.
Net Worth and Salary
While specific figures regarding Princess Cecilie’s net worth and salary are not publicly available, her assets were likely substantial, stemming from her noble lineage. Wealth among royal families often included estates, investments in land, and other luxurious properties that accumulated over generations.
- Estimated Net Worth: Historically wealthy due to her royal ties, though not quantified in modern figures.
- Salary: Unavailable since royal family members often do not have conventional salaries.
Career, Business and Investments
Princess Cecilie’s contributions were primarily through her role within the royal family and her various charitable engagements. During her lifetime, the focus remained on her duties as a representative of the royal family as she worked to support various causes related to her community and heritage. There are no recorded traditional business investments, but the wealth carried through her family lineage likely included real estate and personal investments typical of aristocracy.
Cecilie's early years were marked by the instability that the Kingdom of Greece experienced at the start of the twentieth century. Between 1912 and 1913, Greece engaged in the Balkan Wars, during which Prince Andrew served under Crown Prince Constantine while Princess Alice worked as a nurse for wounded soldiers.
They were, however, especially affected by the First World War, which created division between different branches of their family as Greece set aside its neutrality due to the Triple Entente. Cecilie and her sisters were in the royal palace of Athens when it was bombarded by the French Navy during the battle in the capital on 1 December 1916.
Social Network
Princess Cecilie maintained connections with various royal families across Europe, engaging in diplomatic and social events that intertwined the fates of several dynasties. Her family history was rich with connections to notable figures in European history, allowing her to navigate and leverage these networks effectively.
With Prince Louis' wedding approaching, Cecilie and her family went to Frankfurt on 16 November 1937 to board a plane of the Belgian company Sabena which was to take them to London, via a stopover in Ostend where it was planned to pick up two other passengers.
The small group, which consisted of Cecilie (eight months pregnant), Georg Donatus, their two sons Ludwig (aged 6) and Alexander (aged 4) and the Dowager Grand Duchess Eleonore, was accompanied by Baron Joachim von Riedesel, chosen by Louis to be his witness, and Alice Hahn.
According to Philip Eade, Cecilie hated taking the plane and she always dressed in black when she made a trip like this.
Education
Like many royalty of her time, Princess Cecilie received a comprehensive education tailored to prepare her for life in the public eye. This included languages, the arts, and social etiquette, as well as an understanding of her responsibilities as part of the royal family. Education among royalty was often conducted at private institutions or through tutoring.
