LETTER FROM BERLIN
A dynasty that traces its roots back a millennium and that was instrumental in the creation of the German nation-state at the end of the 19th century, the Hohenzollern royal family still evokes mistrust and skepticism in Germany. The family remains closely associated with the militarization of the country led by Prussia prior to World War I, and with the controversial involvement of some of its members under the Third Reich. The repeated attempts by its descendants to reclaim seized property – especially after 1945, under conditions perceived as unreasonable – have only further exasperated a segment of public opinion.
However, an agreement was finally reached on June 13 between the German federal government, state representatives from Brandenburg and Berlin, Georg Friedrich of Prussia – head of the royal house and great-great-grandson of Emperor Wilhelm II (1859-1941) – as well as various cultural organizations. The deal has put an end to a dispute over Hohenzollern possessions that had lasted for more than a century, and aims to reconcile the country with its princely family.
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