Arenberg
This Catholic family from Hainault can trace their descent to 1047.
They were made Counts of the Holy [Roman] Empire in 1549 by the Emperor Charles V, and raised to the rank of Princes of the Empire in 1576 (a rapid rise in status).
The family lands were created into the Duchy of Arenberg in 1644, where they reigned as Sovereign Princes until 1810. After the annexation of their lands by Prussia and Hanover the Arenbergs were recognised as a Mediatised House.
Members of the family bear the title of Prince or Princess of Arenberg and Duke or Duchess of Arenberg with the qualification of Serene Highness.
The current Head of the Princely and Ducal House is Jean-Engelbert, 12th Duke of Arenberg, 18th Duke of Aerschot and Chimay, 7th Duke of Meppen, 7th Prince of Recklinghausen, Count von der Marck, b 1921.
married 1955 HRH Princess Sophie (b 1935), daughter of Rupprecht, Crown Prince of Bavaria and Princess Antonia of Luxembourg.
among their children:
• Prince and Duke Leopold-Engelbert (b1956), married 1995 HIllH Countess Isabel zu Stolberg-Stolberg (b 1963); their children:
> Princess and Duchess Natasha (b 1996)
> Prince and Duke Philipp-Leopold (b 1999)
• Prince and Duke Charles Louis (b 1957), married 1988 Fiametta Frescobaldi (a friend of the Prince of Wales).
Almanach de Gotha & other