The Extended Bernadotte Family, News Part 1: March 2017 - May 2025

[LadyFinn]

The website of the Lennart Bernadotte Foundation:

Lennart-Bernadotte-Stiftung

All siblings are members of the Board of the Foundation:

Vorstand / lennart-bernadotte-stiftung.de

Over 80,000 people visited Christmas Garden on Mainau
The organizers announce that the 2024/2025 edition on the island was overwhelming and are summing up the most successful season to date. Christmas Garden is set to return to Mainau at the end of the year.

Das ist Rekord! Über 80.000 Menschen besuchen Christmas Garden auf der Mainau

Die Veranstalter verkünden, dass die Ausgabe 2024/2025 auf der Insel überwältigend verlaufen sei und bilanzieren die bisher erfolgreichste Saison. Ende des Jahres soll Christmas Garden auf die Mainau zurückkehren.

www.suedkurier.de

 

[LadyFinn]

Count Björn Bernadotte received the Langenstein Alefanz Order. The Alefanz Order has been awarded annually since 1976 to a person who has previously stood out for individualism, stubbornness and “swimming against the tide”. It is considered one of the most important carnival awards.

„Konfetti-Nobelpreis“ für einen adligen Alefanz: Björn Graf Bernadotte erhält närrische Auszeichnung

Es war ein launiger Abend auf Schloss Langenstein. Welche Narren außer Bernadotte noch geehrt wurden und welcher große Abschied sich für die Langensteiner Cumpaney abzeichnet.

www.suedkurier.de

Der Blumengraf mit dem alefänzischen Mundwerk: Björn Graf Bernadotte zum Alefanz 2025 gekürt

Björn Graf Bernadotte af Wisborg von der Blumeninsel erhält dank „seines goldenen Narrenherzens“ die Ehrung des Fasnachtsmuseumsvereins Langenstein.

www.suedkurier.de

 

[LadyFinn]

2025 will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the WWII. To mark this Mainau held today a memorial ceremony at the memorial and in the Comturey in memory of 34 victims who died on the island in 1945.
Countess Bettina Bernadotte emphasized how important the culture of remembrance is: "Let us remember and pass this memory on to the consciousness of the younger generations so that these terrible horrors of the past are not repeated (...)". Count Björn Bernadotte welcomed the guests on behalf of the Lennart Bernadotte Foundation and Mainau GmbH. He emphasized the importance of the research.
In 2012, at the suggestion of historian Dr. Arnulf Moser and the German-French Association of Konstanz, a memorial was erected on Mainau. It commemorates 34 prisoners of various nationalities from the Nazi concentration camps of Dachau and Auschwitz. After the liberation by Allied troops in the spring 1945, many victims were taken to the French army's emergency hospital on the Mainau Island, 34 of whom died there as a result of their previous imprisonment in the camp.
During the symbolic wreath-laying ceremony, the names of the 34 former prisoners were read out and they were remembered in a minute's silence.

Gedenkveranstaltung auf der Insel Mainau

2025 jährt sich das Ende des Zweiten Weltkriegs zum 80. Mal. Aus diesem Anlass richtete die Mainau am 30. Januar auf der Insel Mainau in Erinnerung an 34 Opfer, die im Jahr 1945 auf der Insel verstarben, eine Gedenkfeier am Erinnerungszeichen und in der Comturey am Hafen aus.

www.mainau.de

 

[LadyFinn]

Count Björn Bernadotte, the President of The University of Konstanz Society, awarded the Transfer Preis to Britta Renner and gave the laudatory speech. The Transfer Prize is endowed with 3,000 euros and is sponsored by The University of Konstanz Society. The award ceremony took place on January 31 as part of the New Year's reception of the University of Konstanz Alumni Association.

Britta Renner mit Transferpreis 2024 ausgezeichnet

www.psychologie.uni-konstanz.de

Count Björn has been the President of The University of Konstanz Society since 2015.

 

[LadyFinn]

Count Björn Bernadotte presented on February 26 the Glonki Order of Der Hofnarrenzunft Mainauer Paradiesvögel (the Court Jesters' guild of the Mainau Birds of Paradise) to pop singer Anita Hofmann at Comturey on the Mainau Island.

Von Mainauer Paradiesvögeln ausgezeichnet: Anita Hofmann erhält Glonki-Orden

Nach den beiden erfolgreichen Hofbällen, feierten 230 Narren und Närrinnen beim „Narrenhock“ in der Comturey der Insel Mainau erneut mit bunten Kostümen und kreativen Auftritten.

www.mainau.de

 

[LadyFinn]

The blooming island kingdom in Lake Constance offers a variety of natural experiences all year round – and in 2025, Mainau Island will be even more diverse: Under the motto "All about diversity," the new Flower Year will be all about the colorful blooms, a wealth of offerings, and a few exciting new features in the park and gardens of the flower island. With spheres and circles of various shapes as recurring elements throughout the island, things are literally happening on Mainau – thanks to a new attraction in Mainau Children's Land.
Countess Bettina and count Björn Bernadotte at the orchid show to start the Flower Year
Pic

RUNDum Vielfalt

Das blühende Inselreich im Bodensee bietet rund um das Jahr abwechslungsreiche Naturerlebnisse – und 2025 präsentiert sich die Insel Mainau noch vielfältiger: Unter dem Motto „RUNDum Vielfalt“ dreht sich alles um den bunten Blütenreichtum, eine Fülle an Angeboten und auch die ein oder andere...

www.mainau.de

Whether in the park, in the restaurants, or as an event location – Mainau creates unforgettable experiences for its guests in a unique natural setting. Mainau has been committed to preserving this island paradise and the environment beyond for many decades and has consistently pursued the goal of operating as sustainably as possible at all levels ever since.

Nachhaltigkeit auf allen Ebenen

Die Mainau schafft für ihre Gäste unvergessliche Erlebnisse in einzigartiger Naturkulisse. Den Erhalt dieses Inselparadieses und der Umwelt darüber hinaus hat sich die Mainau bereits vor vielen Jahrzehnten auf die Fahne geschrieben und verfolgt seither konsequent das Ziel, auf allen Ebenen so...

www.mainau.de

Mainau Island starts its Flower year: More than one million visitors are expected

Insel Mainau startet ins Blumenjahr: Mehr als eine Million Besucher werden erwartet

Mit Blumis Kullerbahn stellen die Verantwortlichen eine neue Attraktion für Kinder vor. Noch sind die Besucherzahlen nicht auf Vor-Corona-Niveau, doch Bettina Gräfin Bernadotte ist optimistisch.

www.suedkurier.de

50 Years - 50 Personalities - 50 Messages."
This slogan encompasses the entire Baden-Württemberg Association of Garden, Landscape, and Sports Field Construction and its history. This interview features countess Bettina Bernadotte, Managing Director of Mainau GmbH.

​

 

[LadyFinn]

Count Björn and countess Bettina Bernadotte tell at an interview the future plans for the Mainau Island:
They want to integrate the castle on the island more closely, but as a historical monument, the castle has to be treated very carefully. The historic parquet floor can suffer from a constant flow of visitors. The idea is to carefully open the castle more to people who appreciate its atmosphere. Various rooms can now be rented for events. The castle has around 100 rooms in total.
There are offices for the Mainau administration, count Björn's apartment, countess Diana's hat studio and the castle café. There are several rooms in the middle wing, the most important is the White Hall, which is used for concerts and similar events. The Coat of Arms Hall is used for exhibitions. The library, with its magnificent view of the lake, is ideal for meetings and workshops. There's a lot of interest in booking the rooms, holding meetings in a historic setting is a very special experience. The development plan also includes a building area for a hotel.

Dieses Schloss auf der Bodensee-Insel könnte bald zugänglich sein

Die Blumeninsel Mainau ist weit über die Bodenseeregion hinweg ein Begriff. Bald könnten Besucher dort von einer Öffnung profitieren.

www.schwaebische.de

 

[LadyFinn]

Mainau Managing Directors Countess Bettina Bernadotte and Count Björn Bernadotte, and Count Christian Bernadotte, together with the younger generation of the Bernadotte family and Mainau mascot Blumi, inaugurated the new marble run "Blumi's Kullerland" on Mainau Island on April 5.
Following the expansion of "Blumi's Excavator Playground" in spring 2024, Mainau Children's Land now boasts another exciting new feature for the youngest guests and their families: "Blumi's Kullerland" Last Saturday, the new wooden ball run was officially inaugurated and handed over to the first ball fans, both young and old.

Blumis Kullerland eingeweiht

Nach „Blumis Baggerspielplatz“ gibt es für die jüngsten Gäste und deren Familien im Mainau-Kinderland nun mit „Blumis Kullerland“ eine weitere aufregende Novität. Am vergangenen Samstag wurde die neue Holz-Kugelbahn offiziell eingeweiht und an die ersten kleinen und großen Kugel-Fans übergeben.

www.mainau.de

Easter program on the Mainau Island

Osterprogramm 2025

Ostern auf der Insel Mainau: Erleben Sie ein vielfältiges Osterprogramm mit spannenden Aktivitäten, festlichen Highlights und besonderen kulinarischen Genüssen.

www.mainau.de

Sophia Bernadotte's SMMB jewellery brand:

Sophia Bernadotte | Through life.

www.sophiabernadotte.com

 

[LadyFinn]

Big news from the Mainau GmbH:
Countess Bettina Bernadotte steps down from her role as Managing Director. Her current operational responsibilities will be taken over by a new Managing Director, who will be sought externally through a structured recruitment process. Count Björn Bernadotte will help shape this development process in his role as co-managing director. This will ensure that Mainau maintains the close ties between the company and the family.
Countess Bettina explains her decision: "The Bernadotte family has been shaping and supporting Mainau for five generations. Each generation has had different responsibilities in their respective eras, as each period brings its own challenges. Like the generations before us, we too are thinking ahead and setting this new impulse based on our values – courage, consistency, appreciation, and integrity. I will remain closely connected to Mainau through my work on the Foundation's board."
Count Björn thanks his sister on behalf of the Lennart Bernadotte Foundation, the people of Mainau, and the family for her impactful work over the past 25 years: "Through her work, Countess Bettina has decisively stabilized and advanced the company, developed valuable partnerships, and provided important impetus. With considerable strategic foresight, she is now ushering in a new chapter for Mainau by courageously and decisively handing over its operational role to new hands."
The sole shareholder of Mainau GmbH is the non-profit Lennart Bernadotte Foundation. Its board will continue to consist of the five siblings Bernadotte and Iris Selch as chairwoman.

Veränderung in der Führungsstruktur der Mainau GmbH

Die Mainau GmbH entwickelt ihre Führungsstruktur weiter, um eine noch bessere Positionierung bei zukünftigen Herausforderungen und Chancen sicherzustellen.

www.mainau.de

Sensation on Mainau: Countess Bettina Bernadotte leaves management
Countess Bettina Bernadotte is leaving the management of Mainau GmbH in Konstanz at her own request. The 51-year-old confirmed this to SWR: "There is no crisis; I am in very good health. This is a business decision".

Paukenschlag am Bodensee auf der Mainau: Bettina Gräfin Bernadotte verlässt Geschäftsführung

Die Mainau GmbH stellt ihre Unternehmensführung neu auf. Statt Bettina Gräfin Bernadotte soll ein externer Geschäftsführer die Blumeninsel im Bodensee leiten. Björn Graf Bernadotte bleibt Mit-Geschäftsführer.

www.swr.de

 

[LadyFinn]

Countess Marianne Bernadotte af Wisborg has passed away, at the age of 100 years.
On Friday, she fell asleep peacefully in Stockholm, surrounded by her family.
- It was calm and peaceful, she was surrounded by her closest relatives and fell asleep at the nursing home on Gärdet in Stockholm. She was over 100 years old, with only two months to her 101st birthday, says Marianne Bernadotte's daughter to TT.

Marianne Bernadotte Dies at 100 Surrounded by Family | Sweden Herald

Marianne Bernadotte, Countess of Wisborg, has passed away at the age of 100

swedenherald.com

Marianne Bernadotte är död – blev 100 år gammal

Marianne Bernadotte, grevinna af Wisborg, har avlidit 100 år gammal. Hon somnade in under fredagen, skriver TT.

www.expressen.se

About countess Marianne at the website of the Royal Court:

Grevinnan Marianne Bernadotte af Wisborg 1924–2025

Grevinnan Marianne Bernadotte af Wisborg har avlidit den 16 maj 2025 i en ålder av 100 år.

www.kungahuset.se

The King and Queen were close to Marianne, and through the court they are now expressing their sadness over the news about their relative.
"Countess Marianne Bernadotte was married to the King's uncle, Count Sigvard Bernadotte. She was 100 years old. The Royal Family has received the sad news. Always sad when a relative passes away. She had a fine, long and eventful life. My thoughts today go especially to Marianne Bernadotte's daughter and family", writes Margaretha Thorgren in a text message to Svensk Damtidning.

Kungens sorg efter Marianne Bernadottes död: ”Sorgligt när en släkting faller ifrån”

Under lördagen kom beskedet att Marianne Berndotte somnat in, 100 år gammal. Nu uttrycker kungahuset sin sorg.

www.svenskdam.se

Marianne Bernadottes imponerande liv – blev 100 år

Grevinnan, filantropen och modekännaren Marianne Bernadotte har gått ur tiden. Hon blev 100 år.

www.svenskdam.se

Marianne Bernadottes familjetragedi – och vägen tillbaka från mörkret

Marianne Bernadotte har gått ur tiden. Hon levde ett färgstarkt liv med både tragedier och lycka, och en hel del kämparglöd.

www.svenskdam.se

Aftonbladet's royal expert Jenny Alexandersson tells about Marianne Bernadotte:
And that's how I remember Marianne Bernadotte: elegant, purposeful and always with a desire to make an impression – whether it was on a stage, in a conversation or in a photo.

Marianne Bernadotte var alltid elegant – och envis

Snön låg i drivor vid Djurgårdsbrunnsviken och grevinnan Marianne Bernadotte af Wisborg klev varsamt över isfläckar och vallar. Fotografen ville att Marianne sk

www.aftonbladet.se

Marianne Bernadotte 1924-2025

Kungliga familjens äldsta, Marianne Bernadotte, grevinna av Wisborg, har gått bort, i sitt 101:a levnadsår. Marianne Bernadotte gick under fredagen bort lugnt och stilla på äldreboendet i Stockholm…

johanneskungliga.com

Countess Marianne Bernadotte's life in photos

Marianne Bernadotte 1924–2025: Livet i bilder

Grevinnan Marianne Bernadotte af Wisborg är död, 100 år gammal. Här är hennes liv i bilder.

www.svenskdam.se

 

[Minister of Court]

May she rest in peace, the grand dame of the Bernadotte dynasty!

 

[Hans-Rickard]

She was given a long and interesting life. Not always without controversy. And she had to bury 2 of her 3 children before her own death. But in her later years, she became a much loved member of The King’s family.

With the passing of Countess Marianne (The King’s aunt by marriage) the whole generation of children and in laws to our former King Gustaf VI Adolf has now passed away.

May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

 

[JR76]

About countess Marianne at the website of the Royal Court:

Grevinnan Marianne Bernadotte af Wisborg 1924–2025

Grevinnan Marianne Bernadotte af Wisborg har avlidit den 16 maj 2025 i en ålder av 100 år.

www.kungahuset.se

The King and Queen were close to Marianne, and through the court they are now expressing their sadness over the news about their relative.
"Countess Marianne Bernadotte was married to the King's uncle, Count Sigvard Bernadotte. She was 100 years old. The Royal Family has received the sad news. Always sad when a relative passes away. She had a fine, long and eventful life. My thoughts today go especially to Marianne Bernadotte's daughter and family", writes Margaretha Thorgren in a text message to Svensk Damtidning.

Kungens sorg efter Marianne Bernadottes död: ”Sorgligt när en släkting faller ifrån”

Under lördagen kom beskedet att Marianne Berndotte somnat in, 100 år gammal. Nu uttrycker kungahuset sin sorg.

www.svenskdam.se

Marianne Bernadottes imponerande liv – blev 100 år

Grevinnan, filantropen och modekännaren Marianne Bernadotte har gått ur tiden. Hon blev 100 år.

www.svenskdam.se

Marianne Bernadottes familjetragedi – och vägen tillbaka från mörkret

Marianne Bernadotte har gått ur tiden. Hon levde ett färgstarkt liv med både tragedier och lycka, och en hel del kämparglöd.

www.svenskdam.se

The Countess' tireless work for those less fortunate in areas such as dyslexia, children's eyesight research and developing the permobil (electrical wheelchairs) and not forgetting the arts can't be underestimated. The permobil would probably not have been developed without her support and she later pulled in favours from her relatives Lord Snowdon and Princess Margaret who hosted press conferences at Kensington palace to show off the invention to an international audience.

By all accounts Marianne was the perfect princess albeit without that title.

 

[Biri]

May she rest in peace.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Although the King and Royal Court referred to Marianne as Countess, she referred to herself as Princess Marianne Bernadotte (example here: Princess Bernadotte | Bernadotte Foundation for Children's Eye Care) because she and her husband Sigvard (who had filed a lawsuit at the time of his death) believed the Kings had no right to take away the Prince title.

Sigvard's gravestone tactfully skirted around the title dispute by stating "Sigvard, born Prince of Sweden", which both sides agree is true, but it will be interesting to see what is done with Marianne's.

 

[LadyFinn]

Although the King and Royal Court referred to Marianne as Countess, she referred to herself as Princess Marianne Bernadotte (url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160822055218/http://bernadottefoundation.org/about/]example[/URL] here[/url]) because she and her husband Sigvard (who had filed a lawsuit at the time of his death) believed the Kings had no right to take away the Prince title.

Sigvard's gravestone tactfully skirted around the title dispute by stating "Sigvard, born Prince of Sweden", which both sides agree is true, but it will be interesting to see what is done with Marianne's.

Marianne Bernadotte's name has been at Sigvard's gravestone ever since Sigvard was buried:
Pic

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Marianne Bernadotte's name has been at Sigvard's gravestone ever since Sigvard was buried:
Pic

Thanks, I forgot about that. So it tactfully uses no title at all for her...

 

[Hans-Rickard]

Thanks, I forgot about that. So it tactfully uses no title at all for her...

Same solution was made for Count Carl Johan and Countess Gunnila’s grave .

Though they never had any problems with their title.

 

[Stefan]

Same solution was made for Count Carl Johan and Countess Gunnila’s grave .

Though they never had any problems with their title.

Interesting. Why not Count Berrnadotte as Wisborg in Carl Johan's gravestone as in contrast to Sigvard he never complained about that title

 

[Hans-Rickard]

Interesting. Why not Count Berrnadotte as Wisborg in Carl Johan's gravestone as in contrast to Sigvard he never complained about that title

No idea… Though i think they choosed the same model as for Sigvards gravestone to not create any fuss.

Had Carl Johan’s gravestone said ”Count Carl Johan Bernadotte of Wisborg” while his brother Sigvards gravestone said just ”Sigvard Bernadotte” it would have caused quite a cotroversy here in Sweden, wich i don’t think either family is interested in.

 

[An Ard Ri]

Sad news over the passing of Countess Marianne Bernadotte af Wisborg and 2 months short of her 101st Birthday.

 

[Hans-Rickard]

Sad news over the passing of Countess Marianne Bernadotte af Wisborg and 2 months short of her 101st Birthday.

Indeed… She was a popular person here in Sweden and a great philantropist.

 

[Hans-Rickard]

The time has come to close part 1 of this thread.

Part 2 can be found here