Bio Archduchess Erika von Habsburg-Lothringen
Erika Alexandra Adelheid Zita Theresa von Habsburg-Lothringen was born in Los Angeles California, daughter of Archduke Hugo Karl Maria Leo Fidelis von Habsburg-Lothringen, and Maria Theresa Prinzessin von Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. She is the youngest of two children, having a brother Nikolaus Franz Joseph Karl Heinrich von Habsburg-Lothringen
She holds the titles Archduchess of Austria, Prinzessin of Hungary and Bohemia, Prinzessin von Preußen, Baroness of Bourbon-Parma (Italy). She is 240th in line to the Austro-Hungarian throne, 289th in line to the Preußen throne and 2844th in line to the British throne. The correct form of address is: Her Imperial and Royal Highness.
She attended University and holds a PhD (Behavioral Psychology)
She had a short lived marriage to Lord Charles Edward Stewart VI, Baron of Glenlyon, but the marriage ended in a bitter divorce after a little more than a year. Little is known about her social life.
The Archduchess is a semi-professional surfer and bodybuilder but like her parents and older brother, the Archduchess eschews her titles, and remains distant from the European von Habsburgs. She remains reclusive and shuns all contacts refering to her Imperial blood and status. Twice she has become somewhat violent with journalist who have sought her out. Little is known of her social life.
Her interests are surfing, photography and weight lifting Her charitable interest are women’s welfare and animals rights.
The Archduchess lives at her brothers homes in San Jose Costa Rica, Hilo Hawaii, and Charleston South Carolina. Her personal vehicle is a 2008 Volvo Estate Wagon. She remains very close to her brother and her niece Prinzessin Katharina von Habsburg-Lothringen.
The Archduchess favors casual beachwear, blue jeans and custom surfboards. The Archduchess is reportedly an avid reader, preferring the works of Dean Koonts and Stephen King. She is fluent in German and English.
David Hersh is a freelance journalist and avid royal watcher.
Photo credit Hola! Magazine.