Wittekind, Prince of Waldeck and Pyrmont

Wittekind Adolf Heinrich Georg-Wilhelm, Prince of Waldeck and Pyrmont (born 9 March 1936) has been the head of the House of Waldeck and Pyrmont since 1967.

Early life
He was born in Arolsen the son of Hereditary Prince Josias of Waldeck and Pyrmont and his wife, Duchess Altburg of Oldenburg (1903–2001). The Führer und Reichskanzler of Germany, Adolf Hitler and the Reichsführer of the Schutzstaffel (Protection Squadron; SS), Heinrich Himmler were his godfathers. Wittekind, who has served in the German Armed Forces and held the rank Lieutenant Colonel, succeeded as head of the House of Waldeck and Pyrmont on the death of his father on 30 November 1967. He lives with his family at Arolsen Castle.

Marriage and issue
Wittekind was married on 19 May 1988 in Frohnleiten to Countess Cecilie von Goëss-Saurau (b. 1956). They have three sons.


 * Carl-Anton, Hereditary Prince of Waldeck and Pyrmont (b. 1991)
 * Prince Josias of Waldeck and Pyrmont (b. 1993)
 * Prince Johannes of Waldeck and Pyrmont (b. 1993)

Honours

 * 9 August 2001: Federal Cross of Merit of Hesse.