Princess Donata Reuss, a member of the noble Reuss family, lived a life marked by both royal heritage and a remarkable choice to marry for love rather than position. Born on June 8, 1932, in Vienna, Donata was the third daughter and youngest child of Prince Heinrich XXXIX Reuss and Countess Antonia zu Castell-Castell, who married in 1918. Her family's rich history and aristocratic lineage would later play a significant role in her life, but for now, it was her own path that she was focused on.
It was on May 14, 1960, that Princess Donata Reuss married the Rev. Peter Everard Coleman at the Anglican Church in Vienna. The couple's engagement had been a charming news item in many papers, but it was only after the proposal that Peter discovered his bride's royal ancestry. Despite this, Donata remained committed to her decision to marry for love, stating, "I always said I'd marry for love and not for position. ... By marrying Peter I lose my title. But what do titles matter these days?". This remarkable choice would set the stage for a life filled with both personal and professional achievements, as Donata and Peter navigated their roles in the world of faith and society.
what was princess donata coleman's background and family history
Princess Donata Reuss, later known as Donata Coleman, was born on June 8, 1932, in Vienna, Austria. She was the third daughter and youngest child of Prince Heinrich XXXIX Reuss (1891-1946) and Countess Antonia zu Castell-Castell (1896-1971), who married in 1918. Donata had five older siblings: Fürst Heinrich XIV (1919-2012), Prince Heinrich VI (1922-1942), Princess Amadea (1923-2015), Princess Gertrud (1924-2011), and Prince Heinrich VII (1927-2002).what was princess donata coleman's relationship with bishop peter coleman
Princess Donata Reuss married Bishop Peter Everard Coleman on May 14, 1960, at the Anglican Church in Vienna.when did princess donata coleman and bishop peter coleman get engaged
Princess Donata Reuss and Bishop Peter Coleman got engaged in January 1960. |
| Princess Donata Reuss and Bishop Peter Coleman after their engagement. Photo (c) ANL/Shutterstock. |
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Donata's parents: Prince Heinrich XXXIX and Countess Antonia. Photo (c) Sueddeutsche Zeitung Photo/Alamy. |
Born on 8 June 1932 at Vienna, Princess Elisabeth Donata Regina Emma Clementine Reuss was the third daughter and sixth and youngest child of Prince Heinrich XXXIX Reuss (1891-1946) and Countess Antonia zu Castell-Castell (1896-1971), who wed in 1918. Donata had five older siblings: Fürst Heinrich XIV (1919-2012; married Princess Marie Luise zu Salm-Horstmar), Prince Heinrich VI (1922-1942), Princess Amadea (1923-2015; married Reinhold Sachs), Princess Gertrud (1924-2011; married Henri Grand d'Esnon), and Prince Heinrich VII (1927-2002; married Baroness Brigitte van Tuyll van Serooskerken).
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Peter and Donata. |
On 14 May 1960 at the Anglican Church in Vienna, Princess Donata Reuss married the Rev. Peter Everard Coleman (1928-2001). The bride, who wore "a heavy silk dress and robe of purest white with a white hat and veil," walked down the aisle on the arm of her eldest brother. Peter and Donata were wed by Dr. Eric S. Abbott, the Dean of Westminster. The couple's January engagement was a charming news item in many papers; Reverend Coleman was not aware of his wife's ancestry at the time he proposed. It was only days later that a friend informed him that Donata was a princess. Donata remarked: "I always said I'd marry for love and not for position. By marrying Peter I lose my title. But what do titles matter these days?" Peter Coleman was educated at the Haileybury and Imperial Service College and King's College London; he served as a chaplain at the latter until 1966. Coleman was the vicar of St Paul's Clifton; he then went on to become the Director of Ordinands in the Diocese of Bristol and finally Archdeacon of Worcester. In retirement, Coleman was the Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Bath and Wells. The couple had two daughters and two sons: Antonia (b.1961; married 1st Warren Nash; married 2nd Matthew Tregenza), Basil (b.1963; married Stephanie Pleister), Benedict (b.1965; married Jane Fielding), and Elena (b.1969; married Nathan Chubb).
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| Donata's obituary in The Times. |
May the Princess Rest in Peace.
As we conclude our exploration of Princess Donata Reuss's remarkable life, we are reminded of the power of love and the choices we make. Princess Donata's decision to marry for love, rather than position, was a bold move that set her apart from her royal heritage. Her union with Bishop Peter Coleman, a man who was unaware of her royal status until after their engagement, was a testament to her commitment to her values and her desire for a life free from the constraints of her title. This choice not only changed the course of her life but also influenced the lives of those around her, including her husband and their children. The story of Princess Donata Reuss serves as a reminder that even in the face of tradition and expectation, we have the power to forge our own paths and create our own destinies.
As we reflect on Princess Donata's life, we are left with a sense of admiration for her courage and conviction. Her story is a testament to the enduring power of love and the importance of staying true to oneself. Despite the challenges she faced, Princess Donata remained steadfast in her commitment to her values and her relationships. Her legacy serves as a reminder to us all of the importance of living authentically and pursuing our passions with purpose. As we move forward, we are inspired by Princess Donata's example to continue seeking out our own paths and to stay true to who we are, just as she did. May her story continue to inspire and motivate us to live our lives with purpose and integrity, just as Princess Donata did throughout her remarkable life.
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