🖊 redakce | archiv Řádu Točenice
On 26 November 2025, Prague bore witness to a gathering that transcended time, unfolding instead within the realm of values, tradition and the human spirit. The inaugural Vienna Evening in Prague transformed music, aristocratic continuity and cultural diplomacy into a singular message: art is the key to a nation’s soul, and through it, understanding, friendship and peace are born.
The evening was far more than a mere social event. In a setting where European erudition has flourished for centuries, the voices of nobility and mutual respect rang out. The ‘Art is the Key to a Nation’s Soul’ subtitle served as the central theme of the programme, bringing guests of diverse nationalities together through music, history and personal connection. Within the Mirror Chapel of the Klementinum, the opening ceremony began with an address delivered by Her Imperial and Royal Highness Archduchess Herta Margarete Habsburg-Lothringen, Archduchess of Austria and Princess of Tuscany. The concert by Czech musicians, led by Barbora Slezáková, was not merely a performance; every note resonated with a subtle tremor that sent shivers down the spine and penetrated deep into the hearts of the audience. The proceedings continued in the neo-Baroque Boccaccio Ballroom of Grand Hotel Bohemia, an environment defined by elegance and serene order. Her Highness was welcomed to the inauguration of this cultural and social tradition by His Highness Svatopluk Richard Vladislav Norbert, Prince von Haugwitz, Baron de Biskupitz, 21st Hereditary Duke of Głubczyce, who delivered the opening address. The musical accompaniment of the Viennese orchestra became the evening’s pulsing heart, symbolically uniting Vienna with Prague, and the past with the present.
ARCHDUCHESS HERTA MARGARETE HABSBURG-LOTHRINGEN REMARKED:
“It is a wonderful evening. People from all walks of life are meeting here and forming friendships. This is vital, for where there is friendship, there is peace.” These words perfectly captured the essence of cultural diplomacy.
THE HOUSE OF HABSBURG WAS FURTHER REPRESENTED BY PETER A. HABSBURG-FORTIER, WHO SAID TO US:
“It is wonderful to be back in the Czech Republic, especially in Prague. I am very pleased to be here representing the Habsburg family. Thank you very much for the invitation and the perfect hospitality we are receiving here.”
The gathering united noble houses alongside royal and chivalric orders. Joining the Princely House of von Haugwitz de Biskupitz were representatives of the family of Count Nikolas Paul Esterházy from Slovakia, the noble Kinsky family represented by Jaroslav František, and the Counts Podstatzky-Lichtenstein represented by Thomas Maria Karl. Also in attendance were knights of the Czech Royal Order of the Torse (Tusini), the Western European Templar Order from Scotland, the Order of Saint Constantine the Great, and the Order of Teutonic Knights from the eastern Mediterranean (Ordo Militaris Teutonicus Levantis).
In the spirit of these shared values, the primary organiser and representative of the foundation in the Czech Republic, Mgr. Irma Mandjgaladze, received the Flame of Peace award from the hands of Her Highness Herta Margarete Habsburg-Lothringen – a symbol of international dialogue, cooperation and cultural diplomacy. Mgr. Irma Mandjgaladze also appeared as a representative of the Bagration Imeritinsky Royal Family, President of the International Alliance of Business in Europe and official representative of Aristocrazia Europea, acting as a driving force behind international projects across European states.
The Vienna Evening in Prague marks the beginning of a tradition intended to return to the city annually – not merely to repeat a format, but to serve as a reminder that art, respect and friendship form the pillars of peace. The significance of the occasion was underscored by the presence of guests from the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Georgia, Moldova, Turkey, the USA and Liechtenstein.
In closing, we would like to thank PhDr. Marta Verébová (Dame of the Order and Capitular Councillor of the Royal Order of the Torse) and Petr Beránek, General Manager of the Grand Hotel Bohemia, whose professionalism and attention to detail imbued a natural grace and flawless organisation to the evening.
