GERMANY: FUNERAL SERVICE FOR PRINCE MARGARET OF HESSE AND RHEIN

(31 Jan 1997) Natural Sound

Hundreds of spectators gathered at a church in the German city of Darmstadt Friday to catch a glimpse of Europe's royalty arriving for the funeral services of Princess Margaret of Hesse and Rhein.

Among those attending were members of the British royal family.

The 83 year old princess died suddenly at her castle.

The funeral for Princess Margaret of Hesse and Rhein brought Europe's royalty to the Darmstadt city church on Friday.

Among the mourners attending the funeral was Prince Charles, and his father Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

She was a distant cousin of Prince Philip.

Also attending Prince Philip's sister Sophie Von Hanover.

The 83-year-old princess passed away unexpectedly on Sunday at her castle residence in Langen.

Margaret was born 18th March, 1913 in Dublin, the daughter of a Scottish anatomy professor.

Her youth was spent in the United States where her father at the time was an acting ambassador.

She met her future husband Prince Louis of Hesse during the 1936 Winter Olympic Games.

The two were married in London and had no children.

When her husband passed away in 1968, it brought the end to the 400-year-old
Darmstadt dynasty.

In 1957 Princess Margaret opened the family residence to house physically and mentally handicapped children.

Less than two weeks ago Princess Margaret was accompanied by Prince Charles at an arts benefit in London.

The Princess was Charles "favourite aunt."

He was also at her side when the city of Darmstadt honoured the Princess at her 80th- birthday several years ago.

With the death of the well-liked Princess the Royal House Hessen-Darmstadt comes to an end.

She will be buried on Sunday.

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