Did someone summon me?
1. Nope, not Robin. Whoever keeps correcting that on Wikipedia (Robin) is incorrect. The heir is Bernhard (Bernhardt) of the junior branch of S-W-B, aka S-W-H :
https://en.wikipedia.org/...n-Wittgenstein-HohensteinTo verify, look no further than the order of service for the funeral of Gustav's father, Prince Richard. Gustav correctly supported and escorted his mother, the Prince's widow, whilst Carina, Gustav's consort, was escorted by and attended to Bernhard(t); this signifies B's position as heir to G, and is directly in keeping with precedence of attendees.
Bernhard, who married in accordance with House Laws, has a son who, once both Bernhardt and Gustav are gone, will in essence re-unite the estates and titles which were split in the early part of the last century. He is being raised by a strong intelligent mom and a dad who is active in his church and is as involved in his estates husbandry as is Gustav. Overall, it will be an excellent outcome when Wenzel steps into the role of Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleberg, however sad it will be due to the deaths of his father Bernhardt and cousin Gustav.
2. Nope, Gustav can't change the laws of inheritance or his grandfather's will, nor the House Laws which far pre-date his grandfather. The specific laws binding the inheritance end with Gustav, but the House Laws govern into perpetuity. So, while another House in a similar situation attempted to overturn the inheritance laws in current times, they were not successful. The S-W-B did not pursue legal action because they had no basis to do so and case law currently underway when Carina came on the scene (and subsequently adjudicated) pointed to the slim-to-none-chances.
Gustav and Carina seem to have made their peace with the situation and with each other's individual growth. When she first burst onto the scene, there was a lot of ridiculousness that was fueled by her inability to leave American norms of seeking out press coverage and fandom behind her. As time has moved on and she has found a niche as an author while Gustav moved further into his role as Prince with his father's guidance, a balance was found.
Although I find the whole situation ridiculous, I do find it fascinating from a legal/financial/wealth preservation/estate management perspective.
Thanks Curtains - is there a difference between the Title and the Estates ? If Gustav married someone "unequal" what would be "lost"
I am aware of titled men who can't pass that title onto their daughters (and have no sons) but can pass on the homes, money etc to whom they choose . .
