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The British royal family has long-standing ties with European royalty—especially German noble houses. This isn't a recent development, but a deep-rooted heritage. King Charles III, for example, is estimated to have nearly 50% German ancestry. On his father Prince Philip’s side, he descends from the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, a German princely line with origins in the House of Oldenburg. Queen Elizabeth II, too, had German lineage from her father's family, the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, which was renamed the House of Windsor during World War I to distance the monarchy from its German roots.
Because of this rich heritage, interactions between the British and German aristocracy are both expected and ongoing. This was evident during King Charles’s 2023 state visit to Germany, where he gave part of his speech in fluent German and reunited with several of his German relatives—Prince Rainer and Princess Clarissa of Hesse, Prince Georg of Hanover, and Prince Ludwig of Baden—showing just how close these ties remain.
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However, a shocking development has recently emerged that threatens to undermine this noble kinship. Prince Carl Friedrich, head of the historic House of Hohenzollern, publicly claimed that a man known as Dr. Donatus has been falsely presenting himself as a German prince. According to the prince, Donatus has spent the last two decades integrating himself into British high society, allegedly under a fake noble identity.
Prince Carl Friedrich, whose family once ruled Prussia and the German Empire, expressed deep frustration in an interview with The Sun. He clearly stated that Donatus is not part of their royal lineage and described him as merely a "non-royal name bearer." The prince emphasized that carrying the Hohenzollern name doesn’t grant one princely status, especially when the connection isn’t through blood. He strongly objected to Donatus’s use of the title "Serene Highness," which is reserved for legitimate members of mediatized or formerly sovereign houses.
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Adding more weight to this claim, a European nobility expert named Baron Bilker reportedly confirmed the allegation, stating that Donatus is indeed not a true prince.
What makes this case even more alarming is Donatus’s reported involvement with British elite institutions. Over the years, he has taken on notable roles in prestigious organizations, especially within the music and charity scenes. He served as chairman of the Friends of the English Chamber Orchestra and as an ambassador for the Purcell School, a respected boarding school for musically gifted youth. Significantly, both of these organizations are under the royal patronage of King Charles III. Some reports even suggest associations with other royals, such as the Duke of Kent.
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If the accusations are true, it means that a man whose nobility is now being challenged may have gained access to royal circles and royal-endorsed causes using a fabricated status. The implications are serious—not only for the House of Hohenzollern, but for the British royal family as well.
Prince Carl Friedrich explained how he first confronted the issue years ago. He wrote to Donatus, requesting clarification on his claim to royal heritage. In response, Donatus stated that he had been adopted by Princess Katarina of Hohenzollern. Seeking clarity, Carl Friedrich then spoke directly to his aunt, Princess Katarina Theodora, who allegedly confirmed the adoption and admitted it was financially motivated. She reportedly told him, “He offered me such an amount of money—I couldn’t resist.” This revelation implies that the adoption may have been a transactional arrangement rather than a genuine familial decision.
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The adoption reportedly took place in 2003. While it may grant Donatus the legal right to use the Hohenzollern surname, European nobility traditionally does not recognize such adoptions as legitimate paths to noble status. Prince Carl Friedrich maintains that this adoption doesn’t entitle Donatus to call himself a prince or use the family’s titles.
From the family’s standpoint, the situation is frustrating. Prince Carl Friedrich admitted there’s little they can legally do to stop Donatus from using the surname, despite their strong objections to his self-presentation. This public disavowal, however, is an attempt to set the record straight.
The broader issue this case highlights is the lack of vetting within elite social and charitable circles. How did someone with a disputed background ascend to roles in organizations endorsed by the royal family? While many institutions welcome well-connected or philanthropic individuals, the question remains: Was this person’s access based on a fabricated nobility?
This story serves as a reminder that even in modern times, aristocratic titles and heritage carry weight—and can be exploited. For King Charles, who values his German lineage and family ties, this may be an uncomfortable and concerning development.
In conclusion, Prince Carl Friedrich’s statement about Dr. Donatus casts a long shadow over what seemed like an innocuous presence in royal-adjacent circles. While Donatus may legally bear the Hohenzollern name, the family insists he is not one of them—and his use of noble titles is not legitimate. His positions in organizations linked to King Charles raise difficult questions about credibility, influence, and trust.
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