Prince Ludwig of Bavaria, 40, weds Sophie Evekink in a Munich church and celebrates their union with a lavish reception at Nymphenburg Palace.
PRINCE LUDWIG MARRIED HIS DUTCH-CANADIAN FIANCÉE, SOPHIE EVEKINK, IN A SPECTACULAR ROYAL WEDDING
Over the weekend, Munich was abuzz with the excitement of a royal wedding as the charming Prince Ludwig of Bavaria tied the knot with his Dutch-Canadian fiancée, Sophie Evekink. The couple exchanged their vows in a religious ceremony at the Theatine Church on Saturday 20th May, followed by a grand reception hosted by his cousin, Franz, Duke of Bavaria, at the stunning Nymphenburg Palace.
The distinguished guests, including delegates wearing traditional dress, arrived at the church to witness the couple’s union and celebrate the local culture that the two wished to incorporate into their special day. The bride looked absolutely stunning as she emerged from the car on her father’s arm, adorned in a Reem Acra gown with a veil designed by the Ukrainian label, WONÁ Concept. The elegant ensemble also featured elements symbolizing the bride’s heritage from Canada, Bavaria, and the Netherlands. Adding a touch of royalty, the Bavarian Sapphire Floral Tiara was borrowed from her husband’s family to complete the bride’s look.
SOPHIE CUT A RADIANT FIGURE AS SHE MADE HER WAY INTO THE CHURCH
THE COUPLE WERE MARRIED AT THE STUNNING THEATINE CHURCH, IN MUNICH
SOPHIE GLITTERED IN THE BAVARIAN SAPPHIRE FLORAL TIARA
The couple, who announced their engagement in August 2022, looked absolutely elated as they exchanged their vows in front of their loved ones. Prince Ludwig, in particular, couldn’t hide his joy as he planted a loving kiss on his new wife’s cheek upon leaving the church. The ceremony was followed by a magnificent royal garden reception and a white-tie ball later in the evening, cementing the couple’s love story with a night of unforgettable celebrations. For the evening event, the bride changed into an equally stunning off-the-shoulder A-line gown made with layers of soft tulle, a perfect choice for a night of romance and elegance.
Prince Ludwig, at 40 years old, is the great-great-grandson of the last King of Bavaria, King Ludwig III, who ruled from 1913 to 1918. After losing his throne at the end of the First World War, the German Empire was dissolved, and the Weimar Republic was created, leading to the abolition of all German state monarchies. Today, descendants are only considered “pretenders” to the defunct throne, with the responsibility of representing its rich history.
A JOYOUS MOMENT AS THE COUPLE EMERGED FROM THE CHURCH AS HUSBAND AND WIFE
PRINCE LUDWIG PLANTED A KISS ON HIS NEW WIFE AFTER THE SERVICE
Prince Ludwig of Bavaria is expected to become the head of his influential family in the future. His father, Prince Luitpold of Bavaria, is a first cousin of the ruling Franz, Duke of Bavaria, who is currently 89 years old and has no children. As a result, he will be succeeded by his younger brother, Prince Max of Bavaria, who is currently 86 years old. Although Prince Max has five daughters but no sons, the title will still pass to Prince Luitpold and his descendants, including Prince Ludwig and any future male heirs, as per the rules of male-preference primogeniture.
Before becoming a husband, Prince Ludwig was considered one of the world’s most eligible royal bachelors. He grew up at Schloss Kaltenberg and attended the Rhabanus-Maurus-Gymnasium St. Ottilien in Eresing. He went on to study law in Göttingen, specializing in human rights and international humanitarian law. At the request of the Duke of Bavaria, he took on a large number of representative and honorary tasks in Bavaria. As a board member of the Nymphenburg Aid Association since 2011, he has overseen its projects in Africa, among other positions he holds.
THE NEWLYWEDS CUT THE EXQUISITELY DECORATED FIVE-TIER CAKE
Since 2014, Prince Ludwig has dedicated much of his time to founding several non-profit organizations and partnering with local charities in rural Kenya. Together with the Learning Lions, Start Up Lions, and other local partners, he has been working to make a positive impact in the region. Additionally, he has undergone training in estate management at the family seat of Nymphenburg Palace, where he will eventually inherit the responsibilities that come with it.
Sophie, born in 1989, has an impressive background in health and human rights, having previously worked for the United Nations. She is currently pursuing her doctorate at the Law Faculty at Oxford University, where she has also taught courses on transitional justice at the Criminology Centre. Alongside her research, Sophie has held various development, political, and diplomatic roles, including leading Global Government Relations at the Wellcome Trust in London and engaging in multilateral fora such as G7/G20, COP26 Climate Summit, and the World Economic Forum. On the news of the engagement, Prince Ludwig’s father praised his future daughter-in-law, calling her “a very intelligent and educated woman” and expressing his confidence in his son’s choice.
THE PRETTILY DRESSED FLOWER GIRLS HELD THE BRIDE’S HAND AS SHE MADE HER WAY DOWN THE STEPS
Ahead of the wedding, spokesperson Herve Verhoosel shared that the couple’s plans for their special day aimed to incorporate the local culture and traditions of Bavaria. This included traditional delegations from across Bavaria taking part in the ceremony and the church, as well as incorporating local food and drinks into the celebrations.
In light of the global crises that have occurred in recent years, including the ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, Duke Franz and the bridal couple have also encouraged their guests to donate towards humanitarian initiatives instead of giving them presents. The details of the purpose of the donations will soon be announced on the Nymphenburg Foundation website. This gesture showcases the couple’s compassion and commitment to making a positive impact on the world, even on their wedding day.
LUDWIG’S COUSIN FRANZ, DUKE OF BAVARIA, HOSTED A RECEPTION AT THE BREATHTAKING NYMPHENBURG PALACE