Press release -
The Princess’s Historical Heritage from the Cavalier House at Glücksburg Castle
Clarification
In reference to the press release issued by Bruun Rasmussen last Friday, we would like to make the following clarification:
The auction exclusively concerns the heritage of Princess Elisabeth of Ysenburg and Büdingen and her three sisters – the Princesses Irene, Margaretha, and Sibylla Ursula of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg. It is not associated with Stiftung Schloss Glücksburg and/or other members of the House of Schleswig-Holstein.
At Bruun Rasmussen, an auction on November 3rd will open the door to the private world of the Glücksburg family.
The inheritance comprises art, furniture, and antiques that have, over generations, belonged to the ducal family of Glücksburg Castle in Schleswig-Holstein, closely connected to the Danish royal family.
The Cavalier House – a Home Through Generations
The heritage originates from the Cavalier House at Glücksburg Castle, which since 1919 has been home to several generations of the Glücksburg family. It was once the residence of Prince Albert of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, nephew of King Christian IX of Denmark – the founding monarch of the current Danish royal line.
His son, Prince Friedrich Ferdinand of Glücksburg, managed the estate until his death in 1989, after which his daughter, Princess Elisabeth of Ysenburg and Büdingen (née Princess of Glücksburg), took responsibility for the Cavalier House and the family’s heritage, which she preserved together with her sisters, the Princesses Irene, Margaretha, and Sibylla Ursula of Glücksburg.
Royal Connections and European Cultural Heritage
The House of Glücksburg is a branch of the House of Oldenburg, to which King Frederik VII of Denmark belonged. As he died childless, the throne passed to King Christian IX, great-grandson of King Frederik V and a direct male-line descendant of King Christian III. He became King of Denmark in 1863 as the first monarch of the Glücksburg line and, through his children’s marriages into European royal houses, became known as “the Father-in-law of Europe.” The family thus founded a dynasty that continues to shape Europe’s royal houses today.
The auctioned items have been passed down through generations and reflect both Danish and European aristocratic ties. The collection offers a rare glimpse into the life and aesthetic world of a private ducal household.
Bidding on these pieces is not merely a collector’s experience but an opportunity to own a piece of European history. Portraits of Landgrave Carl and Landgravine Louise of Hesse-Kassel, silver cutlery with a crowned monogram for Prince Albert of Glücksburg, and a neo-rococo silver cabinet with a princely alliance coat of arms for Glücksburg and Anhalt-Bernburg all bear witness to the artistic taste, heritage, and close ties to the Danish royal family.
When History Becomes Personal
“This is a heritage where history and family bonds go hand in hand. It illustrates how the Glücksburg family and the Danish royal house have been closely connected through generations. It offers a unique opportunity to acquire objects with their own stories – from the Danish-German border region, nationally and internationally,” says Martin Hans Borg, Head Specialist in Antique Silver and Royal Collectibles at Bruun Rasmussen.
The auction takes place online on November 3rd at 2 PM, with viewing in Lyngby from October 23rd, Nørgaardsvej 3, 2800 Lyngby.
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Bruun Rasmussen has since 1948 sold art, design, jewellery, wristwatches, antiques and collectibles such as wine, books, coins and stamps. As the leading auction house in Denmark, we sell over 75,000 items every year at our Online Auctions at bruun-rasmussen.dk and at Live Auctions at our auction house in Lyngby.
Our specialists are the most experienced and competent in the industry. The work in the auction house places great demands on our knowledge of art and trends on the market. This way, we can provide valuations and advice of the highest quality – which has become our trademark – and thereby offer the best lots from all categories and achieve high hammer prices for the benefit of our customers.
At Bruun Rasmussen, we are one of Europe's most modern and digital auction houses, and it is only natural for us to adapt to changes in the market. Innovation is part of our DNA, while we are also deeply rooted in our history.
In 2022, after having been family-owned through three generations, we became part of the international “Bonhams Network”, expanding our global reach and access to specialists all over the world. We strategically present and sell art where it makes the most sense in relation to potential buyers.
