Count Charles of Limburg Stirum - Life

Life

Charles was born in Huldenberg, Belgium, and was the second son of Evrard Philippe, Count of Limburg Stirum (October 29, 1868 – May 8, 1938) and Louise, Baronne Gericke d'Herwijnen (April 17, 1881 - September 6, 1969). He was later adopted by his aunt, Marie of Limburg Stirum who was without descent, to inherit the castle of Bois Saint Jean in the South of Belgium.

During World War II, he fought as a captain with the Belgian panzer troops and was made prisoner by the Germans. Released, he took an active part to the armed resistance against the occupier. Bois Saint Jean became an important drop point of material and arms to the Belgian resistance. During the Von Rundstedt Offensive in winter 1944, Bois Saint Jean was overtaken by the Germans and later the castle was bombed to the ground by the US air force.

After the war, he rebuilt the castle of Bois Saint Jean, though in a different style than the original building. Charles de Limburg Stirum served as Senator, then was appointed Grand Master of the King Leopold III after King Leopold’s abdication. He held this office until 1971.

He died in Brussels.

Read more about this topic:  Count Charles Of Limburg Stirum

Famous quotes containing the word life:

    “Art is not a treasure in the past or an importation from another land, but part of the present life of all living and creating peoples.”
    —Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945)

    “I don’t think life is absurd. I think we are all here for a huge purpose. I think we shrink from the immensity of the purpose we are here for.”
    —Norman Mailer (b. 1923)

    “Glorious bouquets and storms of applause ... are the trimmings which every artist naturally enjoys. But to move an audience in such a role, to hear in the applause that unmistakable note which breaks through good theatre manners and comes from the heart, is to feel that you have won through to life itself. Such pleasure does not vanish with the fall of the curtain, but becomes part of one’s own life.”
    —Dame Alice Markova (b. 1910)