Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and his wife, Sophie-Alexandra Evekink, have shared the joyous news of expecting their first child together. Prince Ludwig, aged 41, is the great-great-grandson of the last King of Bavaria, Ludwig III. The couple tied the knot in May 2023, following their engagement announcement nine months earlier.
Princess Sophie hinted at her pregnancy during a recent discussion on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. She mentioned that she would be unable to participate in the upcoming Löwenmarsh fundraising event in September due to its proximity to her due date. The Speaker of the House of Bavaria confirmed the Princess’ pregnancy to a German newspaper.
Often referred to as “the German Kate and William,” Ludwig and Sophie's opulent wedding was a grand affair. The reception, hosted by Ludwig’s cousin, the Duke of Bavaria, featured Sophie in a stunning Reem Acra gown tailored locally in Bavaria, complemented by a Ukrainian-designed veil and an antique diamond and sapphire floral tiara from the Bavarian royal family.
Ludwig, the third child of Prince Luitpold of Bavaria and Karin Beatrix Wiegand, is the heir to the royal house of Bavaria as the eldest male. If their baby is a boy, he will follow his father in the line of succession, as per the House of Wittelsbach's hereditary rules.
Unlike the British royal line of succession, which adopted gender-neutral primogeniture in 2011, the House of Wittelsbach maintains a male-preference system. Ludwig and his descendants, as pretenders to the defunct throne once held by King Ludwig III, uphold their monarchy's history and ceremonial traditions.
Ludwig pursued law studies in Göttingen, specializing in human rights and international humanitarian law, while Sophie has a background with the United Nations and World Health Organization. Sophie, a dual Dutch/Canadian citizen, is currently pursuing a doctorate in law at Oxford, focusing on justice for victims of conflict-related sexual violence.
Prince Luitpold expressed his admiration for Sophie ahead of their wedding, praising her intelligence and education. He expressed his joy at Ludwig's increased presence in Bavaria and hoped for the couple to start a family soon.
