Prince Ernst August allegedly reconciling with his son during his illness.
Ernst August Senior, the former Duke of Hanover, has been embroiled in a lengthy dispute with his son, Ernst August Junior, over inheritance, family property control, and public representation of the House of Hanover.
The conflict, which has been a source of media attention for years, began in 2017 when Ernst August Senior accused his son of gross ingratitude for not returning significant Welf properties. This disagreement has since expanded to include disputes over the management and ownership of family estates and assets, such as Marienburg Castle, Calenberg Estate, and the Princes' Palace in Herrenhausen.
In 2022, Ernst August Senior filed a lawsuit against his son, accusing him of economic mismanagement and neglect of duties during difficult times. However, the lawsuit was unexpectedly withdrawn by Ernst August Senior, possibly as an attempt at de-escalation.
Ernst August Junior, head of the House of Hanover, has been living in Gmunden, Austria, with his family, but the bond between father and son remains thin. Christian, Ernst August Senior's other son, has been seen at the clinic multiple times, while Ernst August Junior has not been present.
The relationship between the two has been strained for years, with Ernst August Junior's appearance at his father's bedside out of familial solidarity considered highly unlikely in noble circles. This could indicate ongoing tensions within the noble family.
In a recent turn of events, Ernst August Senior, aged 70, was admitted to the intensive care unit at Clínica Ruber in Madrid on April 3rd, suspected of acute kidney failure. His partner, Claudia Stilianopoulos, has been by his side, and Ernst August is expecting another child with his wife.
Despite the ongoing conflict, the reputation of the House of Hanover has been marred in recent years, according to unofficial royal information sites. As of August 2025, there are no indications from the search results about reconciliation or resolution between the two parties.
This family feud, with its complexities and public nature, continues to unfold, offering a glimpse into the inner workings and challenges faced by one of Europe's oldest royal families.
- The dispute between Ernst August Senior and Ernst August Junior, rooted in inheritance and family representation, has evolved to encompass not only economic and social policy regarding family property but also the management and ownership of health-and-wellness facilities, such as clinics, given Christian's frequent visits.
- In the realm of family-health and mental-health discussions, the strained relationship between the two princes is a stark contrast to Ernst August Senior's expected parenthood, as he anticipates the birth of another child.
- The ongoing public feud, with aspects touching upon the management of family assets, has led to speculation about the House of Hanover's reputation, with certain unofficial royal information sites suggesting a decline due to thesecomplexities and challenges.
