Born in 1827, his parents' youngest child, he lost his mother at the age of two and was then brought up by his father and his eldest brother, Albrecht. In 1842 he started his military career and went to the 'artillerie' where he became 'Feldzeugmeister' and later General-Artillerie-Inspector.
In 1845 he became 'Ritteraspirant' of the German Order and, in 1846, took three oaths in the church of the Vienna Courts and became  'koadjutor'. In 1848 he fought on the Italian front. In 1863 he became Hoch- und Deutsch-meister of the German Order which he remained till
his death. On 3 July 1866 he was wounded in battle at Koeniggraetz. With architect Theophil Hansen he was responsible for the building of the 'Deutschmeister-Palais' which shows how he was involved with art. Although he had a full and busy life, he always took time for music. On 29 July 1894 at Weikersdorf near Vienna he died after a riding accident.

Source: Leo van de Pas