Archduke Eduard of Austria (Eduard Habsburg-Lothringen) is an Austrian-Hungarian diplomat, philosopher, author, and public speaker. A member of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine, he is a descendant of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth of Austria. He studied philosophy and history at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, earning his doctorate in philosophy in 1999. His doctoral research examined the decline of Neo-Thomism, the philosophical movement associated with the revival of the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas.
(Travels from Vienna, Austria) Following his academic studies, Habsburg spent approximately ten years working in television and film production as a screenwriter, contributing to German and Austrian productions, including Der Weihnachtshund (2004) and Zwei Weihnachtshunde (2005). He also developed extensive experience in animation as a producer and has a particular interest in popular culture, including James Bond and Harry Potter.
In 2009, he became media spokesman and communications adviser to Bishop Klaus Küng of St. Pölten, Austria, serving in that role until 2014. His work included communications related to Catholic issues, including bioethics. In December 2015, Habsburg was appointed Hungary's Ambassador to the Holy See and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. He served in this diplomatic position for ten years, concluding his mission in November 2025. His diplomatic experience has given him a distinctive perspective on Catholic faith, Church history, international relations, European identity, and the relationship between faith and public life.
An accomplished author and international speaker, Habsburg addresses subjects ranging from the history and legacy of the Habsburg dynasty to Catholic family life, the transmission of faith between generations, pro-life issues, and the enduring relevance of Catholic tradition. His publications include The Habsburg Way, Building a Wholesome Family, and Discovering the Latin Mass. In 2026, he has been associated with the Danube Institute as a Distinguished Fellow, continuing his work as an author and commentator on European history, culture, and contemporary society.
Eduard is married to Maria Theresia von Gudenus, and together they have six children.
Preferred Speaking Topics Selected Speaking Topics
The Habsburg Way: Faith and Tradition for Turbulent Times - Discover how centuries of Catholic family wisdom can help today’s Catholics live with faith, courage, and a renewed appreciation for tradition.
Building a Wholesome Family in a Broken World - Practical reflections on building a strong marriage, creating a faith-filled home, and raising (lots of) children with love, purpose, and responsibility.
Church and Diplomacy: Faith in the Public Square - Drawing on a decade of diplomatic service, this proposed talk explores Church policy, Vatican diplomacy, and the place of Catholic convictions in international dialogue and public life.
Bibliography (His English-language publications focus primarily on Habsburg history, Catholic tradition, family life and the relevance of historical values to contemporary society)
Building a Wholesome Family in a Broken World: Habsburg Lessons from the Centuries (2024)
- The importance of family life and raising large families
- Passing on the Catholic faith from one generation to the next
- Generational thinking and creating a lasting family legacy
- The dignity of human life and pro-life issues
- Building strong Catholic families in today's culture
The Habsburg Way: Seven Rules for Turbulent Times (2023)
- The history and legacy of the House of Habsburg
- The influence of the Habsburg dynasty on European history
- Catholic identity and the historical foundations of Europe
- Lessons from history for contemporary society
Discovering the Latin Mass (2026)
- The history and traditions of the Traditional Latin Mass
- The beauty, heritage, and spiritual significance of the Church's liturgy
- Understanding the Latin Mass and its place in Catholic tradition
Dubbie: The Double-Headed Eagle (2020)
A children's story drawing on the symbolism of the double-headed eagle, one of the most recognisable emblems of the Habsburg monarchy.
