The year has proven to be a challenging one for King Charles, as the recent demise of his first cousin, Maximilian, Margrave of Baden, has added to the monarch's burdens.
Maximilian, an aristocrat who had overseen the House of Baden since 1963, was the nephew of Prince Philip and the son of Theodora of Greece and Denmark.
The House of Baden confirmed his passing on December 29 at his residence, Solos-Salem in Lake Constance, Germany.
According to the official statement from the House of Baden, Max Margrave of Baden breathed his last in the early hours of December 29, 2022, at Salem Castle.
He had been at the helm of the formerly ruling Grand Ducal Baden princely house since 1963, a lineage that had provided sovereigns in the Baden region from 1112 to 1918.
Bernard Margrave of Baden, the former hereditary prince, is set to succeed him as the Head of the House of Baden.
Max Margrave of Baden tied the knot with Austria's Archduchess Valerie Isabella Habsburg-Lothringen in 1966, and they remained married until his recent passing.
The couple shared children together.
Notably, Max was absent from the late Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, where the Baden family was represented by the Archduchess, while their son and heir, Bernard, and his wife Stephanie attended the service.
In the 1960s, Max was briefly engaged to Princess Beatrice of Hohenlohe-Langenberg, his first cousin.
Following his father's demise in 1963, he assumed leadership of the House of Baden, inheriting the title and vast estates of the family, including Schoess-Lost-Salem and the castles of Baden-Baden, Zieglingberg, and Eberstein.
The royal family has faced a series of challenges this year, starting with the loss of Queen Elizabeth on September 8 due to old age.
King Charles and Princess Anne were by their mother's side during her passing, while other relatives like Prince William and Sophie Wessex converged at Balmoral at that time.
King Charles took the throne after his mother's demise and recently delivered his inaugural Christmas address as monarch.
Receiving positive feedback from royal enthusiasts, King Charles' heartfelt Christmas speech resonated with many, with some observers noting his emotional demeanor as he paid tribute to the late Queen.
Addressing the nation from the Chapel of St. George's at Windsor Castle, near Queen Elizabeth II's resting place at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, King Charles expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the public.
Acknowledging the poignant nature of Christmas for those who have lost loved ones, King Charles emphasized the significance of cherished traditions and memories during the holiday season.
Viewers keen on royal affairs noted the King's emotional state during the recording of his speech, with social media users praising his performance and empathizing with his grief over the Queen's absence.
Twitter users shared their sentiments, with one individual remarking on King Charles' visible emotions, while others commended his delivery and expressed appreciation for his handling of the occasion.
The absence of the Queen's traditional Christmas address was felt, but King Charles' sincere and composed demeanor resonated well with viewers, marking a significant moment in his early reign as the new monarch.
