Uncrowned Emperor

Otto von Habsburg became the head of the House of Habsburg at nine years old in 1922 on the death in Madeira of his father the Emperor Karl four years after the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Now ninety Otto's life has been an extraordinary and fascinating one. As pretender to the throne of Central Europe Otto was naturally an important figure in European politics. Strongly opposing Hitler he spent World War II in America where he developed a close friendship with F.D.R. and championed the causes of Austria and Hungary. Renouncing his claims he later became a member of European Parliament and a strong advocate for a unified Europe.