In recent decades, a troubling trend has emerged that threatens the history, integrity and heritage of noble titles in Germany. This issue arises from a loophole in the German legal system, which, since the dismantling of the monarchy and the founding of the Weimar Republic after WWI, transformed noble titles into regular surnames. This change has inadvertently created a black market and criminal factions of title dealers, who target elderly individuals for adult adoptions to exploit these titles. As a result, there has been a proliferation of so-called “princes” and “princesses” with no legitimate claim to these honors, distorting the thousand-year history of the German lands.

The Weimar Republic in 1918/19 transformed titles with regional names into civilian surnames, contradicting any revolutionary adaptation to true democracy. For example, in Austria, the former imperial family is now known as Mr. and Mrs. Habsburg. Similarly, members of the House of Anhalt should be known as Mr. and Mrs. Askanien (Ascania). This unique German practice of including titles in passports and documents has allowed title dealers to sell the titles of Prince and Princess to adults.

The House of Ascania, originating from the clan of the Baeringer (the Bears), dates back to the early Middle Ages and Initially were Counts of Svabia tribe. The German tribe of the Svabians (Schwaben), settled between the Oder and Elbe Rivers in centra Europe. During the great Migration of Peoples in the 8th century, they were displaced by the Saxons tribe intruding their territory from the north and by Slavic tribes from the east. While most of the Swabian tribe merged with the mayor German tribe the Alemans, the memebers ofthe future Ascanian dynasty could hide in the Harz mountains. Their first and still existing fortress was named Ballenstedt (“Platz aus Holzbalken” or “Place of Wooden Beams”). Around the year 1000 the Beringers began to assimilate with noble Saxon families.

Albert the Bear (1100–1170), son of Count Otto the Rich, was born in Ballenstedt and later reconquered his tribe’s former lands, now Brandenburg. His descendants included Henry I, Prince of Anhalt; Otto, Margrave of Brandenburg, founder of Berlin; and Bernhard, Duke of Saxony. The name “Anhalt” derived from the name of the wooden fort of Ballenstedt, because when they had to make Ballenstedt into a Christian Monastery, the build a huge new fortress, totally built with rocks „The Anhalt “(meaning „with-out wood “). Anhalt gave the name first to County, then to a Principality. Later to a sovereign Duchy und today to the German State of Saxony-Anhalt.

The House of Ascania has always upheld the values of nobility, responsibility, and service to the people. Founded by Albert the Bears great grandfather Count Esiko, the house embodies his values of courage, honor, and benevolence. Albert the Bear, a significant figure in medieval Europe, founded the Margraviate of Brandenburg in 1157 and played a crucial role in the Ostsiedlung, encouraging Dutch and German settlement east of the Elbe River.Our titles are not mere decorations; they represent centuries of duty to our lands. people and communities. However, the misuse of these titles by individuals seeking personal gain is a growing concern, not only to the house but also to people proud of their land’s history.

However, the primary focus of this article is to shed light on how these fake titles and self-styled “princesses” are gaslighting the public. They use these titles to gain social and financial advantages, misleading people into believing they hold genuine noble status and values. This deception undermines the responsibilities and duties that come with true noble titles, which are meant to serve the land, the people, and the family.

As a Knight and Digital Director of the House of Ascania, I urge the public to be vigilant and discerning. Many of these fake princes and princesses are highly skilled con artists who manipulate and deceive, causing significant financial and emotional harm. It is crucial to verify the legitimacy of those who claim to be princes or princesses of the House of Ascania. You can do this by contacting us via our Contact Portal on our website or by sending an email.‍

Let us work together to preserve the integrity of our noble heritage. These titles should remain symbols of honor and responsibility, not tools for personal gain. By staying informed and cautious, we can protect the values and traditions that have defined the region, its people, and the House of Ascania for over a millennium.