• Germany edition
Society
Photo: DPA

German 'prince' hopes to become governor of California

Published: 27 Jan 10 12:37 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.de/society/20100127-24847.html

German-born California socialite Frédéric Prinz von Anhalt, also known as the ninth husband of Hungarian-American actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, has announced his candidacy to become the governor of California.

The 66-year-old, who acquired his title through adoption by Princess Marie-Auguste von Anhalt in 1980, is calling his campaign “Return to the Good Life.” His website promises a “sin tax” for the legalisation of marijuana and prostitution, the opening of the Mexican border, lower vehicle registration fees, legalisation of gay marriage, and an end to the Cuban cigar ban.

“I’m the only governor who will keep his promises,” he told journalists recently.

The son of a German police officer who is not officially recognised by the rest of the Anhalt family, the candidate has rented a large billboard on Sunset Boulevard featuring his likeness in full royal German regalia and the phrase “Prince Frederic for Governor.”

He will have to gather 10,000 signatures to appear on the candidate list for the election in November.

Though he is no stranger to the limelight, having claimed to be the father of playboy model Anne Nicole Smith’s daughter Dannilyn in 2007, the prince said he was nervous to make his first appearance as a political candidate.

“I almost peed my pants,” he said. “It’s something totally new, and I’m getting critical questions. I’m no big politician, but I said if Arnold can do it, then so can I.”

Anhalt added that California’s current governor, Austrian-born Arnold Schwarzenegger, is to blame for his own low popularity rating for ignoring “the little man.”

The candidate said that California should stop importing products it produces at home, like avocados and wine, but insisted that the “small pleasure” of Cuban cigars be allowed into the country once more with the addition of a tax.

He also said that he’s found campaign sponsors through friends of his wife Gabor (92) and in Las Vegas.

“We estimate that it will reach $10 million by the election,” he said.

External link: Visit Prince Frédéric von Anhalt's website »

DPA/The Local (news@thelocal.de)

What do you think? Leave your comment below.


Your comments about this article:

09:15 January 28, 2010 by Victor Scicluna
To be honest I cannot understand why such titles are still legal, Germany is a republic, with a chancellor and a president. Therefore any royal title is in my opinion worthless ... prince from what.

At least Arnold gained his way up to fame through loads of films but this guy was simply adopted into his title.

It would interest me if such titles have a legal value in Germany and if for example the President of Germany or a judge in a high court would have to adress the people with prince/princess or simply Mr. Mrs.
19:43 January 28, 2010 by Celeon
The titles are kept for traditional reasons (family history etc.)

They dont have any "power" anymore except the "good name" just like the british royals which are to a great extent related to the german houses of nobility by the way.

They usally have a lot of money and often own their family's old possessions like land, houses and sometimes even castles.

For instance , our defence minister Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg is a baron and member of very old Franconian line of nobility.

He owns a family castle somewhere in Bavaria and is married to Countess Stephanie of Bismarck-Schönhausen who happens to be the great-great-granddaughter of the german empire's founder Otto von Bismarck.

Such names, while they have no ruling power anymore still have a lot of weight, and are connected to money ,influence and most importantly a good reputation. (Not exactly the case with Prince Frederick though LOL )

The family Richthofen is good example for a house of nobility with countless renowned members including diplomats, writers, historians , politicians, soldiers and aviation pioneers which all had a more or less important impact on german history as a whole.

The most renowned is propably Manfred von Richthofen, known as the "Red Baron" who became the most succesful flying ace in WW1 and certainly a legend.
03:39 January 29, 2010 by bernie1927
In Germany, after WW1, titles were abolished and became part of the last name. For instance, Freiherr (Baron) Manfred von Richthofen, became Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen. His wife would correctly be called: xyz Freifrau (Baronin) von Richthofen. Their daughter would be: xyz Baroness von Richthofen. Nach dem 2. Krieg wurde es erlaubt, dass der Mann den Namen seiner Frau annehmen darf, und das hat zu grossem Unmut unter dem Adel gefuehrt. Trotzdem existiert der deutsche Adel, nur werden diese Ausnahmen als "nicht dem Adel angehoerig" gefuehrt.
03:30 March 1, 2010 by Joe Duffy
Frederick is a fake Prince!!

About 30 years ago, (1980),Frederick bought his title with money.

In Germany, there was an elderly woman, who was the last heir to the Kaiser.

She was destitute, because the Monarchy was abolished long ago, and the Gov't didn't support her.

Frederick offered a sizable sum of $$$ to have her legally adopt him to be her adult son.

She needed the $$, and he needed the fake title, so she accepted the offer.

Then Frederick started calling himself a Prince, dressing in uniforms with lots of phony medals!

He has NO Blue Blood in his veins. He is a German commoner masquerading as royalty.

Frederick says he is not an Actor like Arnold, but Frederick pretends, acts like a Prince every day of his life,

even though he knows it is a total lie and deception.

And if you repeat the same lie enough, everybody thinks it must be the truth!!
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