THE HOUSE OF LIPPE

Cinemavixion Review

This documentary delves into the rich and storied history of the House of Lippe, a noble dynasty whose lineage stretches back centuries, with ancestors notably fighting alongside Henry the Lion and engaging in negotiations with Napoleon. The region named after them in North Rhine-Westphalia and the iconic Lippe Rose on the state flag are testaments to their enduring legacy. Hereditary Prince Stephan Lippe, alongside journalist Julia Melchior, offers an intimate tour of the Detmold Residence Castle, a still privately owned ancestral seat. Their exploration uncovers over 800 years of history, tracing the family's evolution from lords and counts to princes. The journey extends to the Teutoburg Forest, where Prince Stephan guides Melchior through the archaeological excavations and partial reconstruction of the Falkenburg, the family's 12th-century ancestral seat, which has yielded sensational discoveries. Present-day scions, Prince Armin and Princess Traute Lippe, reside in the family castle and share personal anecdotes about the dynasty's tumultuous past, with Prince Armin recounting stories from his father's time as the ruling Prince until the monarchy's end in 1918. This presentation offers a compelling glimpse into the historical significance and personal continuity of the House of Lippe.