Our History

 

The Book entered the language in its own right with the phrase "all the Gotha was there".

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The Almanach de Gotha made its debut in Saxe-Coburg in 1763, the Court which during the 1760's under Duke Friedrich III and later under Duke Ernest II attracted the likes of Voltaire and which in the mid 1800's produced Prince Albert as consort for Queen Victoria. The Gotha's own familiar crown was stamped on the cover of what was to become the ultimate power register of the ruling classes. Unmoved by government decrees or bribes, those not included in its pages found themselves thwarted, Pretenders claims left in ruins, by the publisher who would not compromise itself for either inclusion - or exclusion.

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Historically the Almanach de Gotha has charted the ruling royal and princely houses of Europe; only coming to an end with the Soviet occupation of the former Saxon Duchies of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha in 1945. At the beginning of the 1990's, following the reunification of Germany, legal processes were initiated in order to repatriate all illegally confiscated assets in the former GDR.

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Described as "the nearest thing there will ever be to a royal trades union when it comes to questions of dynastic disputes, successions or who is who in the extended royal and ruling families of Europe." The Gotha has a long history and became an indispensable reference tool. And with just under half the EU member states being reigning Kingdoms or Principalities today, the Gotha is now as much a contemporary reference work as it ever was.

 

 

 

Today

 

On 16 March 1998, following a break of fifty-four years, the 182nd Almanach de Gotha was released at a Book Launch held at Claridge's Hotel in London.

 

In the years since its revival, the Almanach de Gotha has continued to evolve as a definitive source for genealogical and diplomatic records. The Gotha has expanded to reflect modern realities while preserving its historic integrity. Notable advancements include the transition to two volumes to accommodate growing content and the inclusion of new princely and ducal families from across Europe, reflecting a commitment to historical accuracy and contemporary relevance.

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Not only an essential reference for scholars, genealogists, and enthusiasts of royal and noble history, the Gotha’s dedication to impartiality and rigorous standards assures its status as the "golden book" of the noble and princely houses of Europe. This enduring legacy reinforces its place as a vital guide for those seeking to explore the interconnected histories of Europe’s ruling families.

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