To continue yesterday’s Bavaria topic, let’s jump over half centuries forward to year 1911.  I know many stamp collectors have seen old stamps of Bavaria with old bearded man.  That’s the man I’m going to write today – Luitpold, prince regent of Bavaria. The story of Luitpold is so amazing, that it’s hard to believe it as a part of modern European history.

In 1911 Bavaria issued two special stamps (Michel #92-93, cat value 3€)to commemorate the 25th anniversary of regime of Luitpold, prince regent of Bavaria. These are IMO one of the best looking German stamps ever.

And here’s the story of the man in picture… Luitpold was born in Würzburg 1821 as the third son of King Ludwig I of Bavaria and of his wife Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. As Luitpold was not on top of crown heritage order, it was very unlikely he would become the ruler of Bavaria ever. Times were odd and suprising things happened.

First his older brother Otto became the King Otto of Greece in 1832. Because of Greece legislation Otto had to convert to the Eastern Orthodox Church and abandon bavarian traditions. Otto was deposed in 1862 and replaced by a Danish prince who became King George I of Greece. Otto died in exile in Bavaria in 1867.

Luitpolds oldest brother Maximilian ruled Bavaria as Maximillian II between 1848–64. After Maximillians death, the crown went to Luitpolds nephew Ludwig who took name King Ludwig II of Bavaria. In 1886 King Ludwig II was declared mentally incompetent and Luitpold was named Regent.

Following Ludwig II’s mysterious death a few days later, Luitpold continued to serve as regent for the new king, Otto, Ludwig’s insane brother. Luitpold continued to serve as regent until 1912 when he died to bronchitis. The crown was thereafter moved to Luitpold’s eldest son Ludwig, who became King Ludwig III of Bavaria.

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