Princess Donata of Prussia, a prominent equestrian journalist and member of Germany's House of Hohenzollern, has passed away at 73 following a prolonged illness. She was known for her work in eventing and Holsteiner horse breeding. Her death on 25 February marks the end of a significant career in sports journalism.
Princess Donata of Prussia died on 25 February at the age of 73 after a long illness. Born on 24 December 1952, she was the great-granddaughter of the last German Emperor, Wilhelm II, and the eldest of three children of Wilhelm Karl, Prince of Prussia, who served as Herrenmeister of the Order of St John.
Despite her royal background, Donata pursued an independent career in equestrian journalism. For decades, she focused on eventing, international breeding—particularly Holsteiner horses—and major championships. From 1992 to 2017, she was editor-in-chief at the Rathmann publishing house, where she helped shape the magazine Pferd + Sport. She also worked as press officer for the Holsteiner Verband.
A Pferd + Sport spokesperson described her journalistic approach: “Her journalistic approach was characterised by integrity and profound expertise in equestrian science.” Colleagues valued her composure, stylistic elegance, and willingness to address controversial topics clearly without offense. This built trust with breeders, riders, and officials, positioning her as a chronicler of the era.
Donata covered five-star events and championships, with a highlight at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where Germany secured eventing team gold and Hinrich Remeike won individual gold on the Holsteiner gelding Marius. She had notable encounters with figures like Fritz Thiedemann and reported from Olympic Games and World Equestrian Games. A Holsteiner Verband spokesperson noted: “Her encounters with influential figures in Holstein history, such as Fritz Thiedemann, as well as her reports from the Olympic Games and World Equestrian Games, remain unforgettable.”
In 2018, she received the Meteor Prize from the Holsteiner Masters and the Golden Badge of Honor from the Holsteiner Verband for her journalism and connection to Holsteiner breeding. A family spokesperson stated: “With deep sorrow, the House of Hohenzollern bids farewell to Princess Donata of Prussia.”
