Status: 15.09.2023, 19:09 p.m.
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Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (l) and his wife Stephanie Freifrau zu Guttenberg in 2010. © Fredrik von Erichsen/dpa
They were once among the most dazzling couples in German politics. Now it is known: Mr. and Mrs. zu Guttenberg have separated.
Berlin – Former Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (51) and his wife Stephanie (46) are going their separate ways. They were once among the most dazzling couples in German politics, had even been celebrated by some as German Kennedys - before the CSU politician stumbled over the affair of plagiarism in his doctoral thesis and it came to a career break.
When asked, the couple's lawyer, Christian Schertz, confirmed to the German Press Agency: "Yes, it's true, the couple separated last winter on the best of terms and will continue to be closely linked in great friendship." Schertz added: "In the interest of protecting the privacy of the zu Guttenberg family and also in view of their children, we ask you to respect them and to refrain from further inquiries."
Married since 2000
The couple had married in 2000. The zu Guttenbergs brought splendour to federal politics. They exuded youthfulness and energy when they were seen in public. It was similar with former German President Christian Wulff and his wife Bettina. Added to this was the title. Young, handsome, successful, wealthy - Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, scion of a Franconian noble family, was considered a shooting star in politics, a beacon of hope. Some even trusted him with the Chancellery. Stephanie, on the other hand, is a descendant of the German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck.
The CSU politician, whose full name is Karl-Theodor Maria Nikolaus Johann Jakob Philipp Franz Joseph Sylvester Freiherr von und zu Guttenberg, was Federal Minister of Defense from 2009 to 2011, previously Federal Minister of Economics for a short time. With photos in cargo pants and sunglasses, Guttenberg presented cover photos of his visits to the Bundeswehr in Afghanistan, for example. His performances also earned him many leaders from the opposition.
Deep fall after a steep career
But there was a deep fall, the steep career came to an abrupt end. In 2011, zu Guttenberg resigned from his political posts because of a plagiarism scandal surrounding his doctoral thesis, and his doctoral degree was revoked. There is now a "time of repentance, probably also of repentance" imminent, said the CSU politician at the time of the Great Zapfenstreich at his farewell.
The family, the couple has two daughters, went to the United States, but did not intend to break down the tents in Germany forever. Zu Guttenberg became an expert in a "think tank". Again and again he made himself felt in this country, by interview or the relatively quickly published book "Failed for the time being".
Stephanie zu Guttenberg was involved in many areas of society before and after her husband's career break. Born in Munich and with a degree in textile business administration, she campaigned against the sexual abuse of children and also took over the patronage of the Bavarian branch of the German Multiple Sclerosis Society. She was also president of the child protection organization Innocence in Danger for several years and published the book "Don't Look Away!" about sexual abuse.
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Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg has been working as a consultant and entrepreneur for years. As a kind of second chance, many saw it that he wrote a second doctoral thesis. Well-disposed people celebrated him as a purified one. Years ago, he traveled from the United States to campaign for the CSU again. For example, in his home town of Kulmbach in Upper Franconia. The ancestral home of his noble family is only a few kilometers away.
In recent years, the couple has appeared in public from time to time, for example at the Oktoberfest in Munich or at equestrian events.
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg also works as a co-producer and presenter of documentaries and other journalistic formats. He publishes in English and German-language media and has a podcast with the Left Party politician Gregor Gysi. He was also seen several times in the RTL program. At the end of 2022, for example, he hosted a review of the year together with entertainer Thomas Gottschalk. His new book ("3 Seconds") with everyday observations will be published shortly. Dpa