A host of European royals stepped out to attend the funeral of Prince Richard of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg on Monday. Richard passed away last week at the age of 82, with the royal palace announcing that he had "died suddenly at Berleburg palace". Richard's widow Princess Benedikte of Denmark led the mourners, alongside their three children, Princess Alexandra, Princess Nathalie and Gustav Hereditary Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg.
The sombre funeral was held at the Evangelische Stadtkirche church in the German town of Bad Berleburg. Princess Benedikte's sister Queen Margrethe II flew over from Denmark to attend. The reigning Danish monarch, 76, was accompanied by her husband Prince Henrik, Crown Princess Mary and Prince Frederik, and Princess Marie and Prince Joachim.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrincess Benedikte's husband Prince Richard passed away last week
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Representing Sweden were Queen Silvia and her younger daughter Princess Madeleine, while King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima and Willem-Alexander's mother Beatrix had especially come over from the Netherlands to pay their respects. Princess Märtha Louise of Norway was also pictured leaving the church, after saying her final farewell to the late prince, as were King Constantine and Queen Anne Marie of Greece.
© Photo: Getty ImagesQueen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands paid their respects
Prince Richard passed away on Monday 13 March. A statement was released by Tommy M. Paulsen, Princess Benedikte's private secretary, announcing his death. "It is with great sadness that I, on behalf of Her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte, announce that His Royal Highness Prince Richard has passed away. His Royal Highness died suddenly at Berleburg palace on the night of Monday 13 March."
© Photo: Getty ImagesQueen Silvia and Princess Madeleine also attended
Upon hearing the news, Princess Benedikte travelled from Denmark to the couple's home in Germany, Berleburg palace. She arrived the morning after her husband's death.
Benedikte is the younger sister of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. She married German prince Richard in February 1968. The couple went on to have three children together and four grandchildren.
