interview
Lilly of Sayn-Wittgenstein
“The best daughter in the world!”
Lilly of Sayn-Wittgenstein
© Gisela Schober / Getty Images
Princess Lilly zu Sayn-Wittgenstein and her daughter Lana talk about rituals, similarities and why mom is sometimes quite embarrassing.
Lana Lambros towers three centimeters higher than her mother Lilly zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, 51. “Now I’m actually the smallest in our house,” smiles the princess. In the GALA interview they explain why she is incredibly proud of her 18-year-old daughter and what brings the two of them together.
This is how Lilly zu Sayn-Wittgenstein and daughter Lana spend their time together
GALA: Do you have any particular mother-daughter rituals?
Lilly: We take our time very consciously. I have often taken Lana with me on city trips to develop her cultural spirit. But of course we also do typical girl things like massages or going out on the town together when I visit her in Athens. Depending on what exciting things are happening in our lives or what Lana’s interests are. For example, fashion recently, right Lana?
Lana: I love fashion and absorb everything about it. My favorite look right now is “Rockstar’s Girlfriend.”
Lana, what career plans do you have?
Lana: I was on the Greek national ski team, so I had to be very disciplined and had training and school every day. A serious knee injury forced me to stop. I’m graduating in the summer and then I want to take a gap year. I am looking for internships and especially want to travel a lot.
Where?
Lana: My brother gave me a two-week road trip through California for my 18th birthday. We’re going to do that soon and I’m really looking forward to it. For me, traveling is always connected with nature. I grew up in a small town in the Swiss Alps (Verbier, editor’s note), and that has an impact.
During this time they have grown close together
You lived with your mother during the pandemic.
Lana: That was new and took some getting used to because we hadn’t had that for a long time. But we have definitely grown closer together. I grew up with my father. Of course my mother visits me quite often, but my male influence is great. It was the first time that I had concentrated female power – not just from my mother, but also my aunt, my cousins and my brother’s girlfriend. So I learned completely new things about myself.
Lilly, how would you describe your daughter?
Lana: I can help out: cheeky! (laughs)
Lilly: She has a really great, strong character and a good sense of humor. I have a feeling whatever she does, she’ll be very good at it. She is incredibly loyal to her friends and family. And pretty smart too. What can I say? I have the best daughter in the whole world!
This makes Lilly the “happiest mother in the world”
Lana, are you sometimes embarrassed by your mother?
Lana: Very often! But my brother and I gave up. Whenever we go out with her, something happens. Not only are men glued to her left and right shouting “Ciao Bella,” but she also talks to them…
Lilly: Once your reputation is ruined…(laughs) I just love communicating with people!
How are you similar?
Lilly: We are both very creative and have a great interest in psychology.
Lana: And we like to dress up.
If Lana moves into life now, what will that do to you, Lilly?
Lilly: It only triggers positive feelings in me. I watch every moment as she spreads her wings further. She has developed into such a special and strong personality, I can’t wait to see what’s next for her. If I can accompany my children on their journey for a little longer, I will be the happiest mother in the world!