interview
Lilly zu Sayn-Wittgenstein
“I fell in love”
© NurPhoto / imago images
Lilly zu Sayn-Wittgenstein talks to GALA about her new boyfriend and why she wants to study in New York.
She danced at “Let’s Dance” and at the most glamorous society parties. Now Lilly zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, 50, is ready for a new beginning. With a new man and new goals. The princess tells us exclusively why 2022 was such an important year for her.
GALA: What is your summary for 2022?
Lilly zu Sayn-Wittgenstein: It was an amazing year for me, especially in terms of personal development. I put my phone away, gave up social media and just surrendered to life. And what can I say: I had one of the best summers of my life. (laughs)
Why?
I met a wonderful new person and actually fell very much in love. I met Charles at a mutual friend’s party one night in Venice. And since then, an incredible peace and trust has grown within me.
Lilly zu Sayn-Wittgenstein: This is how her life has changed
Maybe also because you turned 50 in September?
Definitely, now the second half of my life begins! We celebrated that with the closest family and of course my Charles came too. We did something really crazy: On my birthday, we actually just got on the plane to New York because we said: Now more than ever adventure! (laughs)
You are often in New York – your new center of life?
Charles is half British, half American, based in London and New York. I’ve been there for a long time now and I’m very fortunate to be integrated into an exciting intellectual scene through Charles. His father was a professor and his mother was on the board of directors at Columbia University. The city is actually too busy for me, but it’s great for my inner growth. I have decided that I want to study here again.
What kind of study will it be?
Psychology. I would like to accompany people on how to peacefully dissolve a marriage, for example, and still manage to offer the children a family. I think when you are of a certain age, you have to pass on to the younger generation certain things that you have learned yourself along the way in life with all its ups and downs.
How are you celebrating Christmas this year?
We will all celebrate together in Austria. With my two ex-husbands, Mahkameh, my siblings, my parents and my children. And then there will be a new Charles, I’m really looking forward to that.