Moritz, Prince of Dietrichstein


Moritz, Prince of Dietrichstein, was a German prince member of the House of Dietrichstein, 10th and last Prince of Dietrichstein zu Nikolsburg, Count of Proskau-Leslie, Baron of Hollenburg, Finkenstein and Thalberg.
Born in Vienna, he was the seventh child and fourth son of Karl Johann Baptist, 7th Prince of Dietrichstein, and Maria Christina Josepha, a daughter of Jan Josef František Antonín, Count of Thun-Hohenstein.

Life

Being the third son of his family and in consequence without expectations to inheritance, since 1791 Moritz entered in the Austrian military service. In 1798 was named Adjutant of General Karl Mack von Leiberich in Naples, where he was captured with his master by the French, and after his release he participated the campaign in Ulm.
In 1815 Moritz was appointed tutor of the Duke of Reichstadt and later was named Director of the Imperial Court Theatre and Library, in 1845 was named Oberstkämmerer until 1848, when he retired from public offices.
Like his older brother, Prince Franz Joseph, he was an opponent of Metternich politics. Beethoven was very encouraged by him. In 1838 Moritz acquired from the Austrian National Library the Mozart's Requiem. Even as a Director of the Coins and Antique Cabinets during 1833-1848 he rendered great services, composing songs, dances and minuets. In 1834 he was elected an honorary member of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities.
After the death of his nephew, Joseph Franz on 10 July 1858, Moritz succeeded him as 10th Prince of Dietrichstein.
Moritz died in Vienna aged 89, and was buried at Hietzinger cemetery, grave 06, no. 15. Because his only son died before him and without issue, with Moritz ended the Dietrichstein family in male line. Four years later, in late 1868, Count Alexander of Mensdorff-Pouilly, obtained from the Emperor the title of Prince of Dietrichstein-Nikolsburg, thus reviving the title of his wife's family.

Marriage and issue

In Vienna on 22 September 1800, Moritz married with Maria Theresia, a daughter of Johann Christoph Julius, Count of Gilleis and Countess Maria Anna von Spindler. They had five children, of whom only two survive adulthood: