Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis arrived late to Mass at her Bavarian palace on a chilly autumn night. Dressed in a long dark coat, she joined her guests in the chapel, where prayers were led by a priest amid the somber atmosphere of the crypt below, where her husband and family members are interred.
At 64, Princess Gloria has transitioned from a flamboyant public figure in the 1980s to a conservative Catholic with connections to the European far right. She is known for her anti-abortion and anti-immigration stances and has recently formed a friendship with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., who attended her annual music festival in the summer of 2023.
Justice Alito’s financial disclosure revealed a gift of concert tickets worth $900 from the princess, prompting media inquiries, which he did not address. Meanwhile, Princess Gloria expressed her admiration for Alito's pro-life stance and emphasized her commitment to anti-abortion advocacy.
In an interview at her palace, she shared her views on politics, aligning herself with figures such as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and expressing her long-standing friendship with Stephen K. Bannon, despite his current incarceration. She dismissed Bannon's earlier suggestion to use her palace for training conservative leaders as unrealistic.
Princess Gloria's background includes a childhood spent in Africa and a marriage to the 11th Prince of Thurn und Taxis, which brought her into European nobility. Following her husband's death in 1990, she faced significant debt but managed to maintain the family's wealth through public events at the palace.
Her return to conservative Catholicism, influenced by Pope Benedict, has shaped her political affiliations and interactions, including her meeting with Justice Alito at a Catholic conference in Rome. Their friendship blossomed, leading to Alito's invitation to her music festival, where they enjoyed performances together.
During the festival, Justice Alito and his wife were hosted at the palace, where they mingled with guests despite protests outside regarding the princess's political views. A local journalist recognized Alito, leading to an encounter that highlighted his reluctance to discuss his Supreme Court decisions.
Alito's visit coincided with scrutiny over his failure to disclose a private jet trip and other controversies surrounding his conduct. Princess Gloria, now focused on her upcoming Christmas season plans, expressed her desire to reconnect with the Alitos and extend friendship to other justices, particularly Justice Thomas.