Royal Romance: Donata Coleman's Journey from Princess to Devoted Wife

The passing of Princess Donata Reuss, known as Donata Coleman, marks the end of an era in the lives of those who knew her. Born on June 8, 1932, in Vienna, Princess Elisabeth Donata Regina Emma Clementine Reuss was the youngest child of Prince Heinrich XXXIX Reuss and Countess Antonia zu Castell-Castell. Her life was a testament to the power of love and the ability to transcend social boundaries, as she chose to marry for love rather than position, ultimately giving up her title to be with her husband, the Rev. Peter Everard Coleman. Donata's life was marked by her unique blend of royal heritage and her commitment to her faith. Her marriage to Rev. Coleman, which took place in 1960, was a union that defied the conventions of her royal upbringing. The couple had four children together, and Donata's life was filled with the joys and challenges that come with raising a family. Her legacy extends beyond her personal life, as she was a shining example of the transformative power of love and the ability to find happiness outside of the constraints of one's social status.

Princess Donata Reuss and Bishop Peter Coleman after their engagement. Photo (c) ANL/Shutterstock. 

On 24 April 2022, Donata Coleman died at the age of eighty-nine years-old. She was survived by her four children and six grandchildren.

Donata's parents: Prince Heinrich XXXIX and Countess Antonia.

Photo (c) Sueddeutsche Zeitung Photo/Alamy.

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Born on 8 June 1932 at Vienna, Princess Elisabeth Donata Regina Emma Clementine Reuss was the third daughter and sixth and youngest child of Prince Heinrich XXXIX Reuss (1891-1946) and Countess Antonia zu Castell-Castell (1896-1971), who wed in 1918. Donata had five older siblings: Fürst Heinrich XIV (1919-2012; married Princess Marie Luise zu Salm-Horstmar), Prince Heinrich VI (1922-1942), Princess Amadea (1923-2015; married Reinhold Sachs), Princess Gertrud (1924-2011; married Henri Grand d'Esnon), and Prince Heinrich VII (1927-2002; married Baroness Brigitte van Tuyll van Serooskerken).

Peter and Donata.

Photo (c) Trinity Mirror / Mirrorpix / Alamy Stock Photo.

On 14 May 1960 at the Anglican Church in Vienna, Princess Donata Reuss married the Rev. Peter Everard Coleman (1928-2001). The bride, who wore "a heavy silk dress and robe of purest white with a white hat and veil," walked down the aisle on the arm of her eldest brother. Peter and Donata were wed by Dr. Eric S. Abbott, the Dean of Westminster. The couple's January engagement was a charming news item in many papers; Reverend Coleman was not aware of his wife's ancestry at the time he proposed. It was only days later that a friend informed him that Donata was a princess. Donata remarked: "I always said I'd marry for love and not for position. By marrying Peter I lose my title. But what do titles matter these days?" Peter Coleman was educated at the Haileybury and Imperial Service College and King's College London; he served as a chaplain at the latter until 1966. Coleman was the vicar of St Paul's Clifton; he then went on to become the Director of Ordinands in the Diocese of Bristol and finally Archdeacon of Worcester. In retirement, Coleman was the Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Bath and Wells. The couple had two daughters and two sons: Antonia (b.1961; married 1st Warren Nash; married 2nd Matthew Tregenza), Basil (b.1963; married Stephanie Pleister), Benedict (b.1965; married Jane Fielding), and Elena (b.1969; married Nathan Chubb).

Donata's obituary in The Times.

May the Princess Rest in Peace.

As we conclude our tribute to Princess Donata Reuss, now known as Donata Coleman, we are reminded of the transformative power of love and the ability to transcend social boundaries. Her remarkable journey, from being a member of the royal family to embracing a life of devotion and service, serves as a testament to the enduring impact of her choices. It is a story that not only highlights the beauty of her marriage but also underscores the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of societal expectations. Donata's unwavering commitment to her faith and her love for her husband, Rev. Peter Everard Coleman, is a shining example of the kind of love that can bring people together across different walks of life.

As we reflect on the life of Princess Donata Reuss, we are left with a sense of awe and admiration for her remarkable journey. Her decision to marry for love, rather than position, was a bold choice that ultimately led her to a life of happiness and fulfillment. It is a choice that we can all learn from, as we navigate our own paths in life. Donata's story serves as a reminder that true love knows no bounds, and that it is the love we share with others that truly matters. We hope that her remarkable story will continue to inspire and uplift those who read it, and that it will serve as a beacon of hope for all those seeking to find their own path to happiness and fulfillment.