Baron Alexis de Rédé

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Alexis Von Roseberg, Baron de Rédé. Born, Zurich, Switzerland. (4 February 1922-8 July 2004)

The son of Oscar von Rosenberg, a Jewish banker from Austria-Hungary.

Alexis de Rede's father became a citizen of Liechtenstein and was given the title of Baron de Rede by the Emperor of Austria in 1916. His father later committed suicide.

The title has come under suspiscion in the past, from the likes of Nancy Mitford as to its genuine nature, as it does not appear in the Almanach de Gotha. It is, however, entirely genuine.^{[citation needed]}

Alexis's mother was descended from the von Kaullas, a German-Jewish family, who had been part owners of the Bank of Wurttemberg with the Kings of that country, according to the Daily Telegraph obituary on 10th July, 2004.

The Baron de Rede was a committed aesthete. In 1949 he moved into and restored the 17th century Hôtel Lambert in Paris, where he contributed greatly to the social life of the city. His moving to New York was apparently at the request of his lover Arturo Lopez-Wilshaw (1901-62), who was to pay him $1,000,0000 for doing so. In 1962 he inherited half of Lopez-Wilshaw's fortune. Following this de Rede joined Prince Rupert zu Loewenstein in taking control of Leopold, Joseph & Sons, a bank, where he served as Deputy Chairman. He also lived as a socialite in New York, mixing in the highest of circles.

He has been described as "the Eugene de Rastignac of modern Paris" by Sir Henry 'Chips' Channon and as the greatest host in Europe, his parties were famous.

Baron de Rede was largely unknown to the public at large, he did, however, live a life of immense luxury which infiltrated all areas of his life. His estate was auctioned after his death by Sotheby's in a specially held sale and realised millions of pounds, included in the many items, which comprised three catalogues, was a 32-light chandalier expected to accomplish between one and two million Euros.

He died suddenly at the home of a friend, Carmen Saint, aged 82.

A photograph of the Baron de Rede: [1], [2]