Neighbors with Alice: Invitation from AFD leader Weidel to the Regensburg castle festivals turns into a scandal for Gloria
Controversy Erupts at Regensburg Castle Festival over AfD Leader's Invitation
The 2025 Regensburg Castle Festival (Schlossfestspiele) has been embroiled in a heated controversy, centering around the invitation of Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) leader Alice Weidel by Gloria Fürstin von Thurn und Taxis. The invitation, extended to Weidel for a performance by pop singer Vicky Leandros, has sparked intense debate and large-scale protests.
Vicky Leandros, known for her advocacy for diversity, tolerance, human dignity, human rights, and internationality, publicly declared that Weidel was "not welcome" at her concert. This stance was a response to the controversy surrounding Weidel's political views and the concerns that her presence would politicise the event [1][2].
As a result, Weidel decided not to attend the pop star's concert or dine at the festival's restaurant. The official explanation given was that Weidel had concerns about the police being unable to guarantee security on the premises, and she did not wish to "spoil the evening for the guests" [1]. It is important to note that Weidel was not formally disinvited by Princess Gloria; her spokesperson clarified that Weidel had the invitation but chose not to attend [1][3].
The incident has triggered significant public and online debate. Critics have accused Gloria Fürstin von Thurn und Taxis of harboring right-wing sympathies and homophobia, allegations that she has denied in interviews [1]. The protests at the St. Emmeram Palace, the festival location, were intense, with approximately 900 people demonstrating against the AfD leader [2].
This controversy reflects broader tensions in Germany regarding the political far-right and cultural events. The upcoming election campaign and the return of the "conservative society" seem to have influenced the relationship between the CSU and the festival's organizer Peter Kittel, who has been known for right-wing radical and racist texts on his website [3].
In summary, Alice Weidel was invited by Gloria Fürstin von Thurn und Taxis to the Regensburg Castle Festival. Vicky Leandros objected to Weidel's presence, stating Weidel was not welcome at her concert. Weidel chose not to attend the concert, citing security concerns. Gloria von Thurn und Taxis did not formally disinvite Weidel. The event sparked large protests and heated public discussion about politics and inclusion at cultural events [1][2][3].
[1] Mittelbayerische Zeitung, Regensburg Castle Festival: Alice Weidel leaves Regensburg, 14 July 2025, www.mz-online.de
[2] Süddeutsche Zeitung, Regensburg Castle Festival: Protests against Alice Weidel and the festival, 13 July 2025, www.sueddeutsche.de
[3] Der Spiegel, Regensburg Castle Festival: Vicky Leandros bans Alice Weidel, 12 July 2025, www.spiegel.de
Social-media platforms became ablaze with heated discussions, as users debated Princess Gloria Fürstin von Thurn und Taxis' alleged association with right-wing ideologies and the AfD leader's presence at the Regensburg Castle Festival. The incident involving AfD leader Alice Weidel, Vicky Leandros, and the controversy prompted widespread entertainment news coverage, with celebrities expressing their support for diversity and inclusion at cultural events.
