Prince Ludwig of Bavaria marries criminology student Sophie Evekink in lavish ceremony

Prince Ludwig of Bavaria exchanged vows with the Oxford criminology student in a religious ceremony followed by a palace reception.

There was a lavish royal wedding over the weekend when Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and his fiancée, Sophie Evekink, were married in a traditional ceremony in Germany.

The 40-year-old royal exchanged vows with the Oxford criminology student, 34, in a religious ceremony at the Theatiner Church in Munich on May 20, People reported.

A reception followed at Nymphenburg Palace, which was hosted by Prince Ludwig’s cousin Duke Franz of Bavaria.

Prince Ludwig is the eldest son of Princess Beatrix and Prince Luitpold of Bavaria and third-in-line to be the future head of the Bavarian family or, as they’re known, the House of Wittelsbach, behind his father and Duke Max of Bavaria, his cousin Franz’s father.

Prince Ludwig of Bavaria marries Sophie Evekink in Germany. Picture: Haus Bayern/Instagram

Prince Ludwig is in line to be the future head of the Bavarian royal family. Picture: Haus Bayern/Instagram

The newly married prince is the great-great grandson of King Ludwig III, the last King of Bavaria who ruled from 1913 to 1918.

Although the monarchy technically ended with the declaration of a Bavarian Republic in 1918 following World War I, King Ludwig’s descendants ceremoniously continued to live as royals.

In photos shared on Instagram, the bride – who will now be known as Princess Sophie while in Bavaria – walked down the aisle in a Reem Acra gown that was tailored locally. She topped it off with a Bavarian sapphire tiara, a headpiece that has been worn by other women in the House of Wittelsbach.

Criminology student Sophie Evekink will now be known as Princess Sophie while in Bavaria. Picture: Haus Bayern/Instagram

The newlyweds had their reception inside Nymphenburg Palace. Picture: Haus Bayern/Instagram

It’s unknown when the couple first began dating, but they announced their engagement in August 2022. Ahead of the wedding, Prince Luitpold told a local newspaper that Sophie was loved and welcomed by the family.

“Ludwig made a good choice. My future daughter-in-law is a very intelligent and educated woman,” he said to the German outlet Bild of Sophie, who is currently researching for her doctorate at the Law Faculty at Oxford University.

“I hope they start a family soon. It is very gratifying that Ludwig is now more in Bavaria again.”