How a couple from Pegau became Saxony's first state prince and princess

It wasn't planned: Désirée and Simon Kremers are Saxony's first state prince and princess. The couple from Pegau, south of Leipzig, actually only wanted to celebrate carnival at home. "We wanted to be the 62nd princely couple from Pegau and simply enjoy the carnival season," says Désirée Kremers.

The surprising moment

But then they stood on stage with two other couples at the final decision in Oelsnitz in the Vogtland district after auditions and performances. Third place was called. Second place. And suddenly it became clear: they were now representing the 186 clubs of the Saxon Carnival Association in the Free State of Saxony.

"That was the start of a very special journey," recalls the 41-year-old. Since then, Désirée I and Simon I from the Pegau Carnival Club have been wearing their dark green, gold-decorated costumes - and representing clubs all over the state.

Parental leave for voluntary work

The two even take parental leave for their reign - four weeks for her, just over three for him. "It wasn't a difficult decision to make," says Simon Kremers. They deliberately wanted to create space for themselves so that neither work nor family would suffer.

The two met years ago in the hustle and bustle of the carnival in Leipzig. "Later in the evening, we stumbled over each other's feet," says the 35-year-old, who grew up in the Lower Rhine region. What inspired him there, he says, he also experiences in Saxony: "It's just a special exuberance, because everyone looks completely different because of the costumes." Differences in everyday life fade, he says, and people are "a bit more equal to each other".

Reception in Berlin, applause in Pegau

The highlights of her time in office so far have been the visit to the Federal Chancellery and the reception with Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU). However, they experienced their most emotional moments at their own club in Pegau. After an event, the whole club spontaneously cheered when they entered the room. "Completely honest and completely spontaneous - and that was really great," says Simon Kremers.

When their term of office ends, they hope that people will attest to one thing above all else: Authenticity. "I think that would be the greatest praise," says Simon Kremers. Carnival should bring people together - especially in times when many things seem difficult.