Kretschmer Welcomes Saxon Royalty

Saxony’s Minister-President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) has a very special event coming up next week. On that day, the head of government will be surrounded by 16 Royal Highnesses in their costumes. Although these ladies do not have their own territories, they represent specific products from the Free State of Saxony and are mostly associated with food and drink. 

Among the guests are Saxony’s Milk Queen, Fish Queen, Forest Queen, Blossom Queen, and even the Saxon Tractor Queen, the State Chancellery revealed in advance. Photographers can look forward to an unprecedented concentration of crowns in the domed hall of the seat of power. 

A gilded crown adorns the Saxon State Chancellery

Since 1992, a 2.70-meter-high gilded crown has once again been perched atop the State Chancellery—just as it was during the days of the monarchy. At that time, CDU Minister President Kurt Biedenkopf (1930–2021) was in charge. He was often jokingly called “King Kurt” by the public. “Some people therefore thought that the crown on the building referred to his important role in Saxon politics. In fact, however, the crown commemorates the reign of the House of Wettin and symbolizes continuity and stability,” according to the State Chancellery’s website.

Princesses in Office and Dignity

In fact, at the time of the political upheaval in the GDR, there were a few isolated voices in Dresden advocating for the reintroduction of the monarchy. Citizens voiced such proposals at Monday demonstrations—usually to the amusement of those present. Given the many titles in use today, however, it is undisputed that many Saxons have a soft spot for royalty. In some places, there are even princesses alongside queens—such as the Kamenz Sausage Princess.

After the wine queen’s throne had been vacant for quite some time, there is now a new reign for the grape juice as well. Luise Puhlmann, a native of Radebeul, was crowned queen on Tuesday by the Winegrowers’ Association in Meissen and will represent the region during her reign in 2026/2027. In her everyday life, Puhlmann pours wine at the family business and regularly works in the vineyard.