She was born in Berlin in 1939 and left this world in Denmark in 2026, and in between she was, by every account, the heart of her family. Countess Thyra Antonie Marie-Therese Feodora Agnes zu Castell-Castell Moes, known with affection as Thyra Moes, has passed away at the age of 86.

Born on September 14, 1939, she died on September 10, 2026, just days before her 87th birthday, according to the family notice shared in Denmark. Her funeral is to take place from Gentofte Church on Tuesday, September 22, at 2 p.m., with all welcome to attend.

Thyra belonged to a lineage joining German nobility and Danish royal heritage. She was the daughter of Count Luitpold of Castell-Castell and Princess Alexandrine-Louise of Denmark, and through her mother a descendant of King Frederik VIII of Denmark. She married Karl Moritz Moes, and together they raised five children: Marie-Louise, Benedikte, Otto, Anne-Sophie, and Karl. The family announcement described her simply as “our beloved mother.”

Her Danish royal connections ran deep. She attended the gala performance at the Royal Danish Theatre in 2010 honoring Queen Margrethe’s 70th birthday, and was invited to the festive performance marking the 2004 wedding of then Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary. She was also a beloved guest at celebrations of the Rosenborg family, a branch of the Danish royal house.

Her Highness Dr. Princess Antonia zu Schaumburg-Lippe and His Highness Dr. Prince Mario-Max zu Schaumburg-Lippe expressed heartfelt condolences on the loss of their relative, remembering her as one of the loveliest women in the family. Princess Antonia recalled: “The moments with Countess Thyra and Princess Elisabeth of Denmark together were always so precious and lovely.”

They described her as elegant, beautiful, kind, funny, generous, strong, and intelligent, and noted the pride she took in her children, speaking of them often and with love. In their tribute, they imagined Prince Waldemar welcoming Thyra and continuing their cherished relationship, a comfort rooted in the family’s faith.

Thyra Moes is mourned foremost as a mother, relative, and friend. She leaves behind children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and a family that will carry her example of elegance, intelligence, kindness, and love.

Originally published on Times Square Chronicles.