For the library, it is a precious historical legacy—for Albanian Prince Leka II, they are priceless memories of his grandmother, Géraldine Apponyi (1915–2002). The Slovak National Library preserves these memories with reverence, respect, and pride in the Apponyi Library in Oponice. It was precisely because of these memories that the prince, along with his fiancée Blerta Celibashi, visited the library in Oponice—a favourite place of his grandmother.

“It’s a very special and powerful experience for me. Memories of conversations with my grandmother come to mind, in which she also told me about her youth. She loved my grandfather, and Blerta and I wanted to commemorate their relationship in this way,” said Prince Leka II, the current head of the Albanian royal family and heir to the throne.

The photos they took at the Apponyi Library were used for the official announcement of their upcoming wedding, which is currently being planned and will take place in Albania.

Prince Leka II is the only grandson of King Zogu I and Queen Geraldine—the only royal couple of the modern Albanian kingdom. Although Countess Géraldine Apponyi was born in Hungary, she spent her childhood and youth in Oponice, at the Apponyi family castle. Since she spent much of her time in the family library (the Apponyi Library), she was affectionately called the White Rose of Oponice because of her delicate, pale complexion.

The Slovak National Library sincerely thanks H.E. Ľubomír Rehák for arranging this rare visit. It was an honour to welcome Prince Leka II and his fiancée, Blerta Celibashi, to the Apponyi Library.