In the world of mountaineering, Reinhold Messner is a legendary figure, often hailed as the “King of the 8,000-meter peaks.” But, there’s more to his story than just climbing mountains. Behind every great man, there’s a great woman, and in Messner’s case, that woman is Diane Schumacher. Their love story, marked by an age difference of 36 years, has captured the attention of many. Let’s delve into the fascinating tale of Diane Schumacher, the future wife of Reinhold Messner.
A Love Story Unfolds
The journey of Diane and Reinhold’s love story began about three and a half years ago, in a rather romantic fashion. Messner describes it as “a very romantic thing.” What followed was a whirlwind of emotions and a strong sense of responsibility that eventually led them to the decision of marriage. Messner explained, “The idea of marriage comes from the fact that we are in love, that we want to be together, from a sense of responsibility. And then I was tired of introducing her as my friend, her companion… she. Now she will be ‘my wife’.”
Diane Schumacher: More Than Just a Bride
Diane Schumacher isn’t just Reinhold Messner’s soon-to-be wife. She’s a woman of substance in her own right. Born in 1980, this Luxembourgian, originally from Monaco, has a diverse background. Before embarking on this extraordinary love journey with Messner, Diane had already experienced marriage once and is a mother to a 14-year-old son.
Notably, Diane and Reinhold share not only their personal lives but also a professional one. Together, they founded “The Messner Mountain Heritage,” a testament to their shared passion for mountaineering and exploration.
A Tale of Third Time’s the Charm
This upcoming wedding will be Reinhold Messner’s third trip down the aisle. His first marriage in 1972 was with the German journalist Uschi Demeter, which lasted until 1977. The second, in August 2009, was with Sabine Eva Stehle, after 25 years of companionship. Reinhold has four children: Leila, Magdalena, Simon, and Anna, each from different phases of his life.
The Love That Overcame Criticisms
The age gap between Diane and Reinhold, approximately 36 years, has stirred its share of controversies. However, they have a simple response to the critics: “Criticism for the 36-year age difference? They repeat the usual clichés. We would like to decide for ourselves about our life.” Their love, built on shared values and mutual respect, stands as a testament to the idea that age is just a number.
The Meeting That Changed Everything
The initial encounter between Reinhold Messner and Diane Schumacher took place in August 2018 at the Castle of Brunico during a festival celebrating mountain peoples. It was a chance meeting that led to a photograph together, followed by an exchange of phone numbers. Diane, although aware of Messner’s fame, initially didn’t even know if he was still alive. Their bond developed slowly, with Diane explaining, “He was close to me in difficult situations. When we met he was single, I wasn’t… Our families are very important to us, and all our children have a great personality.”
A Strong Partnership
Living together in Castel Juval for a year and enduring the lock-down together only strengthened their bond. Their relationship is based on mutual responsibility, both in good and bad times. Diane expressed her commitment, saying, “It’s easy to be there for someone when everything is going well, but in difficult times, it becomes clear if you can count on your partner. I will continue to be there for Reinhold in the future, and this is the greatest gift as big as I can make him.”
Wedding Details
As for the wedding, Diane plans to keep it simple. Her wedding dress will be a “normal, very simple summer dress” in white. Instead of the traditional wedding cake, they’ve chosen a “bamkuch,” a trunk-shaped Luxembourg cake. Their choices reflect their grounded and unpretentious approach to life.
Conclusion
The love story of Diane Schumacher and Reinhold Messner is a reminder that love knows no bounds, not even age. Despite the criticism and challenges they’ve faced, their commitment to each other and their shared passion for mountaineering have made their bond unbreakable. As they embark on this new chapter in their lives, their story continues to inspire, proving that true love can conquer all.
FAQs
- How did Diane Schumacher and Reinhold Messner meet? Diane and Reinhold first met in August 2018 at the Castle of Brunico during a festival celebrating mountain peoples.
- Is this Reinhold Messner’s first marriage? No, this will be Reinhold Messner’s third marriage. His first marriage was in 1972, and the second in August 2009.
- What is “The Messner Mountain Heritage”? “The Messner Mountain Heritage” is a venture founded by Diane Schumacher and Reinhold Messner, dedicated to mountaineering and exploration.
- How have Diane and Reinhold responded to criticisms about their age difference? They’ve responded by saying, “Criticism for the 36-year age difference? They repeat the usual clichés. We would like to decide for ourselves about our life.”
- What are their wedding plans? Diane plans to wear a simple white summer dress for the wedding, and instead of a traditional cake, they’ve chosen a trunk-shaped Luxembourg cake called “bamkuch.”
