H.S.H. Dr. Prinz Alfred von Schönburg-Hartenstein has been serving as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the Slovak Republic since 6th September 2016, when he presented his letters of credence to H.E. Mr. Andrej Kiska, President of the Slovak Republic. His Serene Highness succeeded his predecessor H.E. Ambassador Dr. Ottokar Finsterwalder.

Ambassador Prince Schönburg is a distinguished German and Austrian business leader and legal professional, as well as an experienced advocate for environmental conservation. Born in 1953, he descends from the princely House of Schönburg-Hartenstein, a historically significant family with roots in Saxony and Austria. The family has been associated with notable land management and property holdings such as Stein Castle in Hartenstein and the Old Castle in Penig, both of which Prince Schönburg reacquired after the German reunification. He studied Law at University of Vienna in Austria, before working in several leading positions in international insurance companies. Prince Schönburg is also a member of several professional chambers and associations.

In addition to his leading diplomatic role, he is the chairman of a globally operating insurance group, manages substantial land and forestry holdings in Germany and Austria, and serves on several supervisory board positions. Through his forestry holding company, Prince Schönburg oversees sustainable forestry operations and land management in Hartenstein, Saxony. His commitment to environmental conservation is evident through initiatives aimed at preserving natural habitats in Saxony.

Ambassador Prince Schönburg also holds the position of Honorary President of the Association of Austrian Insurance Brokers, providing strategic guidance and representing the interests of insurance brokers in Austria. Since 2008, he has been the President of the Association of German Nobility Associations (VdDA), leading efforts in heritage preservation and cultural activities.
Fluent in German and English, Ambassador Prince Schönburg is married to Princess Marie Therese von Schönburg-Hartenstein. The princely couple has four adult children and several grandchildren. Together, they actively participate in cultural and environmental initiatives, reflecting their dedication to public service and heritage conservation.