HOME
Ralph Radtke: his best memory in Ciragan Palace
An interview of Ralph Radtke, Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul General Manager & Kempinski Area Director for Turkey & Bulgaria.
What is the most beautiful memory as Hotel General Manager? Can you tell us an anecdote that you have experienced?
There was a couple on the next table having dinner following which a birthday cake was presented to the lady. I went over to the table to congratulate the lady on this special occasion on behalf of Çırağan Palace Kempinski and then learnt that at the same time the gentleman had just proposed.
We celebrated with a glass of champagne and then to my astonishment I learnt that the gentleman was H.I.H. Prince Osman OSMANOĞLU, descendant of Sultan Murad V, the 33rd Ottoman Sultan who resided at Çırağan Palace from 1876 to 1904.
They were in the process of making plans for their marriage. I offered them to do the wedding at the palace right away. He took my offer, which needless to say he was very happy with; he loved the idea of getting married at his Great Grandfather’s palace. H.I.H is one of the 24 male descendants of the Ottoman sultans still living, and seven members of his family were born at the Çırağan Palace.
On 22 April 2012, they had their wedding in our magnificent ballroom which was once the piano room of Sultan Murad V accompanied by a distinguished group of guests that included prominent figures from the Istanbul society and other descendants of the Ottoman royal family who flew from all over the world to attend this wedding. It was a very impressive event that made us all very happy.
Pasha Suite
Pasha Suite
Laurent Delporte, an editor and conference speaker, is a strategic expert in the sector of hotels. A visionary, he brings his unique look on hotels in service to the decision-makers in the industry, whether to enhance the development of new projects or strategic visions.
Laurent has visited and audited over 350 hotels across the world and also participates in mystery visits to provide quality control for the world’s finest hotels.
