The von der Leyen family is a German noble family which made its fortune as silk merchants and silk weaving industrialists. The Mennonite family established a major textile business in Krefeld in the 18th century. In its heyday, the business delivered silk to most European courts and aristocratic dynasties. The family was ennobled in 1786 and one branch raised to Baronial rank by Napoleon in 1813 and by the King of Prussia in 1816.
Von der Leyen pitches '€800bn' defence package ahead of EU leaders' summit
EU leaders will gather in Brussels on..
