The Lobkowicz family dates back to the 14th century and is one of the oldest Bohemian noble families. The Lobkowiczes have historically played an important role in European politics, as Princes of the Holy Roman Empire, High Chancellors of Bohemia, Dukes of Sagan and Roudnice, Princes of High Chlumec, and many times bestowed the Order of the Golden Fleece, the highest honor of the Holy Roman Empire.

The Roudnice branch of the Lobkowicz Family was perhaps best known as a patron of Beethoven, Goethe and Dvorak. Gluck began his career in the family orchestra; his stay at the Lobkowicz castle at Strekov inspired Wagner's creation of Tannhauser. Beethoven dedicated numerous works to Josef Maxmillian Lobkowicz (the patron of the Prince beer) including the 5th, 6th and 3rd Symphonies (Eroica), with Eroica being performed at the Lobkowicz Palace in Vienna. Art and cultural interests created extensive and unique collections of work of art; libraries, archives, musical manuscripts, instruments, all compiled over the centuries; and all of which have been restored to the family.

With the founding of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1918, titles were abolished and large-scale nationalization took place. A lawyer by training JUDr. Maxmillian Lobkowicz, son and heir of the last Prince and Duke of Roudnice, was noted Czech nationalist and a supporter of Thomas Masaryk, the founder and First President of the Republic. During the 1920s, he joined the diplomatic service becoming First Secretary and later Ambassador to Great Britain for the Czechoslovak government in exile during World War II. He was a member of the underground movement against the Nazis and was decorated for his service to the country in 1947. He held his ambassadorial post until he was forced to flee Czechoslovakia two months after the Communists takeover in February 1948.

After the fall of communism, Martin and William Lobkowicz, the eldest son and grandson of Maxmillian, returned to Czechoslovakia. One of the results of the Velvet Revolution of 1989 was the passage of restitution laws, designed to repair the injustices of the previous 41 years and encourage swift revitalization of the country.

Nine castles were restituted back to the Roudnice branch of the family, most in a state of disrepair. Those in best condition and worth noting are Nelahozeves and Roudnice. Nelahozeves, a Renaissance chateau that was acquired by the family in 1623, is located in the village where composer Antonin Dvorak was born. The chateau continues the tradition of the family in patronizing the arts by remaining open to the public, offering permanent collections as well as special exhibits. The castle itself is the site of many popular commercial and cultural events year round; including Dvorak Nelahozeves Festival started in 1993. Roudnice castle, for centuries the Seat of Archbishop of Prague, came to the family in the 16th century and was rebuilt in its present Baroque style by the High Chancellor, Prince Vaclav Eusebius Lobkowicz. The castle wine cellars, founded in 1603, still produce one of the finest and most popular wines in the Czech Republic. The castle is presently occupied by the Czech military.

The family is actively pursuing projects surrounding art and cultural life in the Czech Republic, a country which has such a rich past and tradition. For the last eight years, the Roudnice Lobkowiczes have begun the long process of trying to restore the collection of art, books, and other objects to its former grandeur for benefit of the public. These activities are carried out through the Roudnice Lobkowicz Foundation established to offer both financial and administrative support.

In addition, the Roudnice winery and the Lobkowicz brewery (established in 1466) are producing high quality beverages that are available throughout the Czech Republic and the world. Lobkowicz Travel Services (established in 1995) offers congress and business organization, as well as incentive and group tourism.