Prince Henry of Prussia (1862–1929) became the club's patron. Henry was interested in motor cars as well and supposedly invented a windshield wiper and, according to other sources, the car horn. In his honor, the "Prinz-Heinrich-Fahrt" (Prince Heinrich Tour) was established in 1908, like the earlier Kaiserpreis a precursor to the German Grand Prix. Henry and his brother William gave patronage to the Kaiserlicher Automobilclub (Imperial Automobile Club). Henry also was an early proponent of introducing submarines and airplanes. He had merchant ships converted into seaplane tenders for operations in the Baltic Sea. Henry respected his brother, but this attitude was not returned in the
Prince Henry of Prussia (1862–1929) was a very successful participant in regattas. He popularized the "" ("Prince Henry cap"), which is still worn, especially by older sailors. In 1899, Henry received an honorary doctorate (Doctor of Engineering "honoris causa") from the Technical University of Berlin. Also in foreign countries he received numerous similar honors, including an honorary doctorate (LL.D.) from Harvard University in March 1902, during his visit to the United States. Prince Henry died of throat cancer, as his father had, in Hemmelmark on 20 April 1929. George Burroughs Torrey painted a portrait of him. Prince Henry of Prussia (1862–1929) Prince Henry of Prussia