Karol Henckel von Donnersmarck was part of the Henckel family von Donnersmarck. They were an Austro-German noble family. Karol, also referred to as Karl or Karole Donnersmarck was the youngest son of Baron Erdmann Gustaw von Donnersmarck and Baroness Rudolphina von Dyherrn.
Karol was wed to Countess Julia von Bohlen. Among their children was Guido Henckel von Donnersmarck (1830-1916), who would become a prince and industrial magnate.