The Royal Union of Crown Prince Alexander and Princess Maria da Gloria: A Lasting Legacy
Fifty years have passed since the marriage of Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia and Princess Maria da Gloria of Orléans and Braganza, a union that brought together two prominent royal families from Europe. This milestone anniversary serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and commitment in the face of the challenges that come with royal life. The couple's story is a fascinating blend of tradition, duty, and personal passion, as they navigated the complexities of their roles while building a life together.
A Royal Romance Born in Spain
The marriage of Crown Prince Alexander and Princess Maria da Gloria took place on July 1, 1972, at Villamanrique de la Condesa, Spain. The couple's engagement had been announced earlier that year, and their wedding was attended by numerous royal relations from across Europe. The union of these two royal families was marked by a sense of unity and shared values, as they came together to celebrate their love and commitment to one another. This article will delve into the details of their remarkable story, exploring the events that led to their marriage and the lasting impact it has had on their lives and the world of royalty.
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| The Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Yugoslavia during their Orthodox religious wedding. |
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| Maria da Gloria and Alexander. Her father Pedro Gastão can be seen behind them. |
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| The engagement announcement in the Daily Telegraph of 21 December 1971. |
On 1 July 1972, Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia and Princess Maria da Gloria of Orléans and Bragança were married at Villamanrique de la Condesa, Spain. The couple's engagement had been announced on 20 December 1971 by a spokesman of the prince in London. Alexander and Maria da Gloria met at a party given by Maria's Tante Bebelle (the Countess of Paris) in Cascais; it was love at first sight.
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| Crown Prince Alexander approaches the altar with Princess Olga, wife of Prince Regent Paul. |
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| The couple during their religious wedding. |
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| The couple during their religious wedding. |
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| The couple during their religious wedding. |
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| Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Maria da Gloria of Yugoslavia during their religious union. Behind the princess one can see Prince Regent Paul of Yugoslavia. |
Born in 1945, Crown Prince Alexander was the only child of King Peter II of Yugoslavia (1923-1970) and Queen Alexandra (1921-1993; née Princess of Greece). Educated in Switzerland, the United States, and the United Kingdom, Alexander was a lieutenant in the British army with the Queen's Royal Lancers, with whom he did a tour in Northern Ireland. The crown prince was a godson of Queen Elizabeth II. Born in 1946, Princess Maria da Gloria was the daughter of Prince Pedro Gastão of Orléans and Bragança (1913-2007) and Princess Esperanza (1914-2005; née Princess of Bourbon-Two Sicilies). Maria da Gloria had studied interior design in Paris, and was working as an interior decorator in Madrid.
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| Left to right: Prince Pedro Gastão; the Countess of Barcelona; the newlyweds; Infante Alfonso, Duke of Galliera; Princess Olga of Yugoslavia; Princess Esperanza; Princess Teresa; Prince Paul of Yugoslavia; King Umberto II of Italy. |
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| Prince Juan Carlos; the Count of Paris; Princess SofÃa with her children; the Countess of Barcelona; the newlyweds; Princess Anne; King Constantine II of the Hellenes with Queen Anne-Marie and their children; Infante Alfonso (between the Greek king and queen); Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia. |
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| Princess Maria da Gloria and Prince Alexander with the bride's aunt, the Countess of Paris. |
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| The Count of Paris with Infanta Pilar of Spain and her husband LuÃs Gomez-Acebo y de Estrada. |
The guest list included the following royal relations: Prince Juan Carlos and Princess SofÃa of Spain with their children; the Count and Countess of Barcelona; Infanta Pilar and LuÃs Gomez-Acebo y de Estrada; Infanta Margarita and Dr Carlos Zurita y Delgado; Infante Alfonso of Spain, Duke of Galliera; Princess Anne of the United Kingdom; King Constantine II and Queen Anne-Marie of the Hellenes with their children; the Count and Countess of Paris; Princess Chantal d'Orléans and François Xavier de Sambucy de Sorgue; King Umberto II of Italy; Prince Paul and Princess Olga of Yugoslavia; Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia; Infanta Alicia, Dowager Duchess of Calabria; Infante Carlos and Princess Anne, Duke and Duchess of Calabria with their children; the Margrave of Baden; Princess Dolores of Bourbon-Two Sicilies and her husband Señor Carlos ChÃas; Prince Adam Czartorsky; Prince Pedro Gastão and Princess Esperanza of Orléans and Bragança; Princess Teresa of Orléans and Bragança; Infante Duarte Pio of Portugal, Prince of Beira, with his brothers Infante Miguel and Infante Henrique; Prince Tomislav and Princess Margarita of Yugoslavia; and Duke Carl and Duchess Diane of Württemberg.
As we reflect on the remarkable journey of Crown Prince Alexander and Princess Maria da Gloria, we are reminded of the enduring power of love and commitment in the face of the challenges that come with royal life. Their union, marked by a sense of unity and shared values, has been a beacon of hope and inspiration to many. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are reminded of the importance of preserving the traditions and legacies that shape our understanding of the world around us. The story of this royal couple serves as a testament to the transformative impact that love can have on our lives, and we are honored to have had the opportunity to share it with you.
We hope that this article has provided a unique and informative look into the life and marriage of Crown Prince Alexander and Princess Maria da Gloria. Their remarkable journey is a reminder that even in the midst of great change and uncertainty, the power of love and commitment can endure. As we move forward, we are grateful for the opportunity to continue exploring the rich history and cultural heritage that shapes our understanding of the world. We invite you to join us on this journey, as we delve into the fascinating stories and experiences of those who have shaped the course of history.
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