Remembering the Legacy of the 7th Duke of Montebello (1939-2022)

The passing of Maurice Lannes, the 7th Duke of Montebello, marks the end of an era in the storied history of the Lannes de Montebello family. Born on July 2, 1939, in Biarritz, France, Maurice was the son of Napoléon Lannes, the 6th Duke of Montebello, and his second wife, Princess Diane de Broglie. This remarkable lineage dates back to 1808 when Marechal Jean Lannes, a great-great-great-grandfather of Maurice, was honored by Emperor Napoléon I with the title of 1st Duke of Montebello. Maurice's life was marked by his dedication to his family and his noble heritage. He married Johanna Christina Meyer-Ratken in 1971, and together they had four children. The family's legacy continues through his son, Benoît Lannes, who now holds the title of 8th Duke of Montebello. The funeral of Maurice Lannes, the 7th Duke of Montebello, will take place today at the Église Saint-Laurent de Mareuil, followed by burial in the church's cemetery.

Obituary from Sud Ouest.

Maurice Lannes, 7. duc de Montebello, died on 26 March 2022 at Mareuil, France. He was eighty-two years-old.

Born on 2 July 1939 at Biarritz, Maurice Georges Antoine Marie Lannes, Marquis de Montebello ,was the son of Napoléon Lannes, 6. duc de Montebello (1903-1988), and his second wife Princess Diane de Broglie (1903-1987), who married in 1930. Maurice Lannes de Montebello was the great-great-great-grandson of Marechal Jean Lannes (1769-1809), who in 1808 was created 1. duc de Montebello by Emperor Napoléon I.

In 1971, Maurice Lannes de Montebello married Johanna Christina Meyer-Ratken (b.1939). The couple had four children: Jean-Michel Lannes, Marquis de Montebello (1972-2004); Benoît Lannes, Marquis de Montebello (b.1973; now 8th duc de Montebello); Emmanuella Lannes de Montebello (b.1975; married Laurent Colnat), and Désirée Lannes (b.1976; married Michael Drihen).

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The funeral of the late duke will take place today, 31 March, at the Église Saint-Laurent de Mareuil with the burial to follow in the church's cemetery. 

For more on the genealogy of the ancestry of the Lannes de Montebello family, you may visit this website:

Lannes de Montebello

As we conclude our tribute to the life and legacy of Maurice Lannes, the 7th Duke of Montebello, we are reminded of the profound impact that individuals like him have on the world around them. His dedication to his family and his noble heritage is a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. The Montebello family's rich history, dating back to the early 19th century, is a shining example of the resilience and adaptability of noble families in the face of changing times. Through their unwavering commitment to their lineage, they have managed to maintain a sense of continuity and identity that transcends generations. As we bid farewell to the 7th Duke, we honor his memory by acknowledging the significant role he played in preserving this legacy for future generations.

The Montebello family's story is a poignant reminder of the importance of family and heritage in shaping our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. As we reflect on the life of Maurice Lannes, we are reminded of the many ways in which individuals can leave a lasting impact on the world around them. Whether through their work, their relationships, or their legacy, each person has the power to shape the world in their own unique way. As we move forward, we are reminded of the importance of embracing our own heritage and the role we play in preserving it for future generations. By doing so, we can ensure that the Montebello family's legacy continues to inspire and educate us for years to come.