Friday, February 23, 2024

Princess Elisabeth of Bourbon-Two Sicilies: A Life of Royalty and Legacy

The royal family of Europe mourns the loss of Princess Elisabeth of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, who passed away on January 29, 2022, at the age of eighty-eight. Born in 1933, Princess Elisabeth was a member of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, a royal house with a rich history dating back to the 18th century. Her life was marked by her strong ties to European royal families, particularly her marriage to Prince Antonio of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, with whom she had four children and seven grandchildren. Princess Elisabeth's life was a testament to her dedication to her family and her heritage. She was known for her elegance and poise, often seen attending royal events and ceremonies alongside her husband and children. Her passing leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and a deep connection to the European royal tradition. As the world pays tribute to this remarkable woman, we remember her contributions to the rich tapestry of European history and her enduring impact on the lives of those around her.
Princess Elisabeth of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke Carl of Württemberg, and Princess Marie-Thérèse d'Orléans, Duchess of Montpensier in 2000. Photo (c) Seeger-Press.

According to the Annuario della Nobiltà Italiana, Princess Elisabeth of Bourbon-Two Sicilies died on Saturday, 29 January, at the age of eighty-eight.

The Royal Family of Württemberg gather in 1973 to celebrate the 80th birthday of Duke Philipp. Photo (c) William Mead Lalor Collection.
The Württemberg siblings in 2006: (left to right) Margravine Helene Pallavicini, Princess Marie Christine of Liechtenstein, Duke Carl of Württemberg, Princess Elisabeth of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, and Duke Ludwig of Württemberg.
Duchess Elisabeth Maria Margarethe Alix Helene Rosa Philippine Christine Josepha Therese vom Kinde Jesu of Württemberg was born at Stuttgart on 2 February 1933 as the second daughter and third child of Duke Philipp of Württemberg (1893-1975) and his second wife Archduchess Rosa of Austria-Tuscany (1906-1983), who wed in 1928. Elisabeth had an older half-sister, Duchess Marie Christine (b.1924; married Prince Georg of Liechtenstein) from her father's first marriage to Archduchess Helena of Austria-Tuscany (1903-1924), the sister of Elisabeth's mother. Elisabeth had five full siblings: Duchess Helene (1929-2021; married Markgraf Federico Pallavicini), Duke Philipp (1930-2019; married twice), Duchess Marie-Thérèse (b.1934; married Prince Henri d'Orléans, Count of Clermont), Duke Carl (b.1936; married Princess Diane d'Orléans), and Duchess Marie Antoinette (1937-2004). 
 
A young Prince Antonio.
The wedding of Prince Antonio of Bourbon-Two Sicilies and Duchess Elisabeth of Württemberg.
Prince Antonio of Bourbon-Two Sicilies and Duchess Elisabeth of Württemberg on the cover of Bunte
Princess Elisabeth and Prince Antonio with their son Prince Francesco, 1960.
In July 1958, Duchess Elisabeth married Prince Antoine (Antonio) of Bourbon-Two Sicilies (1929-2019), the only child of Prince Gabriele of Bourbon-Two Sicilies (1897-1975) and his first wife Princess Malgorzata Czartoryski (1902-1929). Elisabeth and Antonio had four children: Prince Francesco (b.1960; married Countess Alexandra von Schönborn-Wiesentheid), Princess Maria Carolina (b.1962; married Andreas Baumbach), Prince Gennaro (b.1966), and Princess Annunziata (b.1973; married Count Carl Fredrik Creutz).
 
Prince Antonio and Princess Elisabeth at the wedding of their niece Duchess Fleur. Schloß Altshausen, 2003.
Prince Jean d'Orléans with his aunts Princess Elisabeth and Princess Marie-Christine at the wedding of Duchess Fleur. Schloß Altshausen, 2003.
Prince Antonio and Princess Elisabeth with Margravine Helene at the wedding of Duchess Fleur. Schloß Altshausen, 2003.
Princess Elisabeth is survived by her four children and by seven grandchildren. May the Princess Rest In Peace.

As we conclude our tribute to Princess Elisabeth of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, we are reminded of the profound impact she had on the lives of those around her. Her legacy extends beyond her royal lineage, encompassing a life of dedication to her family and her heritage. Princess Elisabeth's unwavering commitment to her loved ones, as well as her connection to the rich tapestry of European history, has left an indelible mark on the world. We honor her memory by reflecting on the lessons she taught us about the importance of family, tradition, and the enduring power of love and loyalty.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we are left with a sense of gratitude for the life she lived and the memories she created. Princess Elisabeth's story serves as a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, and we are reminded that even in the face of adversity, we can find strength in our relationships and our shared experiences. We hope that her life and legacy will continue to inspire future generations, and that her memory will be cherished by all who knew her. May Princess Elisabeth of Bourbon-Two Sicilies forever rest in peace, her spirit living on through the countless lives she touched.

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