A right royal soiree was held in São Paolo, Brazil, where members of the Braganza, Bourbon-Two Sicilies, and Savoys gathered for a small family reunion. The event was organized by Prince Casimir of Bourbon-Two Sicilies and his wife Princess Maria Cristina, who had planned to celebrate the ninetieth birthday of Maria Cristina’s sister, Archduchess Margherita of Austria-Este, in Italy but were unable to do so due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The gathering brought together several cousins of Prince Casimir and Princess Maria Cristina, including the Duke of Bragança and his daughter the Duchess of Coimbra, Prince Luis Alfonso of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, and Princess Maria da Gloria of Orléans and Bragança. The Duke of Bragança had been in Brazil to celebrate Infanta Maria Francisca’s graduation from the Universidade Católica Portuguesa and spent time with his relatives before returning to Portugal. The event was a testament to the strong ties between these royal families and their ability to come together despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
what other notable events have taken place at the residence of Prince Casimir and Princess Maria Cristina in São Paolo
who are some of the notable guests that have attended events at Prince Casimir and Princess Maria Cristina’s residence
- The Duke of Bragança: Head of the Royal House of Portugal, he attended a family gathering with his daughter, the Duchess of Coimbra, to celebrate Infanta Maria Francisca’s graduation from the Universidade Católica Portuguesa.
- Prince Imperial Bertrand of Brazil: A cousin of Prince Casimir, he was also present at the family gathering in São Paolo.
- Count Alberto Farini: Another cousin, he joined the gathering along with Prince Luiz Philippe of Orléans and Bragança, who is a Federal Deputy in the Brazilian Congress.
- Prince Luis Alfonso of Bourbon-Two Sicilies: The eldest son of Prince Casimir and Princess Maria Cristina, he attended the dinner hosted by his parents.
- Princess Maria da Glória of Orléans and Bragança: A niece of Prince Imperial Bertrand, she was also a guest at the family gathering.
- Princess Maria Isabella of Savoy-Genoa: A cousin of Prince Casimir, she joined the gathering along with her daughter, Countess Luce di Savoia Genova Frioli di Rezzano, and granddaughter, Sophia di Savoia Genova Frioli di Rezzano.
These events demonstrate the strong ties between the royal families of Europe and their ability to come together despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
what are the main activities or traditions at these royal gatherings
- Trooping the Colour: A display of military precision and horsemanship to mark the official birthday of the monarch, featuring over 1400 parading soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians.
- Garden Parties: Exclusive events hosted by the monarch to recognize significant contributions to public service, typically held at Buckingham Palace and Holyrood House in Edinburgh.
- State Opening of Parliament: The monarch officially opens each new Parliamentary year, accompanied by the Imperial State Crown and regalia, and escorted by the Household Cavalry.
- Changing of the Guard: A daily ceremony where the Old Guard forms up outside the Guard Room and a New Guard arrives, led by a Regimental Band, Corps of Drums, or a Pipe Band, at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
- Ceremony of the Keys: A nightly ritual at the Tower of London where the Chief Yeoman Warder secures the Palace and Fortress, escorted by one of the Guard.
- Royal Ascot: A prestigious horse racing event featuring the Royal Procession, where the Royal Family arrives in horse-drawn carriages, and various enclosures with dress codes and dining options.
- Remembrance Sunday: A national day of remembrance for those who have died in conflicts, attended by the Royal Family and political leaders at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London.
- Christmas Broadcast: The monarch’s annual message of hope, reflecting on the past year and looking ahead, broadcast across the world.
These events showcase the rich traditions and duties of the British monarchy, offering a glimpse into the world of royalty and its significance in British culture.
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| The Duke of Bragança, Prince Imperial Bertrand of Brazil, Count Alberto Farini, Prince Luiz Philippe of Orléans and Bragança, and Prince Casimir of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. Photograph (c) Pró Monarquia. |
On 11 March 2020, before the world was completely changed by the coronavirus pandemic, Prince Casimir of Bourbon-Two Sicilies and his wife Princess Maria Cristina organised a gathering for family members at their home in São Paolo. Prince Casimir is the son of the late Prince Gabriele of Bourbon-Two Sicilies (1897-1975) and his second wife Princess Cecilia Lubomirska (1907-2001). In 1967, Casimir married Princess Maria Cristina of Savoy-Aosta, the daughter of Prince Amedeo of Savoy (1898-1942), Duke of Aosta, and Princess Anne d’Orléans (1906-1986).
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| Princess Maria Cristina of Savoy-Aosta, Luce Frioli, Sophia Frioli, and Princess Maria Isabella of Savoy-Genoa. Photograph (c) Pró Monarquia. |
Many cousins of Prince Casimir and Princess Maria Cristina attended the small soirée at their residence. Among those present were Dom Duarte Pio, Duke of Bragança and Head of the Royal House of Portugal, as well his daughter the Infanta Maria Francisca of Portugal, Duchess of Coimbra. Prince Imperial Dom Bertrand of Brazil, who also lives in São Paolo, was at the dinner as well as his nephew Prince Luiz Philippe of Orléans and Bragança, who is a Federal Deputy in the Brazilian Congress. In addition, Bertrand’s niece Princess Maria da Glória of Orléans and Bragança was also a guest. Casimir and Maria Cristina have always remained close to their Brazilian cousins.
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| Three Generations of the Women of the Savoy-Genoa Branch of the Italian Royal Family: Countess Luce Frioli, Countess Sophia Frioli, and Princess Maria Isabella of Savoy-Genoa. Photograph (c) Rinnovamento nella Tradizione – Croce Reale. |
Princess Maria Isabella of Savoy-Genoa, her daughter Countess Luce di Savoia Genova Frioli di Rezzano, and her granddaughter Sophia di Savoia Genova Frioli di Rezzano, who all live in the city, joined their cousins at this reunion. Maria Isabella is the only child of the last Duke and Duchess of Genoa: Prince Eugenio of Savoy-Genoa (1906-1996) and Princess Lucia of Bourbon-Two Sicilies (1908-2001). After the end of the World War II, Eugenio and Lucia moved to Brazil with their daughter to make a new life. In 1971, Maria Isabella of Savoy-Genoa married Alberto Frioli, Count di Rezzano; the couple had four children: Vittorio (b.1972), Maria Cristina (1973-1973), Carlo Alberto (b.1974), and Marie Luce (b.1978). Maria Isabella has maintained close ties with her many royal relations in South America and Europe.
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| Among others: The Duke of Bragança with his daughter the Duchess of Coimbra, and then, on the far right, Prince Luis Alfonso of Bourbon-Two Sicilies and Princess Maria da Gloria of Orléans and Bragança. Photograph (c) Pró Monarquia. |
Prince Luis Alfonso of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, the eldest son of Prince Casimir and Princess Maria Cristina, joined in the dinner hosted by his parents. The prince lives in São Paolo together with his second wife and three children.
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| Duarte and Francisca of Portugal. Photograph (c) Pró Monarquia. |
The Duke of Bragança and his daughter had been in Brazil on a trip to celebrate Infanta Maria Francisca’s graduation from the Universidade Católica Portuguesa. Father and daughter visited the Amazon rainforest and then were able to spend time with their relatives in São Paolo, before returning to Portugal.
Casimir and Maria Cristina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies had planned on going to Italy to celebrate the ninetieth birthday of Maria Cristina’s sister, Archduchess Margherita of Austria-Este. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the couple were unable to do so and have stayed at their residence in Brazil.
what are the main highlights of the Trooping the Colour ceremony
As we conclude our exploration of the right royal soiree in São Paolo, we are reminded of the enduring bonds between royal families across Europe. The gathering, hosted by Prince Casimir of Bourbon-Two Sicilies and his wife Princess Maria Cristina, brought together several cousins and relatives, showcasing the strong ties that transcend borders and continents. The event was a testament to the resilience and adaptability of these families in the face of adversity, as they came together to celebrate a significant milestone despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As we reflect on this right royal soiree, we are left with a sense of awe and appreciation for the traditions and customs that define the royal families of Europe. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the intimate gatherings of royal relatives, each event is a celebration of history, culture, and the enduring bonds between these noble families. Whether it is a state visit, a garden party, or a family reunion, each occasion is a reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring the rich heritage of these royal dynasties. As we bid farewell to this special gathering, we are left with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world of royalty and its many wonders.
what other royal families have residences in Brazil
- House of Orléans-Braganza: The Brazilian imperial family, descendants of Emperor Pedro I, have residences in Brazil, particularly in Petrópolis and Vassouras. The Petrópolis line is headed by Prince Pedro Carlos of Orléans-Braganza, while the Vassouras branch is led by Bertrand of Orléans-Braganza.
- House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies: Prince Casimir of Bourbon-Two Sicilies and his wife Princess Maria Cristina have a residence in São Paolo, where they hosted a family gathering in 2020.
- House of Savoy-Aosta: Princess Maria Cristina of Savoy-Aosta, the wife of Prince Casimir, is a member of the House of Savoy-Aosta, which has historical ties to Brazil. The family has residences in Italy and Brazil.
These royal families have maintained connections with Brazil through their historical ties and family relationships, often residing in the country or visiting for special occasions.
