Category Archives: Austria-Hungary

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Archduchess Yolande Has Died

  September 19, 2023 at 2:15 pm by

On september 13th Archduchess Yolande of Austria has died at the age of 100 in Brussels. The archduchess was born as Princess Yolande de Ligne and was the daughter of Eugene, 11th Prince de Ligne and Philippine de Noailles (a daughter of the 10th Prince of Poix). She was born in Madrid where her father was serving as Belgian ambassador. In 1950 she married Archduke Carl Ludwig of Austria, 4th … Continue reading →

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Death of Archduchess Margherita

  January 10, 2022 at 8:43 am by

Archduchess Margherita of Austria has passed away this morning at the age of 91. She was born in 1930 in Napels as Princess Margherita Isabella Maria Vittoria Emanuela Elena Gennara of Savoy-Aosta. She was the daughter of the 3rd Duke of Aosta and of Princess Anne of France. In 1953 she married Archduke Robert of Austria-Este, the second son of the  Emperor Karl and Empress Zita of Austria. The archduchess is … Continue reading →

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Prince Jean Christophe Napoléon marries Countess Olympia von und zu Arco-Zinneberg

  October 21, 2019 at 5:13 pm by

On October 19, Prince Jean Christophe Napoléon married Countess Olympia von und zu Arco-Zinneberg at the Cathedral of Saint-Louis-des-Invalides in Paris, France. The bride, who met her future husband whilst studying in Paris, wore an Oscar de la Renta gown. The Invalides Cathedral is also where Napoleon’s body was returned from St. Helena after his exile from France. Some of the reigning guest list included Princess Beatrice of York and … Continue reading →

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Princess Astrid Visits Home for Disadvantaged, Presents Sports Award

  January 29, 2018 at 4:38 pm by

Belgium’s Princess Astrid had a busy day on Monday as she first visited a home for the disadvantaged in Brussels before presenting the National Trophy of Sports Merit for 2017. At the Nativitas shelter in Marolles, the Princess – who is patron of the shelter – met with volunteers who provide the men and women who come to the shelter with clothing, food or social support. The shelter also provides … Continue reading →

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Belgian Royals Welcome Politicians To Palace For New Year’s Reception

  January 18, 2018 at 9:52 am by

Politicians from across Belgium headed to the Royal Palace in Brussels on Thursday, where they attended a New Year’s reception hosted by King Philippe. The King delivered a speech to the gathering, as did Prime Minister Charles Michel. King Philippe thanked the authorities for their work in 2017, and praised the efforts by the whole country in ensuring Belgium remains stable and solid throughout recent economic challenges. “Our economy is energetic … Continue reading →

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Princess Astrid’s Economic Missions Announced for 2018 and 2019

  January 13, 2018 at 8:43 am by

As she has done since her brother took the throne in 2013, Princess Astrid of Belgium will again undertake two economic visits in conjunction with the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency this year. She will visit Argentina and Uruguay in June, and Morocco in November. Her visits for 2019 have also been announced: Mexico in March 2019, and China in November 2019. The purpose of these economic missions – which see … Continue reading →

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Palace Profile: The Belvedere Palaces

  January 7, 2018 at 4:00 am by

Lower Belvedere looking across the Belvedere Gardens towards Upper Belvedere Location: Vienna, Republic of Austria Built: 1712-1716 (Lower Belvedere); 1717-1723 (Upper Belvedere); 1945-1953 (renovation and restoration) Architect: Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt Commissioned By: Prince Eugene of Savoy Style: Baroque On The Palace Grounds: The Belvedere Gardens, Orangery and Palace Stables Current Owner: The Austrian State Current Use: Österreichische Galerie Belvedere (Art Gallery and Museum) Fun Fact: The treaty declaring Austrian Independence at the conclusion of World War Two was … Continue reading →

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Belgian Royals Host Annual Christmas Concert At Royal Palace

  December 20, 2017 at 9:40 pm by

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians hosted the traditional Christmas concert at the Royal Palace of Brussels on Wednesday evening, to thank all staff of the royal court for their efforts over 2017. The couple were joined by their four children – Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel and Princess Eléonore – as well as the King’s sister, Princess Astrid, with her husband Prince Lorenz and youngest daughter, Princess Laetitia … Continue reading →

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A Daughter for Archduchess Gabriella and Prince Henri

  December 20, 2017 at 8:38 am by

Some surprising news comes out of Luxembourg today, as it was announced that Archduchess Gabriella of Austria, the younger daughter of Archduke Carl Christian and Archduchess Marie Astrid, welcomed her first child back in October. The 23-year-old Archduchess gave birth to a healthy baby girl on October 30th. Gabriella and her fiance, Prince Henri of Bourbon-Parma – youngest son of Prince Erik of Bourbon-Parma and Countess Lydia af Holstein-Ledreborg – have named … Continue reading →

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Belgian Royal Family Celebrates National Day

  July 21, 2017 at 6:41 pm by

The Royal Family of Belgium was out in force on Friday to help the country celebrate its National Day. King Philippe and Queen Mathilde were joined by their four children – Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel and Princess Eleonore – for a Te Deum service at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels, while Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz attended a service in Leuven, and Prince Laurent … Continue reading →

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Bringing Out The Brights: Pink and Red For Mathilde and Astrid At Belgian National Day Concert

  July 20, 2017 at 7:12 pm by

On Thursday evening, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde were joined by Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz for the traditional concert held by the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition to mark the beginning of National Day festivities. The two couples attended the concert by the National Orchestra of Belgium and Ji Young Lim, the winner of the 2015 Queen Elisabeth Competition for Violin at the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Bruxelles. Queen Mathilde wore a … Continue reading →

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Now That’s A Cake! Queen Paola Celebrates 80th Birthday Surrounded By Family

  June 29, 2017 at 5:42 pm by

A special concert was held on Thursday evening at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Waterloo to celebrate the eightieth birthday of Belgium’s former Queen, Paola. Queen Paola, whose birthday is on September 11, was joined by almost all of her descendants – King Philippe and his wife Mathilde with their four children; Princess Astrid and her husband Lorenz with four of their five children (Princess Maria Laura was absent), their … Continue reading →

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Mayors From All The Land: King Philippe and Queen Mathilde Host Reception

  June 27, 2017 at 2:00 pm by

At the Royal Palace of Laeken on Tuesday, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians hosted a reception for all the mayors of Belgium’s towns and municipalities, to thank them for their work over the past year. Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz were also present. Queen Mathilde repeated a gold silk cocktail dress with a white leaf print on the waistline from Natan. Merci pour votre engagement quotidien et votre dévouement! … Continue reading →

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Battle of Messines Centenary Commemorated by Prince William and Princess Astrid

  June 7, 2017 at 5:18 pm by

At the Island of Ireland Peace Park in Messines, Belgium on Wednesday, the Duke of Cambridge and Princess Astrid of Belgium commemorated 100 years of the Battle of Messines Ridge. The Taoiseach of Ireland, Enda Kelly, was also present. The Battle was the first where Irish soldiers from both the Unionist and Nationalists sides fought side-by-side. Prince William and Princess Astrid attended the commemoration service, before laying wreaths at the Round Tower in memory of … Continue reading →

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On the Mend: Queen Paola Makes First Official Appearance Since Hip Surgery

  May 31, 2017 at 2:23 pm by

At the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken on Wednesday, Queen Paola of Belgium had her first official public engagement since she underwent hip surgery in February. She was joined by her daughter, Princess Astrid, for the diploma presentation of the Queen Paola Prize for Teaching. The awards are presented yearly under a different theme by La Fondation Reine Paola. This year’s theme was ‘Science, Math and Techno: A Key to Our Future!’ and is awarded … Continue reading →

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The Running Princess: Astrid Completes Brussels 20km

  May 28, 2017 at 2:29 pm by

Belgium’s Princess Astrid took part in the 38th annual Brussels 20km on Sunday, completing the marathon in 2 hours, 39 minutes and 52 seconds. 40,000 runners took part in this year’s race; which Princess Astrid ran for as an ambassador for the Belgian Paralympic Team. After she crossed the finish line, Astrid was congratulated by two of her daughters, Princesses Maria Laura and Laetitia Maria. The Princess was also responsible for … Continue reading →

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Queen Elizabeth Joins Birthday Celebrations For Archduchess Helene of Austria

  May 18, 2017 at 10:03 pm by

On one of her rare private night outs Thursday evening, Queen Elizabeth II attended a dinner at The Ivy in London to celebrate Archduchess Helene of Austria’s 80th birthday. The Queen, wearing a cream lace dress underneath a black paisley shawl, was spotted upon arrival and on departure from the party, which was also attended by Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. Archduchess Helene is the daughter of Count Carl Theodor … Continue reading →

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On This Day: Maria Theresia Is Born

  May 13, 2017 at 8:00 am by

300 years ago today, the only female ruler of the Habsburg Monarchy was born at Homburg Palace in Vienna. Maria Theresia was the eldest daughter of Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor. Prior to her birth, Charles had issued a new act of succession to allow any daughters of his to succeed the throne ahead of his two nieces, the daughters of the previous ruler, Joseph I. As Maria Theresia was only … Continue reading →

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Belgian Royals Attend Mass Remembering Deceased Family Members

  February 17, 2017 at 1:55 pm by

On Friday February 17, the King and Queen of the Belgians attended the annual memorial mass at the Church of Our Lady of Laeken remembering deceased members of the Royal Family. Also attending the mass were Princess Esmérelda and her son Leopoldo Moncada, Princess Léa, Prince Guillaume and Princess Sibilla of Luxembourg, Archduke Carl Christian and Archduchess Marie-Astrid of Austria, and Princess Margaretha of Liechtenstein. Following the conclusion of the … Continue reading →

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Palace Profile: Schönbrunn Palace

  January 1, 2017 at 6:00 am by

In 2017, the TRF Blog will begin a series of profiles on the world’s palaces and castles. We begin with Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, home of the Habsburgs. Facade of Schloss Schönbrunn Location: Vienna, Republic of Austria Built: 1642 (original form); 1740s-1750s (current form) Architects: Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach (current form, preliminary design); Nikolaus Pacassi (current form) Commissioned By: Eleonora Gonzaga, Holy Roman Empress (original form); Maria Theresa of Austria … Continue reading →

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