Re: Habsburg Sapphires Piacenza Fleur de Lys Archived Message
Posted by Henri M on November 10, 2012, 6:19 am, in reply to "Re: Habsburg Sapphires Piacenza Fleur de Lys"
The Maison de Bourbon de Parme really was one of the wealthiest royal families in Europe. They even possessed the magnificent Château de Chambord, the biggest of the famous Loire châteaux. The Duke of Parma of the time (Prince Elias de Bourbon de Parme) was married to Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria and in WWI joined the Austrian army, so choosing the other side which fought against France. The French Republic then seized the Château de Chambord, let us say by means of war-looting. It is astonishing how this grand and enormous wealthy family has fallen to "poverty" and are now "saved" thanks to a good marriage with the daughter of a rich lady (Princess Irene). Still they are nowehere back to the former glory, as they do not live in grand estates and have to borrow jewels from the Orange-Nassaus. Amazing. And sad. Like the Orléans, also the Parmas suffered unbelievable mismanagement, bad luck and internal feuds which were deadly for the preservation of family heritage, wealth and of course also jewels.
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