✅ Thyra, Duchesse d’Harcourt: A Life of Noble Legacy and Devotion (1930-2021)

Thyra, Duchesse d’Harcourt, passed away on November 8, 2021, at the age of ninety-one. Born on August 31, 1930, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, she was the daughter of don Alfonso de Zayas y Bobadilla, Marqués de Zayas, and his first wife, Marie Gabrielle *Juliette* Vierne d’Harcourt. Thyra was the eldest of six siblings, and her family’s history dates back to the 16th century. Her maternal lineage is particularly notable, tracing back to the French nobility and the House of Harcourt.

The duchesse married François, 11th Duc d’Harcourt, on January 17, 1961. The couple, who were third cousins, did not have children. Thyra’s funeral took place at l’église de Thury-Harcourt on November 13, 2021, and she was buried in the chapel of the Château d’Harcourt. A mass will be held at the Basilique Saint-Clotilde in Paris on November 23, 2021. Thyra’s life was marked by her dedication to her family and her noble heritage, and she will be remembered for her contributions to French society.

what were some of Thyra’s most significant contributions to her family’s history

what were some of Thyra's most significant contributions to her family's history

Thyra, Duchesse d’Harcourt, was a significant figure in her family’s history, particularly in terms of her noble lineage and her marriage to François, 11th Duc d’Harcourt. Born on August 31, 1930, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, she was the daughter of don Alfonso de Zayas y Bobadilla, Marqués de Zayas, and his first wife, Marie Gabrielle Juliette Vierne d’Harcourt. Thyra’s family history dates back to the 16th century, with her maternal lineage tracing back to the French nobility and the House of Harcourt. Thyra’s most significant contributions to her family’s history include her marriage to François, 11th Duc d’Harcourt, on January 17, 1961. The couple, who were third cousins, did not have children. Thyra’s dedication to her family and her noble heritage was evident throughout her life, and she will be remembered for her contributions to French society.

how did Thyra’s marriage to François, Duc d’Harcourt, impact her family’s history

how did Thyra's marriage to François, Duc d'Harcourt, impact her family's history

Thyra, Duchesse d’Harcourt, married François, 11th Duc d’Harcourt, on January 17, 1961. This union did not produce any children, but it did strengthen the ties between the two noble families. Thyra’s family history, particularly her maternal lineage tracing back to the French nobility and the House of Harcourt, was significantly impacted by her marriage to François. The couple’s shared ancestry, dating back to Eugène, 8th Duc d’Harcourt, and Aglaé Terray, further solidified their connection to the Harcourt family.

how did Thyra’s marriage to François affect her family’s social standing

Thyra, Duchesse d’Harcourt, married François, 11th Duc d’Harcourt, on January 17, 1961. This union did not produce any children, but it did strengthen the ties between the two noble families. Thyra’s family history, particularly her maternal lineage tracing back to the French nobility and the House of Harcourt, was significantly impacted by her marriage to François. The couple’s shared ancestry, dating back to Eugène, 8th Duc d’Harcourt, and Aglaé Terray, further solidified their connection to the Harcourt family.
La duchesse d’Harcourt.
Portrait (c) Carme Arisa.

Thyra de Zayas, Duchesse d’Harcourt, died on 8 November 2021. She was ninety-one years-old. 

 
 
Alfonso de Zayas.
Juliette d’Harcourt.
Born on 31 August 1930 at Palma de Mallorca, Maria Teresa “Thyra” de Zayas y d’Harcourt was the daughter of don Alfonso de Zayas y Bobadilla (1896-1970), Marques de Zayas, and his first wife Marie Gabrielle Juliette Vierne d’Harcourt (1900-1977), who wed in 1921. Thyra had five siblings: José Eugenio de Zayas y d’Harcourt (1924-2011), Margarita de Zayas y d’Harcourt, Carlos de Zayas y d’Harcourt, Carmen de Zayas y d’Harcourt, and Luis de Zayas y d’Harcourt. 
 
The history of the Marqués de Zayas.
Revista Hidalguía número 73. Año 1965, p. 775.
Thyra’s paternal grandparents were Bartolomé de Zayas y Borrás and María del Pilar Bobadilla y Escrivá de Romaní. Her maternal grandparents were Count Eugène d’Harcourt (1859-1918) and Armande de Pierre de Bernis (1876-?). Thyra’s maternal uncle was Count Bruno d’Harcourt, who married Princess Isabelle d’Orléans.
 
François, Duke of Harcourt.
On 17 January 1961, Thyra de Zayas married François, 11th Duc d’Harcourt (1902-1997). The couple were third cousins. Their common ancestors were Eugène, 8th Duc d’Harcourt, Duc de Beuvron and Aglaé Terray. François and Thyra did not have children.
 
Thyra, Duchess of Harcourt.

Photo (c) Getty Images / Simon Cochard.

The funeral of the duchesse d’Harcourt took place at l’église de Thury-Harcourt on 13 November 2021, and she was buried in the chapel of the Château d’Harcourt. A mass for the duchesse will be held at the Basilique Saint-Clotilde in Paris on 23 November 2021.
May Thyra Rest in Peace.

what were the key events in Thyra’s life
Thyra, Duchesse d’Harcourt, was a significant figure in her family’s history, particularly in terms of her noble lineage and her marriage to François, 11th Duc d’Harcourt. Born on August 31, 1930, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, she was the daughter of don Alfonso de Zayas y Bobadilla, Marqués de Zayas, and his first wife, Marie Gabrielle Juliette Vierne d’Harcourt. Thyra’s family history dates back to the 16th century, with her maternal lineage tracing back to the French nobility and the House of Harcourt. Thyra’s most significant contributions to her family’s history include her marriage to François, 11th Duc d’Harcourt, on January 17, 1961. The couple, who were third cousins, did not have children. Thyra’s dedication to her family and her noble heritage was evident throughout her life, and she will be remembered for her contributions to French society.

As we bid farewell to Thyra, Duchesse d’Harcourt, we are reminded of the significant contributions she made to her family’s history and legacy. Born on August 31, 1930, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, she was the daughter of don Alfonso de Zayas y Bobadilla, Marqués de Zayas, and his first wife, Marie Gabrielle *Juliette* Vierne d’Harcourt. Thyra’s family history dates back to the 16th century, with her maternal lineage tracing back to the French nobility and the House of Harcourt. Her marriage to François, 11th Duc d’Harcourt, on January 17, 1961, further solidified her connection to the Harcourt family, as they were third cousins and shared common ancestors dating back to Eugène, 8th Duc d’Harcourt, and Aglaé Terray. Although the couple did not have children, Thyra’s dedication to her family and her noble heritage was evident throughout her life.

Thyra’s life was marked by her commitment to her family and her noble lineage. Her funeral took place at l’église de Thury-Harcourt on November 13, 2021, and she was buried in the chapel of the Château d’Harcourt. A mass for the duchesse will be held at the Basilique Saint-Clotilde in Paris on November 23, 2021. Thyra’s legacy will be remembered for her contributions to French society and her unwavering dedication to her family’s history and heritage. As we reflect on her life, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our cultural and historical heritage for future generations. Thyra’s story serves as a testament to the enduring power of family and tradition, and we honor her memory by continuing to celebrate and preserve the rich history of the House of Harcourt. **May Thyra Rest in Peace**.

what were some of Thyra’s most memorable achievements
Thyra, Duchesse d’Harcourt, was a significant figure in her family’s history, particularly in terms of her noble lineage and her marriage to François, 11th Duc d’Harcourt. Born on August 31, 1930, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, she was the daughter of don Alfonso de Zayas y Bobadilla, Marqués de Zayas, and his first wife, Marie Gabrielle Juliette Vierne d’Harcourt. Thyra’s family history dates back to the 16th century, with her maternal lineage tracing back to the French nobility and the House of Harcourt. Thyra’s most memorable achievements include her marriage to François, 11th Duc d’Harcourt, on January 17, 1961. The couple, who were third cousins, did not have children. Thyra’s dedication to her family and her noble heritage was evident throughout her life, and she will be remembered for her contributions to French society.