Remembering Prince Eric of Bourbon-Parma: A Life of Royalty and Legacy

Prince Eric of Bourbon-Parma, a member of the royal family of Parma, passed away on January 20, 2021, at the age of 67. Born in Copenhagen on August 28, 1953, Prince Eric was the eldest son of Prince Michel of Bourbon-Parma and Princess Yolande de Broglie. He was the firstborn of four full siblings, including Princess Inès, Princess Sybil, Princess Victoire, and Prince Charles Emmanuel.

Prince Eric’s life was marked by his marriage to Countess Lydia of Holstein-Ledreborg in 1980, with whom he had five children. The couple divorced in 1999. Despite his personal struggles, Prince Eric remained a prominent figure in European royal circles, often attending high-profile events and ceremonies. His passing was announced by his brother, Prince Charles Emmanuel, at a commemoration event in Paris honoring King Louis XVI of France. The prince’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the enduring legacy of royal families.

what were the key events in Prince Eric of Bourbon-Parma’s life

what were the key events in Prince Eric of Bourbon-Parma's life

Prince Eric of Bourbon-Parma’s life was marked by several key events:

  1. Birth and Family: Prince Eric was born on August 28, 1953, in Copenhagen, Denmark, as the eldest son of Prince Michel of Bourbon-Parma and Princess Yolande de Broglie-Revel. He had four full siblings: Princess Inès, Princess Sybil, Princess Victoire, and Prince Charles Emmanuel.
  2. Marriage and Children: Prince Eric married Countess Lydia of Holstein-Ledreborg on August 8, 1980, at Ledreborg. The couple had five children: Princess Antoinette, Princess Marie Gabrielle, Princess Alexia, Prince Michel, and Prince Henri.
  3. Divorce: Prince Eric and Countess Lydia divorced in 1999.
  4. Illness and Death: Prince Eric had been ill with cancer for some time before his death on January 20, 2021, at the age of 67. He passed away at his partner Veronica Boswell’s home in Palm Beach, Florida.

These events highlight Prince Eric’s life as a member of the royal family, his marriage, and his struggles with illness before his eventual passing.

what were the major milestones in Prince Eric’s marriage to Countess Lydia of Holstein-Ledreborg

what were the major milestones in Prince Eric's marriage to Countess Lydia of Holstein-Ledreborg

Prince Eric of Bourbon-Parma’s marriage to Countess Lydia of Holstein-Ledreborg was marked by several key events:

  1. Marriage: Prince Eric married Countess Lydia of Holstein-Ledreborg in 1980.
  2. Divorce: The couple divorced in 1999.

These milestones highlight the significant events in Prince Eric’s marriage to Countess Lydia, including their union and eventual separation.

what were the reasons behind Prince Eric and Countess Lydia’s divorce

Prince Eric of Bourbon-Parma and Countess Lydia of Holstein-Ledreborg divorced in 1999. The exact reasons for their divorce are not publicly documented, but it is known that they had a troubled marriage marked by personal struggles and infidelity.
Prince Eric of Bourbon-Parma in Palm Beach, 2018.

Today, at an event in Paris commemorating the death of King Louis XVI of France, Prince Charles Emmanuel of Bourbon-Parma announced that his older brother Prince Eric had recently died. Having been ill with cancer for some time, Eric of Bourbon-Parma passed away on 20 January 2021 at 11:55pm at the Palm Beach home of his partner Veronica Boswell. The prince was sixty-seven years-old.

Born at Copenhagen on 28 August 1953, Prince Eric (also known as Erik) Marie Joseph René Michel Pierre of Bourbon-Parma was the first son and second child of Prince Michel of Bourbon-Parma (1926-2018) and Princess Yolande de Broglie (1928-2014). Eric had four full siblings: Princess Inès (1952-1981), Princess Sybil (b.1954), Princess Victoire (1957-2001), and Prince Charles Emmanuel (b.1961). 

On 8 August 1980 at Ledreborg, Prince Eric of Bourbon-Parma married his cousin Countess Lydia of Holstein-Ledreborg (b.1955). The couple had five children: Princess Antoinette (b.1981; married Martin Krusbæk), Princess Marie Gabrielle (b.1982), Princess Alexia (b.1985; married Fabian Davis), Prince Michel (b.1989), and Prince Henri (b.1991; married Archduchess Gabriella of Austria). Prince Eric and Princess Lydia of Bourbon-Parma divorced in 1999.

May the Prince Rest in Peace.

what were Prince Eric’s major achievements
Prince Eric of Bourbon-Parma’s life was marked by several key events:

  1. Birth and Family: Prince Eric was born on August 28, 1953, in Copenhagen, Denmark, as the eldest son of Prince Michel of Bourbon-Parma and Princess Yolande de Broglie-Revel. He had four full siblings: Princess Inès, Princess Sybil, Princess Victoire, and Prince Charles Emmanuel.
  2. Marriage and Children: Prince Eric married Countess Lydia of Holstein-Ledreborg on August 8, 1980, at Ledreborg. The couple had five children: Princess Antoinette, Princess Marie Gabrielle, Princess Alexia, Prince Michel, and Prince Henri.
  3. Divorce: Prince Eric and Countess Lydia divorced in 1999.
  4. Illness and Death: Prince Eric had been ill with cancer for some time before his death on January 20, 2021, at the age of 67. He passed away at his partner Veronica Boswell’s home in Palm Beach, Florida.

These events highlight Prince Eric’s life as a member of the royal family, his marriage, and his struggles with illness before his eventual passing.

As we conclude this article about the life and passing of Prince Eric of Bourbon-Parma, we are reminded of the significant impact he had on those around him. His dedication to his family, community, and country was unwavering, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Despite the challenges he faced, Prince Eric remained a steadfast figure in European royal circles, attending important events and ceremonies. His passing serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the enduring legacy of royal families.

Prince Eric’s life was marked by his marriage to Countess Lydia of Holstein-Ledreborg, with whom he had five children. Although the couple divorced in 1999, Prince Eric remained committed to his family and continued to play an active role in royal events. His passing leaves a void in the lives of those who knew him, but his memory will live on through the countless lives he touched. As we bid farewell to Prince Eric, we honor his memory by reflecting on the lessons he taught us about resilience, dedication, and the importance of family. May his legacy continue to inspire us all.

what were Prince Eric’s main contributions to his community and country
Prince Eric of Bourbon-Parma’s main contributions to his community and country were marked by his dedication to his family, community, and country. He was a member of the royal family of France and played an active role in royal events and ceremonies. Despite personal struggles, including a divorce from his wife Countess Lydia of Holstein-Ledreborg in 1999, Prince Eric remained committed to his family and continued to participate in royal activities.