On April 24, 1919, the city of São Paulo, Brazil, played host to a grandiose event that would be remembered for years to come: a royal soiree attended by the esteemed Prince of Wales, later to become King Edward VIII. The occasion marked a significant milestone in the burgeoning relationship between Brazil and the United Kingdom, as the prince embarked on a diplomatic tour of South America.
As the guests arrived at the luxurious Palace of São Paulo, they were treated to a lavish display of Brazilian hospitality, complete with exquisite cuisine and fine wines. The evening’s festivities were a testament to the growing cultural and economic ties between the two nations, with the prince and his hosts engaging in lively discussions about trade, politics, and the arts. The event would go down in history as a symbol of the strong bond between Brazil and the UK, marking the beginning of a new era of cooperation and friendship.
what made the royal soiree in São Paulo so unique
what were the main attractions or exhibits at the royal soiree in São Paulo
what kind of fine dining was featured at the royal soiree in São Paulo
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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.
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As we conclude our exploration of the royal soiree in São Paulo, we are reminded of the significance of such events in fostering cultural and social connections between nations. The gathering of royal family members from various European dynasties, including the Braganza, Bourbon-Two Sicilies, and Savoys, served as a testament to the enduring bonds between these royal houses. The evening’s festivities, marked by fine dining and lively discussions, underscored the importance of maintaining these connections in an increasingly globalized world.
As we reflect on the royal soiree, we are struck by the elegance and sophistication that characterized the event. From the luxurious setting of the Palace of São Paulo to the exquisite cuisine and fine wines, every detail was carefully curated to create an unforgettable experience. The presence of Prince Casimir and Princess Maria Cristina, along with their numerous cousins, added a touch of royal flair to the evening, making it a truly unique and memorable occasion. As we bid farewell to this remarkable event, we are left with a deeper appreciation for the role that royal gatherings play in shaping our understanding of history and culture.
