Royal Union: Prince Jaime of Bourbon-Two Sicilies and Lady Charlotte Lindesay-Bethune to Marry in Palermo in 2021

<p>**Historic Union in Palermo: The Duke of Noto and Lady Charlotte Lindesay-Bethune to Tie the Knot**</p> <p>In a significant event, Prince Jaime of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, the Duke of Noto, is set to marry Lady Charlotte Diana Lindesay-Bethune in Palermo, Italy, in September 2021. This union marks a significant milestone, as it will take place ninety years after the 1931 nuptials of the Count and Countess of Paris, the groom’s great-grandparents, in the same location. The wedding will be a grand affair, with the ceremony held at the historic Cathedral of Palermo and the reception at the Palazzo dei Normanni. The couple’s families have a rich history, with the Royal House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies being a cadet branch of the Spanish Royal Family, which reigned over Sicily and the Italian peninsula south of Rome for more than a century, from 1734 until 1860. The throne has been defunct ever since the unification of Italy in 1861. Lady Charlotte’s family, on the other hand, has its roots in Scottish nobility, with her father being the 16th Earl of Lindsay. The union of these two aristocratic families will be a celebration of their shared heritage and a testament to the enduring traditions of European nobility.</p>

The Bourbon-Two Sicilies family has a rich and complex history, marked by significant events and milestones. Here are some of the most important ones:

1. Establishment of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (1734-1816): The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was formed when Charles of Bourbon, a younger grandson of Louis XIV of France, was appanaged with the kingdoms of Naples and Sicily. This marked the beginning of the Bourbon-Two Sicilies dynasty, which ruled over the region for over a century.
2. French Invasion and Restoration (1799-1815): The French invasion of the Kingdom of Naples in 1799 led to the overthrow of the Bourbon monarchy. The royal family fled to Palermo, where they were protected by the British fleet. The restoration of the monarchy in 1806, followed by another French invasion in 1808, led to the creation of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in 1816.
3. Consolidation and Industrialization (1816-1860): During the early 19th century, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies underwent significant industrial and economic development. The royal family supported the construction of infrastructure, such as railways, and promoted agriculture and trade.
4. Risorgimento and Unification (1860-1861): The Risorgimento, a movement for Italian unification, led to the overthrow of the Bourbon monarchy in 1860. The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy under King Victor Emmanuel II, marking the end of the Bourbon-Two Sicilies dynasty.
5. Succession Dispute (1960-present): The succession of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies has been disputed between the senior Calabrian line, represented by Prince Pedro, Duke of Calabria, and the junior Castro line, represented by Prince Carlo, Duke of Castro. This dispute has led to ongoing tensions within the family.

These milestones highlight the significant events and challenges faced by the Bourbon-Two Sicilies family throughout their history, from the establishment of the kingdom to the eventual unification of Italy and the ongoing succession disputes.

The key events during the reign of Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor, include:

1. Coronation and Succession (1619): Ferdinand II was crowned Holy Roman Emperor on September 9, 1619, following the death of his predecessor, Matthias. He was the son of Archduke Charles II of Inner Austria and Maria of Bavaria, and his coronation marked the beginning of his reign.
2. Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648): Ferdinand II played a significant role in the Thirty Years’ War, a devastating conflict that ravaged Europe. He was the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia, Hungary, and Croatia, and his military campaigns and alliances had far-reaching consequences. The war was marked by brutal battles, widespread destruction, and significant loss of life.
3. Military Campaigns and Alliances (1620s): Ferdinand II led military campaigns against Protestant forces, including the Battle of White Mountain in 1620, where he decisively defeated the Protestant army. He also formed alliances with the Catholic League and other Catholic powers, which helped him to expand his territories and consolidate his power.
4. Religious Persecution and Edicts (1620s): Ferdinand II issued several edicts aimed at enforcing Catholicism and persecuting Protestants. His most famous edict, the Edict of Restitution, sought to restore Catholic ownership of lands acquired by Protestant families since the 1550s. This led to widespread resentment and resistance among Protestant populations.
5. Death and Legacy (1637): Ferdinand II died on February 15, 1637, after a long illness. His legacy was marked by the devastating impact of the Thirty Years’ War, which had ravaged Europe and left significant economic and social consequences. His reign also saw the rise of the Habsburg dynasty and the consolidation of Catholic power in Europe.

<p>**Historic Union in Palermo: The Duke of Noto and Lady Charlotte Lindesay-Bethune to Tie the Knot**</p> <p>In a significant event, Prince Jaime of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, the Duke of Noto, is set to marry Lady Charlotte Diana Lindesay-Bethune in Palermo, Italy, in September 2021. This union marks a significant milestone, as it will take place ninety years after the 1931 nuptials of the Count and Countess of Paris, the groom’s great-grandparents, in the same location. The wedding will be a grand affair, with the ceremony held at the historic Cathedral of Palermo and the reception at the Palazzo dei Normanni. The couple’s families have a rich history, with the Royal House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies being a cadet branch of the Spanish Royal Family, which reigned over Sicily and the Italian peninsula south of Rome for more than a century, from 1734 until 1860. The throne has been defunct ever since the unification of Italy in 1861. Lady Charlotte’s family, on the other hand, has its roots in Scottish nobility, with her father being the 16th Earl of Lindsay. The union of these two aristocratic families will be a celebration of their shared heritage and a testament to the enduring traditions of European nobility.</p>

The Palazzo dei Normanni, located in Palermo, Sicily, has a rich history spanning centuries. Here are some significant historical events that have taken place at the palace:

1. Construction and Expansion (9th-12th Centuries): The palace was initially built during the Islamic rule of Sicily in the 9th century. It was expanded and renovated by the Normans from 1072, who transformed it into a royal residence.
2. Palatine Chapel Construction (1130-1140): The Palatine Chapel, a famous chapel within the palace, was constructed under the rule of King Roger II, who became king of Sicily in 1130. The chapel was completed in 1140 and is a testament to the blending of Latin, Byzantine, and Islamic architectural styles.
3. Frederick II’s Imperial Seat (13th Century): The palace served as the imperial seat of Frederick II, who was the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Sicily. His court played a significant cultural role in Italy and Europe during this period.
4. Spanish Viceroys’ Residence (16th-18th Centuries): After centuries of neglect, the palace became the residence of the Spanish viceroys in 1555. They dismantled the military structures and built porticoed inner courtyards, followed by the construction of a Renaissance-style facade in 1616.
5. Restoration and Modernization (19th-20th Centuries): The palace underwent further restoration and modernization in the 19th and 20th centuries, including the restoration of the exterior in the pseudo Arab-Norman style and the recovery of medieval elements in the 1920s.
6. Seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly (1947-Present): The palace has been the seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly since 1947, making it a significant location for regional governance.

These events highlight the significant role the Palazzo dei Normanni has played in the history of Sicily and Europe, from its construction to its modern-day use as a seat of government.