Archduchess Estelle of Austria Passes Away at 46
The European aristocracy is mourning the sudden and unexpected passing of Archduchess Estelle of Austria at the age of 46. Her family confirmed the news in an official announcement, stating, "Her husband, Archduke Carl Christian, their children, her parents, and her in-laws are deeply saddened to announce that Archduchess Estelle of Austria, née Lapra de Saint Romain, was called to God on Tuesday, March 4, 2025." No further details regarding the cause of her untimely death have been disclosed.
Born in January 1979, Estelle leaves behind her husband, Archduke Carl Christian of Austria, and their five children: Zita (born 2008), Anezka (born 2010), Anna (born 2012), Paola (born 2015), and Pier-Giorgio (born 2021), the youngest of whom is just four years old. The couple resided in Nice on the French Riviera, where they built a life focused on their family, maintaining a private existence despite their noble lineage.
A requiem Mass in her honor is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Franciscan Monastery of Cimiez in Nice, a location reflecting the family's deep connection to the region. Estelle entered the Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty through her marriage to Carl Christian, a great-grandson of Emperor Charles I, the last ruler of Austria-Hungary. Their union began with a civil ceremony on April 18, 2007, in Montgirod, France, followed by a religious ceremony on June 2 at the Saint Bruno Church in Voiron, near Estelle’s hometown. Their wedding was attended by 300 guests, including notable royals such as Princess Astrid of Belgium, Prince Gundakar of Liechtenstein, Princess Marie of Orléans, and Prince Jean Napoleon. A reception in Saint Romain and a honeymoon in Mexico marked the beginning of their life together.
Carl Christian, the eldest son of Archduke Rudolf and Archduchess Marie-Hélène, is a cousin of Archduke Karl von Habsburg, the current head of the Austrian Imperial House. Despite the monarchy’s abolition in 1918, the Habsburg family remains prominent within European nobility, and Estelle embraced her role with dignity. Known for her discretion, she dedicated herself to raising her children, fostering a close-knit family that became her legacy.
News of her passing has sent shockwaves through royal circles, with tributes pouring in for a woman remembered as kind, devoted, and deeply loved. The absence of information about her cause of death has intensified the sense of loss, while many continue to respect the family’s privacy. The focus remains on supporting Carl Christian and their young children, particularly Pier-Giorgio, as they navigate this profound tragedy.
As the Habsburg-Lorraine family gathers in Nice to bid farewell to Estelle, her life—though cut short—stands as a testament to the enduring bonds of love and duty. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and those who admired her quiet strength.
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