Ref Number: 221
Princess Maria Luisa of Bourbon-Parma reading an enchanting book
Ref Number: 221
Princess Maria Luisa of Bourbon-Parma stood as the firstborn daughter of Robert I, the last reigning Duke of Parma. Upon her marriage to Ferdinand I, the reigning prince, she ascended to the title of Princess of Bulgaria, a position that evolved as he later became Tsar following the Bulgarian Declaration of Independence in 1908. She was the mother of Tsar Boris III from Bulgaria. In 1892, her father orchestrated a marriage for her with Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, the reigning Prince of Bulgaria at the time.
The discussions took place between Duke Robert and Princess Clémentine of Orléans, the mother of Ferdinand. The engagement took place at the magnificent Castle of Schwartzau, the esteemed residence of the Bourbon-Parma family nestled in the heart of Austria. Marie Louise and Ferdinand were strangers until that fateful day. Princess Clémentine, who attended that event, wrote to Queen Victoria about her future daughter-in-law, stating, “Unfortunately not very pretty; it is the only thing she lacks, as she is charming, kind, witty, intelligent, and quite likable.” The wedding unfolded on 20 April 1893 at the charming Villa Pianore in Lucca, Italy, the esteemed residence of Duke Roberto.
At the age of 23, Marie Louise was nine years Ferdinand’s junior. The couple swiftly set about starting their family, welcoming their son Boris just nine months and ten days after tying the knot.
Every summer, Princess Maria Luisa and her husband made their way to the enchanting Sandrovo Palace near Varna. In 1893, at her behest, the palace took on the name Euxinograd. This captivating image from the late 19th century captures the princess in her private salon at Euxinograde Palace, elegantly engaged in a photo session as she reads a book.
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