Prince Felix of Bourbon-Parma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prince Félix |
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| Prince consort of Luxembourg | |||||
| Tenure | 6 November 1919 – 12 November 1964 | ||||
| Born | 28 October 1893 Schwarzau am Steinfeld, Austria |
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| Died | 8 April 1970 (aged 76) Fischbach Castle, Luxembourg |
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| Burial | Notre-Dame Cathedral | ||||
| Spouse | Charlotte, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg (m. 1919) | ||||
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| House | Bourbon-Parma | ||||
| Father | Robert I, Duke of Parma | ||||
| Mother | Infanta Maria Antonia of Portugal | ||||
| Religion | Catholicism | ||||
Prince Félix of Bourbon-Parma (born 28 September 1893 – died 8 April 1970) was a very important person in Luxembourg. He was the husband of Charlotte, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. Together, they had six children, including Jean, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, who later became the Grand Duke.
Prince Félix was born into the House of Bourbon-Parma, a royal family. He was also a descendant of King Philip V of Spain. He served as the Prince Consort of Luxembourg for a very long time, longer than anyone else. A "Prince Consort" is the husband of a ruling queen or grand duchess.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Prince Félix was born in Schwarzau am Steinfeld, Austria. He was one of 24 children of Robert I, Duke of Parma. His father was a duke, but he had lost his throne. Félix's mother was Maria Antonia of Portugal.
Félix had many brothers and sisters. His older sister, Zita, became the Empress of Austria. Even though his father had lost his throne, the family was very rich. They owned large castles in Austria, Italy, and France. They even traveled in their own private train!
Félix served in the Austro-Hungarian Army as a soldier. He was a Lieutenant and then a Captain. He stopped serving in the army in November 1918.
Marriage to Grand Duchess Charlotte
On 6 November 1919, Prince Félix married his cousin, Charlotte, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. The wedding took place in Luxembourg City. The day before their wedding, Félix was made a "Prince of Luxembourg" by a special order.
Unlike some royal husbands, Félix kept his own family name, "Bourbon-Parma." He did not take his wife's family name. Because of his royal background, the members of the Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg are called "Royal Highness."
Prince Félix was very active in Luxembourg. He was the president of the Luxembourg Red Cross for many years. He also held important roles in the Luxembourg Army. He was a Colonel and later an Inspector-General.
There was a story that Prince Félix lost a large forest called the Grünewald in a casino. But this story is not true! Part of the forest and a castle were sold to the government. The money from the sale helped pay for the Grand Ducal family's expenses. It was not used for gambling.
During World War II, the Grand Ducal family had to leave Luxembourg because of the war. They traveled to France, then Portugal, and finally to New York City. From there, they moved to Canada for safety. Prince Félix, Grand Duchess Charlotte, and their children stayed safe during the war.
Later Life and Passing
Prince Félix passed away at Fischbach Castle on 8 April 1970. His funeral was held at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Luxembourg. He was buried in the crypt of the cathedral.
Children of Prince Félix and Grand Duchess Charlotte
Prince Félix and Grand Duchess Charlotte had six children:
- Jean, Grand Duke of Luxembourg (1921–2019): He married Princess Joséphine-Charlotte of Belgium.
- Princess Elizabeth of Luxembourg (1922–2011): She married Franz, Duke of Hohenberg.
- Princess Marie Adelaide of Luxembourg (1924–2007): She married Karl Josef Graf Henckel von Donnersmarck.
- Princess Marie Gabriele of Luxembourg (1925–2023): She married Knud Johan, Count of Holstein-Ledreborg.
- Prince Charles of Luxembourg (1927–1977): He married Joan Dillon.
- Princess Alix of Luxembourg (1929–2019): She married Antoine, 13th Prince of Ligne.
Titles and Awards
Prince Félix held several titles throughout his life:
- 28 October 1893 – 5 November 1919: His Royal Highness Prince Felix of Bourbon-Parma
- 5 November 1919 – 6 November 1919: His Royal Highness Prince Felix of Luxembourg
- 6 November 1919 – 12 November 1964: His Royal Highness The Prince Consort of Luxembourg
- 12 November 1964 – 8 April 1970: His Royal Highness Prince Felix of Luxembourg
Honours and Decorations
Prince Félix received many special awards and honours from different countries:
- From Luxembourg
Luxembourg: Knight of the Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau- Luxembourg: President of the Luxembourg Red Cross
- From his family (Parmese Ducal Family)
Parmese Ducal Family: Grand Cross of the Order of St. Louis for Civil Merit
- From other countries
Kingdom of Albania Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Fidelity (1931)
Austro-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Family: Grand Cross of the Royal Hungarian Order of St. Stephen (1917)
Belgium: Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold
Norway: Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav (1964)
Portugal: Grand Cross of the Military Order of St. Benedict of Aviz (24 February 1950)
Sweden: Knight of the Royal Order of the Seraphim (18 July 1951)
Thailand: Knight of the Order of the Royal House of Chakri (17 October 1960)
The Netherlands: Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion
Images for kids
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Prince Félix in 1916, before his marriage.
See also
In Spanish: Félix de Borbón-Parma para niños
