Remembering Princess Margriet: A Life of Service and Devotion on Her Passing

On this day in 2011, the world mourned the passing of Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, a beloved member of the Dutch royal family. Born on January 19, 1943, Princess Margriet was the youngest child of Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard, and her life was marked by a deep commitment to her country and its people.

Princess Margriet was known for her tireless dedication to various charitable causes, particularly those supporting children and the arts. Her philanthropic efforts earned her widespread respect and admiration, solidifying her position as a cherished figure in Dutch society. As the Netherlands honored her memory, they also celebrated her remarkable life, which was filled with love, service, and a deep connection to her nation's history and culture.

what is the significance of princess in history

The title "princess" has played a significant role in history, particularly in the context of royal families and monarchies. Historically, a princess was a female member of a royal family, often the daughter of a king or queen, and held a position of prestige and influence within the royal household. The term "princess" has been used to describe various roles, including the consort of a prince, the daughter of a monarch, or even a reigning monarch in her own right. Throughout history, princesses have been instrumental in shaping the course of royal dynasties and the politics of their respective nations. They have often been used as pawns in strategic marriages to forge alliances and strengthen dynastic power, as seen in the medieval period where royal marriages were arranged to secure political and economic interests. Princesses have also played important roles in supporting their husbands in their political endeavors and acting as mediators within the royal court. In addition to their political roles, princesses have also been known for their cultural and artistic contributions. Many princesses have been patrons of the arts, supporting artists and musicians, and have been involved in various charitable endeavors. Some princesses have even gone on to become powerful figures in their own right, such as Eleanor of Aquitaine, who played a significant role in the politics of her time and was known for her intelligence and strategic thinking. The title "princess" has also been used as a term of endearment, expressing love and affection for a woman. This usage is seen in various forms of media, such as literature and film, where the term is often used to describe a beloved character. In summary, the significance of "princess" in history lies in its association with royal families and the roles that princesses have played in shaping the course of royal dynasties and the politics of their respective nations. Princesses have been instrumental in supporting their husbands, acting as mediators within the royal court, and contributing to the arts and charitable causes.

what is the origin of the princess title

The origin of the title "princess" dates back to the early days of European monarchies. The term "princess" is derived from the Latin word "principessa," meaning "principal woman" or "first lady." Historically, the title was used to describe the consort of a prince or the daughter of a monarch. The title was often used to differentiate the eldest daughter of the king from other princesses in the royal court, mirroring the French title "Madame Royale." This practice was first seen in the 17th century, particularly in England, where Queen Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I, introduced the title to honor her eldest daughter, Princess Mary.

what is the difference between a princess and a queen

The main difference between a princess and a queen lies in their roles within a royal family and the level of authority they hold. A queen is typically the wife of a king or a female ruler of a kingdom or empire, holding the highest rank in a monarchy. She may also be involved in the administrative affairs of the kingdom if the king is unable to do so or she is the monarch herself. A queen is generally considered the first woman citizen of the kingdom. On the other hand, a princess is typically the daughter or granddaughter of a king or queen. She holds a royal title but does not make decisions regarding the administration of the kingdom unless she is in line for the throne or becomes a queen through marriage.

A decade ago, on 13 May 2011, Princess Maria of Bavaria, Princess Mother of Brazil, died at her home in Rio de Janeiro. She was ninety-six years-old. The princess passed away on the 123rd anniversary of the 1888 signing of the Lei Áurea (Golden Law) by Princess Imperial Isabel of Brazil, the grandmother of Princess Maria's husband Prince Pedro Henrique.

Princess Maria of Bavaria. Photograph (c) Casa Imperial do Brasil.

Princess Maria Elisabeth Franziska Theresia Josepha of Bavaria was born on 9 September 1914 at Schloß Nymphenburg in Munich. Maria was the second of the six children of Prince Franz of Bavaria and his wife Princess Isabelle von Croÿ. Maria's paternal grandfather was King Ludwig III of Bavaria, the last Wittelsbach monarch, during whose reign she was born.

Princess Maria, Princess Adelgunde, Princess Eleonore, and Princess Dorothea of Bavaria. Photograph (c) Casa Imperial do Brasil.

After the fall of the Bavarian monarchy in 1918 following World War II, Maria's family went into exile in Hungary. They resided there until the 1930s when they returned to Bavaria, where they remained popular with the Bavarian people. Princess Maria received a thorough education; in addition to German, she became fluent in English and French. She also was trained in the art of porcelain painting. 

Princess Maria and Prince Pedro Henrique on their wedding day. Photograph (c) Casa Imperial do Brasil.

On 19 August 1937, Princess Maria of Bavaria married Prince Pedro Henrique of Orleans and Bragança, Head of the Imperial House of Brazil. The wedding took place at in the chapel of Schloß Nymphenburg. Among the guests were King Alfonso XIII of Spain, Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg, and the Count and Countess of Paris. 

Princess Maria and Prince Pedro Henrique with their children. Photograph (c) Casa Imperial do Brasil.

Princess Maria with her four daughters. Photograph (c) Casa Imperial do Brasil.

Between 1938 and 1959, Princess Maria and Prince Pedro Henrique had twelve children who survived into adulthood. Their thirteenth child, a daughter, died shortly after birth in 1946.

Prince Pedro Henrique and Princess Maria at Vassouras. Photograph (c) Casa Imperial do Brasil.

In 1957, Prince Pedro Henrique and Princess Maria and their family moved to the Fazenda Santa Maria in Jundiaí do Sul, Paraná. In 1965, the couple relocated to Vassouras, where they resided at the Sítio Santa Maria.  

Princess Maria and Prince Pedro Henrique. Photograph (c) Casa Imperial do Brasil.

Princess Maria became a widow when her husband Prince Pedro Henrique of Orleans and Bragança died on 5 July 1981. The prince was seventy-one years-old. He was succeeded as the Head of the Imperial House of Brazil by his eldest son Prince Luiz.

The Princess Mother of Brazil. Photograph (c) Casa Imperial do Brasil.

In her later years, Princess Maria lived between Vassouras and an apartment in Rio de Janeiro. 

As we conclude our reflection on the life of Princess Margriet, we are reminded of the profound impact she had on the world. Her dedication to her country and its people, as well as her tireless efforts in various charitable causes, have left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her. It is a testament to her character that her legacy continues to inspire and motivate others to follow in her footsteps. As we bid farewell to this remarkable princess, we are left with a sense of gratitude for the time we had with her and a renewed commitment to carrying on her work.

Princess Margriet's life was a shining example of the power of compassion, kindness, and selflessness. Her unwavering commitment to her duties and her people has left a lasting impression on the world. We are honored to have had the opportunity to learn from her and to be inspired by her example. As we move forward, we are reminded that the values she embodied are essential to creating a better world for all. We can only hope that her legacy will continue to guide us on our own paths, and that we will strive to emulate her remarkable spirit in our own lives. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her, and may her life continue to inspire generations to come.

what is the significance of the princess royal title in royal history

The Princess Royal title holds significant importance in royal history due to its association with the eldest daughter of the British monarch. The title is not automatically passed down through generations, but rather is granted at the discretion of the reigning monarch to their eldest daughter. This unique aspect of the title sets it apart from other royal titles and emphasizes the special role that the Princess Royal plays within the royal family. Historically, the Princess Royal title has been used to elevate the eldest daughter of the monarch to a higher position within the royal court, mirroring the French title "Madame Royale." This practice has been continued over the centuries, with each Princess Royal playing a distinct role in the history of the British monarchy. The title has been held by seven women so far, each contributing to the rich tapestry of royal history. The Princess Royal title is also significant because it is not hereditary, meaning that the title is not automatically passed down to the next generation. Instead, the title is granted to the eldest daughter of the current monarch, ensuring that each Princess Royal holds the title for life, regardless of whether her parent monarch dies or a new king or queen takes their place. This unique aspect of the title adds to its significance, as it emphasizes the importance of the individual holding the title rather than their lineage. In summary, the Princess Royal title is significant in royal history due to its unique association with the eldest daughter of the British monarch, its non-hereditary nature, and the distinct roles each Princess Royal has played in shaping the history of the British monarchy.