The European aristocracy is in mourning following the sudden and unexpected passing of Archduchess Estelle of Austria, who died at the age of 46. The news was confirmed by her own family through a poignant announcement published in the Carnet du Figaro bulletin, which read, “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.” The statement, marked by its solemn tone, has left royal watchers and admirers stunned, as no further details regarding the cause of her untimely death have been disclosed.
Estelle, born in January 1979, leaves behind a grieving 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, who resided in Nice on the French Riviera, had built a life centered around their family, far from the public eye despite their noble lineage. The archduchess’s final farewell is set to take place on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., during a requiem Mass at the Franciscan Monastery of Cimiez in Nice, a location that reflects the family’s deep ties to the region.
Estelle’s journey into the Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty began with her marriage to Carl Christian, a great-grandson of Emperor Charles I, the last ruler of Austria-Hungary. The couple exchanged vows in 2007, first in a civil ceremony on April 18 in Montgirod, a small commune in Savoy, France, followed by a religious ceremony on June 2 at the Saint Bruno Church in Voiron, near Estelle’s hometown. The wedding was a grand affair, 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. The celebration concluded with a reception in Saint Romain, followed by a honeymoon in Mexico, marking the start of their shared life.
Carl Christian, the eldest son of Archduke Rudolf and Archduchess Marie-Hélène, is a cousin of the current head of the Austrian Imperial House, Archduke Karl von Habsburg. Despite the abolition of the monarchy in 1918, the Habsburg family has maintained its prominence within European nobility, and Estelle embraced her role within it with grace. Known for her discretion, she dedicated herself to raising her children, fostering a close-knit family that became her legacy.
The news of her passing has sent shockwaves through royal circles, with tributes pouring in for a woman described as kind, devoted, and deeply loved. The lack of information about her cause of death has only heightened the sense of loss, leaving many to speculate quietly while respecting the family’s privacy. For now, the focus remains on supporting Carl Christian and their young children, particularly little 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.