📢 Unforgettable Funeral of the Red Princess: A Legacy of Resilience and Courage

The funeral of Marie Antoinette, the ill-fated Queen of France, marked a somber end to a tumultuous era. On October 18, 1793, the once-opulent royal family was laid to rest in the Basilique de Saint-Denis, a testament to the fleeting nature of power and the devastating consequences of the French Revolution.

As the French Revolution raged on, the royal family's fate was sealed. The execution of King Louis XVI in January 1793 set the stage for the tragic demise of his wife, Marie Antoinette. Her funeral, attended by a mere handful of mourners, served as a poignant reminder of the revolution's brutal efficiency in dismantling the monarchy. The ceremony, marked by solemnity and despair, brought a close to the era of royal splendor, paving the way for a new era of French history.

what was the significance of the Red Princess's funeral

The funeral of <b>Marie Antoinette</b>, the ill-fated Queen of France, marked a somber end to a tumultuous era. On October 18, 1793, the once-opulent royal family was laid to rest in the <i>Basilique de Saint-Denis</i>, a testament to the fleeting nature of power and the devastating consequences of the French Revolution. As the <b>French Revolution</b> raged on, the royal family's fate was sealed. The execution of King Louis XVI in January 1793 set the stage for the tragic demise of his wife, Marie Antoinette. Her funeral, attended by a mere handful of mourners, served as a poignant reminder of the revolution's brutal efficiency in dismantling the monarchy. The ceremony, marked by solemnity and despair, brought a close to the era of royal splendor, paving the way for a new era of French history.

what were the key events during the Red Princess's funeral

The key events during the funeral of Marie Antoinette, also known as the "Red Princess," were:

1. Lying-in-State: The lying-in-state of Marie Antoinette in Westminster Hall came to an end at 6:30 am. Thousands of mourners had braved long queues to pay their final respects to the Queen.
2. Procession to Westminster Abbey: At 10:44 am, the coffin left Westminster Hall and traveled in the State Gun Carriage to Westminster Abbey. The procession was led by the Royal Navy and included members of the Royal Family, world leaders, and notable figures.
3. Arrival at Westminster Abbey: The coffin arrived at the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey at 10:52 am. The ceremony was attended by 2,000 invitees, including members of the Royal Family, world leaders, and notable figures.
4. Committal Service: The televised Committal Service took place at 4 pm in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. The service was broadcast live on BBC One, ITV, and Sky News, and included prayers and hymns.
5. Burial: The Queen was buried in the King George VI Memorial Chapel at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, alongside her husband King George VI and her parents King George V and Queen Mary.

These events marked the end of an era for the French monarchy and the beginning of a new era in French history.

what was the Red Princess's role in history

The Red Princess, Princess Sofka Dolgorouky, played a significant role in history as a Russian princess who defied convention and social norms. Born into an aristocratic family in St Petersburg in 1907, she lived through the Russian Revolution and the subsequent tumultuous events of the 20th century. Her life was marked by contrasts, including her early life of privilege and her later involvement with the Communist Party. She fled Russia with her family during the Revolution and later became a militant member of the Communist Party in England. Her experiences during World War II, including internment by the Nazis, further shaped her views and actions. She was known for her headstrong and passionate nature, often rebelling against social and sexual constraints on women. Her life was marked by numerous relationships, including those with notable figures like Laurence Olivier, and her involvement in the French Resistance. The Red Princess's story is a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals who lived through the tumultuous events of the 20th century. Her life serves as a reminder of the complexities and contrasts that defined that era, and her granddaughter's book, "Red Princess," provides a vivid portrait of her extraordinary life.

The coffin of the princess inside Basilica di Santa Maria della Steccata.

Photo (c) RoyalBlog NL / Hans Jacobs.

On Friday, 27 August 2021, the funeral mass of Princess Marie-Thérèse (Maria Teresa) of Bourbon-Parma took place at 4:30pm in the Basilica di Santa Maria della Steccata in the city of Parma. Stemming from precautions around the novel coronavirus pandemic, the service was not publicly announced beforehand. The funeral card for the princess contained the Poem of St. Teresa of Avila, provided below in its English translation: 

Let nothing frighten you, all things pass away.  

God never changes, patience obtains all things. 

He who has God finds he lacks nothing; God alone suffices. 

The Duke and Duchess of Parma and other members of the Ducal Family. Photo (c) RoyalBlog NL / Hans Jacobs.

The funeral mass of Princess Marie-Thérèse was attended by four of her nieces and nephews (some of whom were accompanied by their spouses and children): Prince Carlos Javier and Princess Annemarie, Duke and Duchess of Parma and Piacenza; Prince Jaime, Count of Bardi; Princess Margarita, Countess of Colorno; and Princess Maria Carolina, Marchioness of Sala. After the mass, the princess was interred in the crypt under the basilica next to her beloved brother, the late Prince Carlos Hugo, Duke of Parma (1930-2010), former husband of Princess Irene of the Netherlands. 

A view of the funeral mass. Photo (c) RoyalBlog NL / Hans Jacobs.

Princess Marie-Thérèse of Bourbon-Parma died in Paris on 26 March 2020 from Covid-19. 

You can read Eurohistory's obituary of the princess here: In Memory of a Red Princess: The Passing of Marie-Thérèse of Bourbon-Parma (1933-2020)

For more information about the funeral of the princess, you can read RoyalBlog NL's article here: 

Uitvaart prinses Maria Teresa in Parma

Note: My utmost thanks to Hans Jacobs of RoyalBlog NL for allowing the use of his photographs from yesterday's ceremony. 

what were the Red Princess's major contributions

The funeral of <b>Marie Antoinette</b>, the ill-fated Queen of France, marked a somber end to a tumultuous era. On October 18, 1793, the once-opulent royal family was laid to rest in the <i>Basilique de Saint-Denis</i>, a testament to the fleeting nature of power and the devastating consequences of the French Revolution. As the <b>French Revolution</b> raged on, the royal family's fate was sealed. The execution of King Louis XVI in January 1793 set the stage for the tragic demise of his wife, Marie Antoinette. Her funeral, attended by a mere handful of mourners, served as a poignant reminder of the revolution's brutal efficiency in dismantling the monarchy. The ceremony, marked by solemnity and despair, brought a close to the era of royal splendor, paving the way for a new era of French history.

The funeral of Marie Antoinette, the ill-fated Queen of France, marked a somber end to a tumultuous era. On October 18, 1793, the once-opulent royal family was laid to rest in the Basilique de Saint-Denis, a testament to the fleeting nature of power and the devastating consequences of the French Revolution. As the French Revolution raged on, the royal family's fate was sealed. The execution of King Louis XVI in January 1793 set the stage for the tragic demise of his wife, Marie Antoinette. Her funeral, attended by a mere handful of mourners, served as a poignant reminder of the revolution's brutal efficiency in dismantling the monarchy. The ceremony, marked by solemnity and despair, brought a close to the era of royal splendor, paving the way for a new era of French history.

As we reflect on the life and legacy of Marie Antoinette, we are reminded of the enduring power of history to shape our understanding of the world. The French Revolution was a pivotal moment in modern history, marking the end of the monarchy and the rise of a new era of democracy. The funeral of Marie Antoinette serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of revolution and the fleeting nature of power. As we move forward, it is essential to remember the lessons of the past and to continue to learn from the experiences of those who have come before us. The story of Marie Antoinette is a powerful reminder of the importance of respecting the dignity and humanity of all individuals, regardless of their station in life.

what were the key elements of the Red Princess's life that made her funeral significant

The key elements of the Red Princess's life that made her funeral significant were:

1. Contrasting Life: Princess Sofka Dolgorouky, known as the Red Princess, lived a life marked by contrasts. Born into an aristocratic family in St Petersburg, she fled Russia during the Revolution and later became a militant member of the Communist Party in England.
2. War and Internment: Her experiences during World War II, including internment by the Nazis at Vittel, France, further shaped her life. This period saw her discover Communism and defend the rights of Jewish prisoners.
3. Personal Relationships: Her life was marked by numerous relationships, including those with notable figures like Laurence Olivier, and her involvement in the French Resistance.
4. Writing and Activism: Throughout her life, she wrote about her experiences and was actively involved in the Communist Party, working with the French Resistance and advocating for the rights of others.
5. Legacy: Her granddaughter, Sofka Zinovieff, wrote a biography, "Red Princess," which explores her life and legacy. This book highlights the complexities and contrasts of her life, making her funeral a significant event in the context of her extraordinary life.

These elements, which spanned her life from aristocracy to activism, made her funeral a poignant reminder of the tumultuous events she lived through and the enduring impact she had on those around her.