Today marks a significant milestone in the life of a remarkable individual, as Princess Marion celebrates her 80th birthday. Born into a royal family, Princess Marion has lived a life of service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to her duties. Her remarkable journey spans decades, filled with moments of triumph and challenges that have shaped her into the compassionate and resilient person she is today.
Princess Marion's remarkable story began in the early years of her life, as she was groomed to take on the responsibilities of her royal position. Throughout her life, she has been a beacon of hope and inspiration to those around her, using her platform to make a positive impact on the world. As she enters this new chapter in her life, we take a moment to reflect on her remarkable achievements and the enduring legacy she has left behind. Her life is a testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and the unwavering commitment to one's duties.
what is the significance of princess marion's 80th birthday
Princess Marion d'Orléans, Dowager Countess of La Marche, celebrates her 80th birthday on September 4, 2022.what is princess marion's background and family history
Princess Marion d'Orléans, Dowager Countess of La Marche, was born on September 4, 1942, in Santiago, Chile. Her family background is not directly related to the historical figures Francis Marion or Frances Marion, who are known for their distinct achievements in different fields. Francis Marion was a military leader during the American Revolutionary War, known as the "Swamp Fox" for his guerrilla tactics against the British. Frances Marion, on the other hand, was a renowned screenwriter and author, known for her work in Hollywood during the early 20th century.what is princess marion's current occupation or role in society
Princess Marion d'Orléans, Dowager Countess of La Marche, is a member of the French royal family and currently holds the title of Dowager Countess of La Marche. Her current occupation or role in society is not explicitly stated in the provided sources. However, as a member of the royal family, she likely continues to engage in philanthropic and social activities, as well as maintain her connections with the French aristocracy. |
| Thibaut, Marion, and Robert. Photo (c) Micheline PELLETIER/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images. |
Today, Princess Marion d'Orléans, Dowager Countess of La Marche, celebrates her eightieth birthday.
Born on 4 September 1942 at Santiago, Chile, Marion Mercedes Gordon-Orr was the only daughter of James Gordon-Orr (1894-1973), an engineer, and Gertrude Mercedes Devia Hermosilla (1914-2003). Marion's paternal grandparents were Alexander Orr (1838-1919) and Clara Eliza Gordon (1858-1947).
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| Thibaut and Marion shortly before their marriage, 1972. |
In 1968, Marion first met Prince Thibaut d'Orléans, the youngest child of Prince Henri and Princess Isabelle, Count and Countess of Paris. At the time, Marion was working as an interpreter in Paris for an American firm.
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| Thibaut and Marion. |
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| The newlyweds. |
On 23 September 1972 at Edinburgh, Marion Gordon-Orr, aged thirty, married Prince Thibaut, aged twenty-four. The royal couple celebrated their religious marriage at the private chapel of Cardinal Gray, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh. At the time, their union was not pleasing to the groom's father, and the Count of Paris forbade all family members from attending the wedding. Thibaut's sister Princess Claude, then still Duchess of Aosta, was his only sibling to go against the wishes of the Orléans patriarch, and she was present to celebrate Thibaut and Marion's nuptials.
During their marriage, Thibaut and Marion travelled widely. They visited Peru, Colombia, and Chile, where Marion was born. In Marion, Thibaut found a soul who shared his love of the discovery of lesser-known peoples and their cultures. Between 1973 and 1974, the couple wrote six books in the Les Princes du sang series; these books detailed the fate of a fictional German princely family. The first of these books was published in English under the title A Castle in Bavaria.
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| Marion, Thibaut, and their eldest son Robert. |
Prince Thibaut and Princess Marion had two children, both sons and both born while Thibaut and Marion were staying with her mother in Edinburgh. Prince Robert d'Orléans arrived on 6 September 1976; Robert's godparents are Viscount Paul de La Panouse, one of his parents' dearest friends, as well as his aunt Princess Claude, Duchess of Aosta. Robert's birth led to a reconciliation between his father Thibaut and his grandfather Henri. Three years later, the family was completed by the birth of Louis-Philippe on 18 April 1979; his godparents were Count Charles of Bourbon-Busset and the infant's grandmother Madame the Countess of Paris. Tragically, eight-month-old Louis-Philippe died on 2 January 1980 from sepsis. The sudden and unexpected loss of Louis-Philippe, coupled with the brutally insensitive decision of his grandfather the Count of Paris that the young child could not be buried in the Chapel Royal of Dreux as he was not a dynast, was a blow to Thibaut and Marion.
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| The Count and Countess de La Marche, 28 June 1981. Photo (c) AKSARAN/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images. |
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| Marion with her son Robert at the funeral of her husband Thibaut, 1983. Photo (c) Getty Images / Alain Mingam. |
After his release from prison, the Count of la Marche left France to organise safaris for tourists in the Central African Republic. Marion and their son Robert remained in France. On 23 March 1983, Prince Thibaut died at hospital in Bangui, in circumstances that have been considered by some to be mysterious. The prince was thirty-five years-old when he died. Thibaut's funeral was attended by most of the Royal Family of France; even the separated Count and Countess of Clermont and divorced Princess Claude and Prince Amedeo, Duke of Aosta, came together to support Marion and her son Robert.
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| Marion and Thibaut in Paris, 1977. Photo (c) AGIP / Bridgeman Images. |
After the death of her husband, Princess Marion focused on the upbringing of their only surviving son, Robert. In 1999, after her brother-in-law Prince Henri succeeded as Head of the Royal House of France, Henri retroactively recognised Thibaut and Marion's marriage and, in doing so, Henri declared that their son Robert is a dynastic member of the royal house. Princess Marion lives discretely and quietly; however, on occasion, one can still spot her attending Orléans family functions.
May Princess Marion be blessed with a very happy birthday!
As we conclude our reflection on the remarkable life of Princess Marion d'Orléans, Dowager Countess of La Marche, we are reminded of the profound impact she has had on those around her. Her unwavering dedication to her family and her royal duties has been a beacon of hope and inspiration to many. As we celebrate her 80th birthday, we honor her legacy and the enduring spirit that has guided her throughout her life. Princess Marion's remarkable journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of adversity. Her story serves as a reminder that even the most ordinary-seeming lives can hold extraordinary significance, and that the choices we make can have a lasting impact on those around us.
Princess Marion's remarkable life is a testament to the enduring power of love, family, and dedication. As we look back on her remarkable journey, we are reminded of the countless ways in which she has touched the lives of those around her. Her story is a reminder that even in the most challenging times, there is always hope and always a way forward. As we celebrate her 80th birthday, we honor her remarkable life and the enduring spirit that has guided her throughout her journey. May her story continue to inspire and uplift those who read it, and may her legacy live on for generations to come.
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