Imperial Honours for Prince Antônio and Princess Christine of Brazil on Their 39th Anniversary

Dom Antônio and Dona Christine. Photograph (c) Prò Monarquia.

Yesterday, September 26, Prince Dom Luiz of Orleans and Bragança, Head of the Imperial House of Brazil, granted the additional style of  “Imperial Highness” to his brother, Prince Dom Antônio of Orleans and Braganza. Prince Dom Antônio will now be styled “His Imperial and Royal Highness,” and Princess Dona Christine (born Princess de Ligne) will enjoy the same style as her husband. This upgrade was made to commemorate the 70th birthday this year of Dom Antônio. Prince Dom Luiz of Orleans and Bragança granted the Grand Cross of the Imperial Order of the Rose to his sister-in-law, Princess Dona Christine. The Imperial Order of the Rose was instituted by Emperor Pedro I of Brazil on 17 October 1829 to commemorate his marriage to Princess Amélie of Leuchtenberg.

The Decree of Prince Dom Luíz granting the Imperial Highness style to Prince Dom Antônio.

After a period of deliberation, the Head of the Imperial House - in agreement with his brother and immediate dynastic heir, the Imperial Prince of Brazil, Dom Bertrand of Orleans and Bragança - decided to bestow these gifts to his brother and sister-in-law, showing not only Prince Dom Luiz’s great appreciation and his brotherly affection, as well as his full confidence in the future of the dynasty under the eventual leadership of Prince Dom Antônio, with the support of Princess Dona Christine.

The Decree of Prince Dom Luíz granting the Imperial Order of the Rose to Princess Dona Christine.

On 26 September, Prince Dom Antônio and Princess Doña Christine celebrated thirty-nine years of marriage. The prince and princess were wed at Beloeil on 26 September 1981.