Archduchess Estelle of Austria’s untimely death led to a heartfelt tribute from her five children. Estelle, a prominent figure in European aristocracy, passed away at the age of 46, leaving behind her husband, Archduke Carl Christian, and their five children.
Her family expressed deep sorrow over her demise in an official statement, announcing, “Her husband, Archduke Carl Christian, their children, her parents, and her in-laws are deeply saddened to announce that Archduchess Estelle of Austria, formerly known as Lapra de Saint Romain, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.”
Estelle, a mother of five, including Zita, Anezka, Anna, Paola, and Pier-Giorgio, had her funeral held in Nice, near their residence. Reports indicate that each of her children lit a candle and placed it on her coffin as a poignant final gesture.
Notable figures such as Princess Astrid of Belgium, Prince Charles of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Ferdinand of Habsburg, Princess Marie-Astrid of Luxembourg, and the Duke of Castro attended the funeral to pay their respects.
According to local media reports from Point De Vue, Estelle’s cause of death was allegedly cancer-related, although no further details were provided.
Born as Estelle Lapra de Saint-Romain in 1979 in Orsay, she was the daughter of Pierre Lapra de Saint Romain and Nora Boucharlat de Chazotte.
In 2007, she tied the knot with Archduke Carl Christian, a descendant of Emperor Charles I, the last ruler of Austria-Hungary. Despite the monarchy’s abolishment in 1918, the family continued to uphold its position within European aristocracy. Archduke Karl von Habsburg, Carl Christian’s cousin, currently heads the family.
The news of Estelle’s passing follows the recent death of Prince Frederik of Luxembourg, a fellow European royal member who succumbed to POLG Mitochondrial disease at the age of 22. Frederik’s battle with the genetic disorder began at a young age, leading to various health complications associated with the illness.
Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg honored Frederik’s memory, acknowledging his son’s extraordinary positivity and resilience in the face of adversity. Frederik’s ability to inspire and maintain a positive outlook on life resonated deeply with those around him, leaving a lasting impact on his loved ones and friends.
In a statement, Henri expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support during their time of loss, emphasizing Frederik’s legacy of hope, compassion, and strength. The family aims to honor Frederik’s memory by channeling his unwavering spirit into positive initiatives and carrying forward his message of resilience and optimism.