Get the latest OK! breaking news on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More infoJoin us on WhatsApp A member of the European aristocracy has tragically passed away at the age of 46, leaving behind her five young children. Archduchess Estelle of Austria died earlier this month in France, where she resided with her husband, Archduke Carl Christian, and their family. The shock news was confirmed in a statement, which expressed that her family is “deeply saddened” by her passing. Estelle was the mother of five children: Zita, 17, Anezka, 15, Anna, 12, Paola, 10, and Pier-Giorgio, just four years old. The announcement 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.” Her funeral took place last week in Nice, near the family’s residence, and was attended by mourners from European royalty and aristocracy, including Princess Astrid of Belgium and Princess Marie-Astrid of Luxembourg. In 2007, Estelle, who was born in France, married Archduke Carl Christian, a great-grandson of Emperor Charles I, the last ruler of Austria-Hungary. Although the monarchy was abolished in 1918, the family has remained part of European aristocracy, with Carl Christian’s cousin, Archduke Karl von Habsburg, currently heading the family, reports the Mirror. Estelle’s passing follows closely behind another sadness in European Royal circles. Earlier in the month, it was annouced that 22 year old Prince Frederik of Luxembourg had sadly died after a long battle with a genetic condition. He was born with POLG Mitochondrial disease, which impairs the energy-producing parts of cells and can lead to muscle weakness, epilepsy, and liver failure. His diagnosis came at age 14 as his symptoms worsened, and he tragically died earlier his month in Paris, according to a heartfelt family statement.
Prince Frederik of Luxembourg sadly died at the age of 22
(Image: The POLG Foundation)
Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg affectionately remembered him, saying: “Frederik knows he is my superhero, as he is to all of our family, and to so very many good friends and to so very many people the world over.” He went on to celebrate his son’s inspirational spirit: “Part of his superpower was his ability to inspire and to lead by example. Frederik was born with a special capacity for positivity, joy, and determination. When he was little, I would always say that if there is one child of ours that I would never need to worry about, it was him.” Grand Duke Henri shared how his son expressed appreciation for the life he led despite his disease, noting the deep experiences and relationships he gained because of it: “Over the years on a number of occasions, Frederik voiced his gratitude for having his disease. He cited the intensity of his experiences and his relationships as the reason for this. He felt there were so many amazing people that he would never have known had it not been for his disease.” The family expressed heartfelt thanks for all the messages of support and love they had received during this traumatic time. They stated: “We wish to extend our deep gratitude for all the messages of support and love received by our family in this very difficult moment. With our superhero’s help we hope to turn our deep grief into positive results and therewith follow his unwavering example. His ultimate message is one of hope, compassion, and resilience. We are all so very proud of you, Frederik. I am so very proud of you. We love you.”
