The European aristocracy is mourning the unexpected death of Archduchess Estelle of Austria, who passed away on March 4, 2025, at the age of 46. Her family confirmed the news through an announcement in the Carnet du Figaro bulletin.
“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,” the announcement stated. Details regarding the cause of death have not been disclosed.
Estelle Lapra de Saint-Romain was born in Orsay, France, on January 19, 1979, to Pierre Lapra de Saint Romain and Nora Boucharlat de Chazotte. She is survived by her husband, Archduke Carl Christian of Austria, and their five children: Archduchess Zita, 15; Archduchess Anezka, 14; Archduchess Anna, 12; Archduchess Paola, 10; and four-year-old Archduke Pier-Giorgio.
A requiem Mass was held on March 11, 2025, at the Franciscan Monastery of Cimiez in Nice, France, where the family lives.
Estelle joined the Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty in 2007. The couple married in a civil ceremony on April 18 in Montgirod, Savoy, France, followed by a Roman Catholic wedding on June 2, 2007, at Saint Bruno Church in Voiron, near her hometown.
The ceremony was attended by 300 guests, including Princess Astrid of Belgium, Prince Gundakar of Liechtenstein, Princess Marie of Orléans, and Prince Jean Napoleon. The celebration concluded with a reception in Saint Romain and a honeymoon in Mexico.
Archduke Carl Christian is the eldest son of Archduke Rudolf and Archduchess Marie-Hélène, and a cousin of the current head of the Austrian Imperial House, Archduke Karl von Habsburg. Although the monarchy was abolished in 1918, the Habsburg family remains prominent in European nobility.
Estelle embraced her role in the Habsburg family with grace. She maintained a low public profile while balancing her responsibilities as a mother with involvement in charitable causes and cultural activities. According to Todo Alicante, “She participated in numerous charitable initiatives, particularly in the fields of education and the preservation of historical heritage.”
The couple was last seen at the Debutante Ball in Paris in 2019, as reported by E-Noticies: “The couple enjoyed a discreet life but had a presence at significant social events.”
Her passing has caused shockwaves in royal circles, with tributes from royalty and aristocracy, as well as from those connected to her philanthropic work. The sudden nature of her death has heightened the sense of loss.
The Habsburg monarchy was abolished in 1918 after Austria-Hungary’s defeat in World War I. Emperor Charles I, the last Habsburg ruler, renounced government participation but did not formally abdicate.
The Republic of Austria was declared on November 12, 1918, ending over six centuries of Habsburg rule. In 1919, the Habsburg Law was enacted, removing the imperial family’s titles and confiscating their property.
Since then, Austria has been a parliamentary democracy. It became the First Austrian Republic (1919–1934), followed by an Austrofascist dictatorship (1934–1938) and annexation by Nazi Germany (1938–1945). After World War II, Austria regained independence and, in 1955, declared permanent neutrality, a key condition of the State Treaty ending Allied occupation.
Today, the Habsburg family holds no political power but retains cultural and historical significance. Public opinion is mixed regarding them as part of the nation’s heritage or as outdated aristocrats. Although there is no strong movement for monarchy restoration, Habsburg family members are active in European affairs and charitable work.
