Figure 1.--Here we see Maria Francesca (1906-1994), Elisabeth (1904-1983), Carlo (1905-1912), and Roberto (1909-1974). They were the children of Elias of Bourbon-Parma (1880-1959) and Maria Anna of the Austrian Teschen Line. The photograph was probably taken in 1910. At this time the aristocratic titles I belieced were basically honorific.

The youngest son of Bourbon King Philip V of Spain conquered Parma, in Italy, during 1748, and became Philip, Duke of Parma (1720-65). He married the Princess Elizabeth, daughter of King Louis XV of France (1710-74). Their son was Ferdinand, Duke of Parma, and his grandson was Louis, made King of Etruria by the French in 1801. Charles Louis, son of Louis, was subsequently driven from Etruria by the French in 1807, and made Duke of Lucca in 1815 by Napoleon's conquerors, who simultaneously made Napoleon's Austrian widow, Maria Louisa, Duchess of Parma. On the latter's death in 1847 Charles Louis received Parma in exchange for Lucca. His son, Charles III, Duke of Parma, was in turn succeeded by his son, Robert, who then lost the duchy upon its annexation to Italy in 1860. The last ruling duke of Parma was Duke Robert of Bourbon-Parma (1848- ). Duke Robert had an amazing 24 children with two wives. His first wife was Maria Pia of Sicily (1849- ). One of their children was Elias of Bourbon-Parma (1880-1959). Elias married Maria Anna of the Austrian Teschen Line in 1903. They had eight children: Elizabeth (1904-83), Charles (1905-12), Maria (1906-94), Robert (1909-74), Franz (1913- ), Johanna (1916- ), Alice (1917- ), and Maria Christine (1925- ). I'm not sure just what the status of the Duke of Parma was after the creation of the Italian Kingdom (1860). I think it was more of an honorific title than any actual reigning dynasty, but hopefully our European readers will provide some insights here.

Created: 10:09 PM 8/4/2004
Last updated: 10:09 PM 8/4/2004