New exhibit on Princess Natalie Paley at Hillwood

 

From Exile to Avant-garde: The Life of Princess Natalie Paley

Sat, 06/07/2025 - Sun, 01/11/2026 

"Discover one of the twentieth century’s most glamorous icons

A muse, model, actor, and socialite, Natalie Paley (1905-1981) was a twentieth-century icon. Though often forgotten today, she rose from her family’s fabled and tragic history and left a stylish and indelible mark on the century’s culture and design. This special exhibition will be the first to explore the exceptional glamour and enigmatic life of this legendary figure.

Natalie Paley

Born to Grand Duke Paul Alexandrovich (1860-1919), uncle of Emperor Nicholas II of Russia, and Princess Olga Valerianovna (1865-1929), Princess Natalia Pavlovna Paley enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Boulogne-sur-Seine, France, just outside of Paris. Her parents lived in French exile, due to their forbidden union, and they made the most of their fin de siècle surroundings, entertaining, collecting, and shopping as ultimate tastemakers. When the family’s anticipated return to Russia in 1914 led to the tragic execution of her father and brother by the Bolsheviks, Paley escaped back to France with her mother and sister.

Paley reinvented herself and emerged in the 1920s as the wife of French couturier Lucien Lelong (1889-1958), becoming the focus of every fashion photographer in Paris and beyond, from De Meyer and Dorvin to Horst and Hoyningen-Huene. As the muse, confidant, and platonic companion to artists, designers, and writers such as Jean Cocteau, Serge Lifar, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Fulco di Verdura, and Cecil Beaton, Paley was known for her exquisite taste, someone ethereal and glamorous who dictated her own fashion trends. She embodied the cool, discrete Hollywood allure of the 1930s, appearing in several fashionable feature films before moving to America. Her relocation here heralded a new transformation: Paley married the successful New York theater producer, John C. “Jack” Wilson (1889-1961) in 1937, and soon began working for the fashion designer, Mainbocher. Paley and Wilson built a close community of fashion designers, editors, actors, photographers, writers and other talents from their homes in New York and Connecticut, leading to many important collaborations and cultural connections of the twentieth century.

The Paley-Romanov Collection

Hillwood’s 2022 acquisition of pieces that once belonged to Paley and the Romanovs, including imperial portraits, rare linens, and important archival documentation from five generations of the family, inspired this exhibition. Among the 335 new items are photos, letters, drawings, poems, a souvenir album, and news clippings of and relating to Natalie Paley, providing further insight into her life and painting a greater picture of this iconic woman. From Exile to Avant-garde will explore her life through key items from this acquisition alongside pieces from Hillwood’s collection, including Sèvres porcelain, 18th-century glassware, and pieces from Fabergé. Beginning with a focus on Paley and her family in Gilded Age Paris, exploring the artistic environment in which the young princess grew up, the exhibition will then highlight her influential role in the arts as a muse of fashion creators, photographers, tastemakers, and writers. Hillwood provides the perfect setting as founder Marjorie Merriweather Post collected and preserved treasures from Paley’s imperial Russian lineage and patronized many of the same designers and photographers."

Hillwood was the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post.  

https://hillwoodmuseum.org/

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2022/11/hillwood-always-treat.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2016/10/a-visit-to-hillwood.html

The Duchess of Edinburgh at 60

 

all three photos @Christina Ebenezer

According to the Royal Family's social media account, "The Duchess of Edinburgh was interested in [Christina] Ebenezer’s creative style of photography and wanted to support a rising female photographer."

The Duchess will celebrate her 60th birthday on January 20.

King Charles at Dumfries House

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On January 15, King Charles III attended a reception at Dumfries House to celebrate the start of  The King's Foundation's 35th anniversary year.   

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The King  was joined by his first cousin, Lord Snowdon, Vice President of the King's Foundation.  Sir Rod Stewart and his wife, Penny Lancaster are the newest ambassadors for the King's Foundation.

Lord Snowdon established the Snowdon School of Furniture, based at Highgrove House.

The King's Foundation is headquartered at Dumfries House in Cumnock, Scotland.  Charles is the Royal Founding President.  

As Prince of Wales, Charles established the King's Foundation in 1990.

Highgrove Gardens and the Castle and Gardens of Mey are also a part of the King's Foundation.

https://kings-foundation.org/about-us/

I have visited Highgrove, Dumfries House, and the Castle and Gardens of Mey.

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2018/05/day-3-highgrove.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2018/06/i-really-did-go-to-highgrove.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2024/07/day-1-2-scotland-england-no-i-did-not.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2024/06/dumfries-house.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2024/07/day-6-june-12-castle-of-mey-to-john.html

HRH The Duke of Gloucester and a celeb

 

@Marlene A Eilers Koenig

I was looking for the photos that I took of Princess Michael in 1992 when I spotted this photograph of HRH The Duke of Gloucester and model Jerry Hall.

The photo was taken on April 15, 1988, at the Victorian Society Team Places des Antiquaires in  New York City

Princess Michael of Kent celebrates 80th birthday

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Princess Michael of Kent celebrated her 80th birthday today.  The Princess is the wife of Prince Michael of Kent.  They married in a civil ceremony in Vienna on June 30, 1978, one month after the annulment of her first marriage to Thomas Troubridge.

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On October 29, 1978, Prince and Princess Michael's marriage was blessed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Donald Coggan.  The Service of Blessing took place at Lambeth Palace.  

all seven photos Marlene A Eilers Koenig collection

Five years later, on July 29, 1983, the couple was married in a Roman Catholic service at Archbishop House in London.  Pope John Paul II finally agreed to "sanctify her marriage to an Anglican who refused to bring up future children as Catholics."

The couple have two children: Lord Frederick Michael George David Louis Windsor (April 6,1979 ) and Lady Gabriella Marina Alexandra Ophelia (April 23, 1981).  Lord Frederick, an Executive Director with JP Morgan Chase, is married to actress Sophie Winkleman.  They have two daughters, Maud Elizabeth Daphne Marina (2013) and Isabella Alexandra May (2016),  Lady Gabriella's husband, Thomas Kingston committed suicide in February 2024. 

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In a recent interview with Majesty Magazine's Editor-in-Chief, Princess Michael talked about her husband.  He is "so special.  He was the second son, but he felt he had to do his part. He had to pull his weight, which he did for many years.  Then came the time he had to retire from his charities, as he couldn't afford to run the kind of office required to service those charities.  So he officially retired, but he didn't retire from giving his energy where he could."

all seven photos Marlene A Eilers Koenig

Baroness Marie-Christine Anna Agnes Hedwig Ida von Reibnitz is the only daughter of Baron Günther Hubertus von Reibnitz and Countess Maria Anna Carolina Franziska Walpurga Bernadette Szapáry von Muraszombath, Széchysziget and Szapár.  She was born on January 15, 1945, in Karlsbad, Germany, now Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.

Prince and Princess Michael share a common descent from Moritz, Landgrave of Hesse-Cassel (1572-1632).

In 1992,  I attended the National Symphony Ball (NSO), where I photographed Prince and Princess Michael.   

all the NSO photos @Marlene A Eilers Koenig

I believe the Princess is talking with the late Maestro NSO Conductor Mstislav Rostropovich,

Prince and Princess Michael live in a large apartment in Kensington Palace, where she spoke with Ingrid Seward in November.

"Right now, I would rather live in my bubble of books, gardens and friendships.  I think I have reached an age when I don't want to fight any more for the causes I used to fight for.  I still have my charities, but I don't have the energy.   I like to know what is going on in those worlds, but I realise there is only so much you can do, and I hope I have made a difference."

Princess Michael's website has not been updated in several years.

https://princessmichael.org.uk/

and also Prince Michael's official website.

https://princemichael.org.uk/

Princess Leopoldine of Liechtenstein to wed Portuguese director

 

courtesy HRH the Count of Paris.

On social media and his website, HRH The Count of Paris announced the engagement of his niece,  HSH Princess Leopoldine Eleonore Therese Marie von and zu Liechtenstein to Bruno Walter Pedrosa João.   The 34-year-old princess is the eldest of five children of HRH Princess Marie Isabelle Marguerite Anne Geneviève of Orléans and HSH Prince Gundakar Albert Alfred Petrus von and zu Liechtenstein.  She was born in Vienna on June 27, 1990.  

Bruno Walter, 35 is the Managing Director of Nobres E Prósperas—Lda, a Lisbon-based film company that specializes in commercials. He is the son of Carlos Pedrosa João, a Brazilian filmmaker, and Solange Helena Walter.

https://www.nobrefilmes.pt/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYZiFcA4YK3PsJNUKyazGvW7iRlhf-9vdqqT9ykxzZxCgkpuCNkyHasvwY_aem_dKLwhKYpTGgNeOXo3YHUlA

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Gundakar is the eldest son of HSH Prince Johann Baptist Moritz Heinrich Alfred Ildefons Benedikt Maria Josef von and zu Liechtenstein and HSH Princess Clotilde Alberta Maria Franziska Xaveria Andrea of Thurn und Taxis.   Princess Marie is the eldest child of the HRH Prince Henri Philippe Pierre Marie of Orléans, Count of Paris, and HRH Duchess Marie-Therese Nadejda Albertina Rosa Philippine Margarethe Christine Helene Josepha Martina Leopoldine of Württemberg, Duchess of Montpensier.

Princess Clotilde was the elder sister of the late HSH Johannes, Prince of Thurn und Taxis.  Prince Gundaker and Albert, Prince of Thurn und Taxis are first cousins.  He and Hans Adam, Prince of Liechtenstein are second cousins, as they are great-grandsons of HSH Prince Alfred of Liechtenstein (1842-1907).  

Bruno's parents are Brazilian and his paternal grandparents are Portuguese.  Princess Marie of Liechtenstein told Point de Vue: "We are very happy. Bruno is absolutely charming and has quickly integrated into our family. We all appreciate him.  A son-in-law after our own heart.

Princess Leopoldine and her fiance live and work in Lisbon.  She runs her own art direction/illustration firm.

Point de Vue also reports that the civil wedding will take place in December in Vaduz, Liechtenstein.  The Roman Catholic service will be held in Lison in February 2026.   The couple share "a great passion for surfing, reading and traveling."  They have been a couple for more than a year. 

https://www.pointdevue.fr/royal/couronnes-du-monde/leopoldine-de-liechtenstein-annonce-ses-fiancailles

The Princess of Wales visits Royal Marsden Hospital

 

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The Princess of Wales carried out her first solo engagement in 2025.  She visited the Royal Marsden Hospital where she met with cancer patients, doctors, and nurses.  Kensington Palace confirmed that the Princess was treated for cancer at the London hospital. 

“I was just saying, coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it’s quite nice.” 

She remarked to one patient: “The treatments are really so different and varied, it impacts families differently. 

The princess also discussed her own cancer treatments, saying she felt “like I needed to get the sun. You need loads of water and loads of sunlight.”

Before leaving, Catherine spoke with a mother whose daughter is undergoing treatment.  “I wanted to come and show my support for the amazing work that’s going on here and for those who are going through treatment and having such a hard time," adding “I’m sorry. I wish there was more I could do to help.”

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After the Princess of Wales completed her visit, Kensington Palace issued the following statement from the Princess. 

"I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year.

My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.

We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.

In my new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden, my hope is, that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer.

It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support."

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 A Kensington Palace spokesperson said the Princess wanted "to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world-leading care and treatment the Marsden provides."

Dame Cally Palmer, chief executive of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: " We were honored to welcome Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales to the Royal Marsden in Chelsea this morning and are delighted that Her Royal Highness is now joining His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in becoming Joint Patrons of our specialist cancer center."

The hospital announced that the Prince and Princess of Wales have become Royal Patrons of the Royal Marsden Hospital.  The Prince of Wales has served as President since 2007.

"We are incredibly fortunate to receive Royal Patronage — it is inspiring for staff and patients and enables us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff deliver every day for patients and their families."

The official announcement from Grand Duke George & Princess Victoria

 

Both photos courtesy of Grand Duke George and Princess Victoria

George is a double descendant of Queen Victoria.  

Victoria - Victoria - Wilhelm II - Joachim - Franz Wilhelm Josef - Franz Wilhelm - George

Victoria - Alfred - Victoria Melita - Wladimir - Maria - George.

Princess Victoria's family is not noble - and there are no ancestral connections between she and Grand Duke George.

Princess Frederica of Hanover, Princess of Great Britain and Ireland

 

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HRH Princess Friederike (Frederica) Sophie Marie Henriette Amelie Therese of Hanover was born on January 8, 1848 in Hanover.  She was the elder daughter of King Georg V of Hanover and Princess Marie of Saxe-Altenberg.  Her father was born HRH Prince George of Cumberland, the only child of HRH Prince Ernst August, Duke of Cumberland, and Princess Frederica of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. 

@Royal Collection

She was also a British princess with the style of Her Highness, as she was the great-granddaughter of George III.  Her father was Queen Victoria's first cousin.

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2011/10/alfons-and-frederica-forgotten-romance.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2021/06/frederica-of-hanover-passionate.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2021/06/frederica-of-hanover-passionate_30.html

https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-house-of-hanover-and-its.html

The Princess of Wales' birthday

 

@Matt Porteous

This was the first time I photographed Catherine at an engagement at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich on June 10, 2014.  I stood on a park bench to take pictures.

all four photos @Marlene A Eilers Koenig

A new QVD in the spring

 

Courtesy HSH Princess Victoria Romanovna Romanov

HSH Princess Victoria Romanovna of Russia, 42,  expects a second child in the spring. Point de Vue first reported the news.  

Their first, Prince Alexander Georgievich was born in Moscow on October 21, 2022.

The former Rebecca Bettarini married Grand Duke George Milhalovitch of Russia on October 1, 2021.   

Grand Duke George, 43, and his family now divide their time between the Middle East and Rome, where Princess Victoria was born and her parents live.

George is a double descendant of Queen Victoria. 

Victoria - Victoria - Wilhelm II - Joachim - Karl Franz Josef - Franz Wilhelm - George

Victoria - Alfred -  Victoria Melita - Wladimir - Maria - George

The wedding of HSH Princess Xenia of Croy and Guy delle Piane

The newly married HSH Princess Xenia of Croy and Nobile Guy delle Piane

On September 28, 2024. HSH Princess Xenia of Croy and Nobile Guy delle Piane were married in a Roman Catholic ceremony at St. Jakobuskirche in Dülmen-Karthaus.  The Princess is the daughter of the Duke of Croy.  

HRH Duke Alexander of Oldenburg and H Ill H Hereditary Count Ludwig von Waldburg zu Wolfegg und Waldsee

The wedding luncheon was held at the Duke of Croy's natural park surrounded by 500 wild horses

The Duchess of Brissac

the candles lit in honor of the bride and groom's mothers.

TI&RH Archduke Carl Christian and Archduchess Marie Astrid of Austria and HRH Princess Margaretha & HSH Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein @Frank Rollitz/ABR Pictures

TSH The Prince and Princess of Castell-Rüdenhausen @Frank Rollitz/ABR Pictures

TRH Prince Ludwig and Princess Sophie-Alexandra of Bavaria

HSH Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein with TH the Prince and Princess de Ligne

Duarte Maria de Sousa Araújo Martins with his wife HRH Infanta Maria Francisca of Portugal and her brother HRH The Prince of Beira @Frank Rollitz/ABR Pictures

HRH Prince Henri of Bourbon-Parma and his wife, HI&RH Archduchess Gabriella of Austria @Frank Rollitz/ABR Pictures

TSH Prince and Princess Heinrich of Croy, HSH The Hereditary Prince of Croy, the Duke of Croy, the bride and groom with their son, Nobile Laszlo delle Piane, Prince Alexander of Croÿ, Princess Anastasia of Croÿ and Prince and Princess Marc-Emmanuel of Croÿ

TSH Prince and Princess Henri of Arenberg

TRH The Prince of Beira. the Imperial Prince of Brazil, and Princess Marie of Liechtenstein (nee Princess of France)

Mise en place of the dîner dansant

TSH The Prince and Princess of Salm-Salm  @Frank Rollitz/ABR Pictures

H.S.H. Prince Ferdinand zur Lippe with The Marquise Negrotto-Cambiaso (née Duchess of Osorio)

Prince and Princess Francesco Caracciolo di Melissano e Scanno

Nobile Margherita delle Piane with her aunt the Marquise d’Afflitto, H.S.H. The Duke of Croÿ, and Baroness Anne von Furstenberg

Princess Lucrezia Colonna between the groom and her husband, Baron del Marmol

Nobile Giuseppe delle Piane with his son Guy and new daughter-in-law Xenia, together with Laszlo

From left to right: Count Giovanni Arlotta-Tarino, Count Don Nicolo dei Principi Corsini, Bride & Groom, Marquise Ugolino Bourbon di Petrella, and Prince Michele Bonanno di Linguaglossa

Prince Tancredi Massimo with the Marquis Sophia Bourbon di Petrella

And a very special thank you to Frank Rollitz, the doyen of German photographers specializing in German noble/royal weddings.  It is an honor and a privilege to share several of his photographs here. 

Here is my original post with more details about the wedding.

 https://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-wedding-of-princess-xenia-of-croy.html