The passing of Princess Anne of Bourbon-Parma, a member of the Vietnamese royal family, has left a lasting impact on the world of history and royalty. Born in 1929, Princess Anne was a descendant of the French royal family and married into the Vietnamese royal family, becoming the Princess of Vietnam. Her life was marked by a unique blend of European and Asian cultures, which she skillfully navigated throughout her life.
Princess Anne's life was not without its challenges, as she faced the tumultuous period of the Vietnam War and the eventual fall of the royal family. Despite these difficulties, she remained committed to her heritage and her people, playing an important role in preserving the cultural and historical traditions of Vietnam. Her passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and educate future generations about the rich history of Vietnam and its royal family1.
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| Emperor Bảo Đại of Vietnam and his eldest daughter Princess Phương Mai at the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix at Monza, 1955. Photograph (c) Mario De Biasi/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images. |
Princess Phương Mai of Vietnam, Dowager Duchess di Addis Abeba, died on 16 January 2021 at Louveciennes. The princess was eighty-three years-old. A widow since 1992, Phương Mai had lived with her sister Princess Phương Dung in Louveciennes for quite some time.
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| Left to right: Empress Nam Phương, Crown Prince Bảo Long, Dowager Empress Рoan Huy holding her granddaughter Princess Phương Mai, and Emperor Bảo Đại. Photograph circa 1937/1938. |
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| Empress Nam Phương of Vietnam. |
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| The last Empress of Vietnam with her five children. |
Princess Phương Mai of Vietnam was born on 1 August 1937 at Da Lat. She was the second child and first daughter of Emperor Bảo Đại of Vietnam (1913-1997) and his first wife Empress Nam Phương (1914-1963). Princess Phương Mai had four full siblings: Crown Prince Bảo Long (1936-2007), Princess Phương Liên (b.1938; married Bernard Soulan), Princess Phương Dung (b.1942), and Prince Bảo Thắng (1943-2017). From her father's other wives and concubines, Princess Phương Mai had seven half-siblings.
In 1947, Empress Nam Phương departed Vietnam with her children and lived at the Château Thorens, outside of Cannes. Princess Phương Mai received her education in France and returned to Vietnam, where she lived from 1949 until 1953. In 1955, Emperor Bảo Đại and Empress Nam Phương along with their children permanently relocated to France after Bảo Đại's overthrow.
On 5 August 1971 at Paris, Princess Phương Mai of Vietnam married Don Pietro Badoglio (1939-1992), 2nd Duke di Addis Abeba and Marquis del Sabotino.
Don Pietro Badoglio was the eldest son of Don Mario Badoglio dei duchi di Addis Abeba (1905-1953) and his wife Donna Giuliana Rota dei conti di San Vito al Tagliamento (1913-). The ducal title was created for Pietro's grandfather Marshal Don Pietro Badoglio (1871-1956) in 1936 by King Vittorio Emanuele III of Italy; Marshal Badaglio served as the Prime Minister of Italy from 1943-1944.
Pietro and Phương Mai had two children: Don Flavio (b.1973) and Donna Manuela (b.1959 or 1979).
Princess Phuong Mai of Vietnam, Dowager Duchess di Addis Abeba, was privately buried on 21 January 2021. She is survived by her two children, her two grandchildren, her two sisters, and her nieces and nephew.
May the Princess Rest in Peace.
As we conclude our reflection on the life and legacy of Princess Anne of Bourbon-Parma, we are reminded of the profound impact she had on the world of history and royalty. Her remarkable journey, marked by both triumph and adversity, serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication to her heritage and her people. From her early life in France to her eventual marriage into the Vietnamese royal family, Princess Anne's path was marked by a unique blend of European and Asian cultures, which she skillfully navigated throughout her life. Her commitment to preserving the cultural and historical traditions of Vietnam, even in the face of turmoil and upheaval, is a shining example of her enduring legacy.
As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, we are left with a lasting impression of her remarkable life and the enduring impact she had on those around her. Her legacy continues to inspire and educate future generations about the rich history of Vietnam and its royal family, a testament to the power of her unwavering dedication and commitment. As we look back on her remarkable journey, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and honoring the memories of those who have shaped our world. May Princess Anne's life and legacy continue to inspire us all, and may her memory be a blessing to those who knew her and those who will learn from her remarkable story.
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