Royal Romance

Royal Wedding: The Count and Countess of Paris (2009)

September 26th, 2009 by Ella under France

Today in Arcangues, a town in the extreme southwestern part of France, The Count and Countess of Paris will be married in a religious ceremony.  Henri, Count of Paris is the Orléanist claimant to the throne of France — he is a direct descendant of the last French king, Louis Philippe I.  If the French still had a monarchy, he would likely be the reigning king.

The Count and Countess of Paris, who was born Micaela Cousiño y Quiñones de León, have actually been legally married for twenty-five years.  After Henri divorced his first wife, who now holds the title of Duchess of Montpensier, he married Micaela in a civil ceremony on October 31, 1984.

The Catholic Church, which does not recognize divorce, refused to grant Henri an annulment, so his marriage to Micaela has never been valid in the eyes of the Church.  However, an annulment was granted late last year, and the couple can now marry religiously, one month before the silver anniversary of their civil wedding.

Royal guests at the wedding are expected to include the Duke of Anjou and the Count of La Marche.  Henri’s son and heir, the Duke of Vendôme, is not expected to attend; his wife, Princess Philomena, is pregnant with their first child, due in December.  Photos from their wedding can be found in this post from May.

More photos from the wedding below!

Prince Charles Philippe of Orleans, Duke of Anjou greets villagers outside the wedding

The Count and Countess of Paris arrive for their religious wedding ceremony