Saturday, June 1, 2024

🔥 Celebrating 85 Years of Nobility: The Duke de Sabran's Life of Distinction

Today, the world celebrates a remarkable milestone as the 8th Duc de Sabran, Charles Élzéar Marie Joseph Adrien de Sabran-Pontevès, marks his 85th birthday. Born on April 30, 1937, in Villecresnes, France, the duke has lived a life of distinction, marked by his dedication to preserving historical sites and his connections to the world of royalty. As a close friend of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, the duke's life has been intertwined with the glamour of European nobility.

Élzéar de Sabran-Pontevès has been a prominent figure in French society, known for his passion for historical preservation, particularly at the Château d'Ansouis. His engagement to Dewi Sukarno, the widow of Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia, in 1977, was a significant event in his life. As the duke approaches this milestone birthday, we take a moment to reflect on his remarkable journey and the enduring legacy he has left behind.

what are some notable achievements of the Duke de Sabran throughout his life

what are some notable achievements of the Duke de Sabran throughout his life
The Duke de Sabran, Charles Élzéar Marie Joseph Adrien de Sabran-Pontevès, has had a remarkable life marked by significant achievements. Born on April 30, 1937, he is the 8th Duke de Sabran, a title that dates back to the 18th century. His family, the House of Sabran, has a rich history of nobility and connections to European royalty. The duke has been involved in historical preservation, particularly at the Château d'Ansouis, which he shares with his wife, Dubravka "Douchka" Cizmek. This dedication to preserving historical sites reflects his passion for the past and his commitment to preserving cultural heritage. Throughout his life, the Duke de Sabran has been associated with notable figures, including Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, with whom his wife was close friends. He has also been involved in international relationships, such as his engagement to Dewi Sukarno, the widow of Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia. The duke's life has been marked by a blend of European nobility and international connections, making him a significant figure in the world of royalty and historical preservation.

who were the most influential figures in the Duke de Sabran's family tree

who were the most influential figures in the Duke de Sabran's family tree
The Duke de Sabran's family tree is marked by several influential figures, particularly from the House of Sabran and its connections to European nobility. Some notable figures include:
  1. Louis Hector Honoré Maxime de Sabran (1739-1811): The last Bishop of Laon, grand almoner of Queen Marie-Antoinette, and a deputy of the clergy to the Estates-General of 1789. He was known for his opposition to the Civil Constitution of the Clergy.
  2. Elzéar Louis Zozime (1764-1847): The first duke of Sabran, who adopted twins Marc Edouard and Joseph Léonide of Pontevès, nephews of his wife, and transmitted the title to them.
  3. Marc Edouard of Sabran-Pontevès (1811-1878): The 2nd duke of Sabran, nephew of his predecessor, and the first to bear the title Sabran-Pontevès by letters patent of July 18, 1829.
  4. Elzéar Charles Antoine of Sabran-Pontevès (1840-1894): The 3rd duke of Sabran, son of his predecessor.
  5. Edmond Marie Zozime de Sabran-Pontevès (1841-1903): The 4th duke of Sabran, brother of his predecessor, and mayor of Ménil from 1883 to 1896.
  6. Hélion Louis Marie Élzéar of Sabran-Pontevès (1873-1920): The 5th duke of Sabran, son of the 4th duke.
  7. Amic René Louis Marie Élzéar de Sabran-Pontevès (1879-1963): The 6th duke of Sabran, brother of the previous, and mayor of Ménil from 1908 to 1912.
  8. Foulques de Sabran-Pontevès (1908-1973): The 7th duke of Sabran, cousin of the previous, and descendant of Joseph Léonide de Pontevès.
  9. Charles Élzéar Marie Joseph Adrien de Sabran-Pontevès (1937-present): The 8th duke of Sabran, son of the 7th duke, and a prominent figure in French society known for his historical preservation efforts and connections to European royalty.
These figures have played significant roles in shaping the history of the House of Sabran and its connections to European nobility.

who was Garsinde de Sabran and what was her impact on the family

Garsinde de Sabran was a significant figure in the history of the House of Sabran, a Provençal noble family. She was the wife of Ildefonse of Provence and the mother of Raymond Béranger, whose wife, Beatrice of Savoy, gave birth to four daughters married to the kings of France, Cornwall, and England. This connection to the royal families of Europe elevated the Sabran family's status and prestige, with the queen of England referring to them as her cousins. Garsinde de Sabran's impact on the family was substantial, as her descendants rose to prominence in European nobility. Her son Raymond Béranger's marriage to Beatrice of Savoy brought significant alliances and inheritances, including the domain of La Roque, which was passed down through generations of Sabrans. Additionally, her family's connections to the royal families of France, Cornwall, and England further solidified their position in European nobility.

The duke and duchess de Sabran. Photo (c) Getty Images / Bertrand Rindoff Petroff.

 

Today, the 8th Duc de Sabran celebrates his eighty-fifth birthday!

 

Born on 30 April 1937 at Villecresnes, Charles Élzéar Marie Joseph Adrien de Sabran-Pontevès was the first child of Foulques, 7th Duc de Sabran (1908-1973) and Roselyne Manca-Amat de Vallambrosa (1910-1988). Roselyne, duchesse de Sabran, was a close friend of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco. Élzéar had four younger siblings: Jean Henri (1939-2017; married Marie Isabelle Decazes de Glücksbierg), Géraud (1940-1941), Gersende (b.1942; married Prince Jacques, Duc d'Orléans), and Vicomte Géraud de Sabran (b.1943; married Stéphanette Fabre). Élzéar became the 8th duc de Sabran following the death of his father in 1973. Élzéar found his career in business and is the owner of the Château d'Ansouis.

Élzéar and Dewi Sukarno with her daughter Kartika, December 1977. Photo (c) Reginald Davis of The Australian Women's Weekly.

In December 1977, Élzéar de Sabran-Pontevès alluded to his upcoming engagement to Naoko Nemoto (b.1940; aka Ratna Sari Dewi Sukarno), one of the wives and subsequent widows of Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia. The French duke and the widow of the Indonesian leader had been seeing one another since 1975. Élzéar was forty years-old and described as being "very good looking and rather shy" as well as having "the figure of an athlete and a young man's exuberance." It was stated that the couple would officially announce their betrothal early in 1978. Élzéar, by then Duc de Sabran, commented: "It has been impossible for Dewi and me to get any time together. We simply never get away from people. That is why we are leaving Paris and taking a holiday visiting Japan and the places Dewi knows and loves. It will be nice for me to see these places. Dewi knows my world well - and apparently likes it. Now I must know hers. It will be a quiet visit. I am fascinated by the Orient, and I want to see as much as I can on this holiday. I am not a member of the jet set. I do not travel a lot. When I travel, I would rather see a lot of the country and learn something of its culture." The duke shared that he and Madame Sukarno shared a passion for historical preservation, particularly of the Château d'Ansouis. "I take care of the outside, and Dewi has been in charge of the restoration of the first and second floors. We love d'Ansouis. It is part of my life and something to return to. There is nothing new, nothing brash at d'Ansouis. Nothing we have not lived with for generations." For reasons unknown, the Duc de Sabran and Madame Dewi Sukarno never married. 

The duke and duchess de Sabran, 2001. Photo (c) Getty Images / Bertrand Rindoff Petroff.

In 1997, the Duc de Sabran married Dubravka "Douchka" Cizmek (b.1946) at Versailles. The couple were religiously married at the Château d'Ansouis in 1999. Élzéar and Dubravka, Duke and Duchess de Sabran, welcomed the arrival of their only child, a daughter Delphine, in 2001.

 
 
Our best wishes to the Duke on his birthday!

As we conclude this article celebrating the 85th birthday of the Duke de Sabran, we are reminded of the significant contributions he has made to historical preservation and his connections to European nobility. His dedication to preserving historical sites, particularly the Château d'Ansouis, is a testament to his passion for the past and his commitment to preserving cultural heritage. The duke's life has been marked by a blend of European nobility and international connections, making him a significant figure in the world of royalty and historical preservation.

Historical preservation is a vital aspect of preserving cultural heritage, and the Duke de Sabran's efforts in this regard are truly commendable. His work at the Château d'Ansouis is a shining example of his dedication to preserving the past. The duke's connections to European nobility, particularly his friendship with Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, further solidify his position as a prominent figure in the world of royalty. As we reflect on his remarkable journey, we are reminded of the enduring legacy he has left behind. The House of Sabran has a rich history of nobility, and the duke's contributions to preserving this legacy are truly significant. We wish him a happy 85th birthday and continued success in his endeavors.

what are some notable achievements of the Duke de Sabran in historical preservation

The Duke de Sabran has been involved in significant historical preservation efforts, particularly at the Château d'Ansouis. His dedication to preserving this historical site reflects his passion for the past and his commitment to preserving cultural heritage. The duke's work at the château, which he shares with his wife, Dubravka "Douchka" Cizmek, is a testament to his enduring legacy in historical preservation.

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