Princess Monica of Liechtenstein: 80 Years of Royal Romance and Elopement

Princess Monica of Liechtenstein, a name that resonates with intrigue and romance, has turned 80. Born on April 8, 1942, in Vienna, Princess Monica Maria Theresia Elisabeth of Liechtenstein was the only child of Prince Constantin of Liechtenstein and his first wife, Maria Elisabeth von Leutzendorff, who tragically lost her life in a bombing raid during World War II. This remarkable princess has led a life full of twists and turns, from her early years to her tumultuous love life and eventual marriage to a Polish expat businessman.

Princess Monica's journey began with a whirlwind romance with Prince Francesco Borghese, which sparked a heated debate among her family members. Her father, Prince Constantin, was particularly concerned about her young age and had her stay in a convent in Vienna for a year to reconsider her feelings. However, it was during the inauguration of the new Brazilian capital, Brasília, in 1959, that she met her future husband, Andrzej Franciszek Spitzman Jordan, a Polish businessman who had made a name for himself in Latin America. The couple's love story is a testament to the power of true love, transcending cultural and social boundaries[1].

what is the story behind princess monica of liechtenstein's elopement in brazil

Princess Monica of Liechtenstein, born on April 8, 1942, in Vienna, was the only child of Prince Constantin of Liechtenstein and his first wife, Maria Elisabeth von Leutzendorff. Her mother tragically lost her life in a bombing raid during World War II. Princess Monica's early life was marked by a tumultuous love affair with Prince Francesco Borghese, which sparked a heated debate among her family members. Her father, Prince Constantin, was particularly concerned about her young age and had her stay in a convent in Vienna for a year to reconsider her feelings. In 1959, Princess Monica represented her family at the inauguration of the new Brazilian capital, Brasília. During the festivities, she met her future husband, Andrzej Franciszek Spitzman Jordan, a Polish expat businessman who had made a name for himself in Latin America. The couple swiftly fell in love. When Monica returned to Vaduz, she told her family of her feelings for André. Her father Constantin was not wholly opposed to his only child's desire to marry Mr. Jordan. However, her cousin Prince Franz Joseph II and his wife Princess Georgina did not think the union wise or "suitable," given Monica's status. In an attempt to win over her family, Monica cabled André and asked him to come to Liechtenstein, which he did in short order. His reception by the princely family was reportedly courteous but not terribly warm. Franz Joseph told Monica: "... The young man is cultured and pleasant and I wish him well. But I'm dead set against your marrying a foreigner." Despite this opposition, Princess Monica and Andrzej Franciszek Spitzman Jordan eloped in Brazil, marking a significant turning point in her life.

what was the reason behind princess monica of liechtenstein's elopement in brazil

Princess Monica of Liechtenstein eloped in Brazil with her future husband, Andrzej Franciszek Spitzman Jordan, in 1959. The reason behind her elopement was primarily due to the opposition from her family, particularly her cousin Prince Franz Joseph II and his wife Princess Georgina, who did not think the union wise or "suitable" given Monica's status as a member of the royal family. Despite her father's initial hesitation, he eventually accepted her decision to marry Mr. Jordan, and the couple went ahead with their elopement.

who was princess monica of liechtenstein's partner in her elopement

Princess Monica of Liechtenstein eloped with Andrzej Franciszek Spitzman Jordan, a Polish expat businessman who had become a businessman in Latin America.

Princess Monica.

Today, Princess Monica von und zu Liechtenstein celebrates her eightieth birthday!

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Born on 8 April 1942 at Vienna, Princess Monica Maria Theresia Elisabeth of Liechtenstein was the only child of Prince Constantin of Liechtenstein (1911-2001) and his first wife Maria Elisabeth von Leutzendorff (1921-1944), who married in 1941. Princess Maria Elisabeth was killed during a bombing raid in Vienna. In the late 1970s, Prince Constantin remarried to Countess Ilona Esterházy von Galántha (1921-2019; widow of Count Miklós Cziráky von Czirák und Dénesfalva).

Prince Constantin and Princess Monica were guests at a party given in St. Moritz by Joan Crawford in 1955, which is noted in the pages of Joan's not-so-happy daughter Christina's book, Mommie Dearest. The following year, in 1956, when she was fourteen, Monica and Prince Francesco Borghese began a relationship. Her father was so disturbed by the romantic attachment of his daughter, owing to her youth, that he had Monica stay in a convent in Vienna for a year to "think it over." Needless to say, Monica and Francesco did not marry.

In 1959, Princess Monica represented her family at the inauguration of the new Brazilian capital, Brasília. During the festivities, she met her future husband, Andrzej Franciszek Spitzman Jordan (b.1933; also known as André Franz Jordan), a Polish expat who had become a businessman in Latin America. The couple swiftly fell in love. When Monica returned to Vaduz, she told her family of her feelings for André. Her father Constantin was not wholly opposed to his only child's desire to marry Mr. Jordan. However, her cousin Prince Franz Joseph II and his wife Princess Georgina did not think the union wise or "suitable," given Monica's status. In an attempt to win over her family, Monica cabled André and asked him to come to Liechtenstein, which he did in short order. His reception by the princely family was reportedly courteous but not terribly warm. Franz Joseph told Monica: "The young man is cultured and pleasant and I wish him well. But I'm dead set against your marrying a commoner as I've been before." Faced with the opposition of the sovereign prince, Monica decided to do a rather daring deed. The eighteen year-old decided to run away from home and elope. She and André agreed that he would return to Rio de Janeiro and prepare for their marriage. Several weeks later, Monica pretended that she was going to visit relatives in Paris. When she arrived in the French capital, she boarded a plane for Brazil that ended up being grounded in London due to poor weather conditions. It took her father Constantin almost two days to find out that his daughter was staying at a hotel in the British capital. He was able to reach Monica by phone, but she refused to return to Vaduz. The next day she flew to Brazil. 

Monica and André on their wedding day.

On 25 November 1960 at Rio de Janeiro, Princess Monica of Liechtenstein and André Jordan were married. The couple had two sons, Gilberto Frederic Jordan (b.1961) and Constantino Pedro Jordan (b.1964), before divorcing in 1969. Prince Constantin flew to Rio for his first grandson Gilberto's christening. In February 1979, Princess Monica joined her father Prince Constantin and their cousin Princess Barbara with her husband Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia for a holiday in St. Moritz. 

Prince Constantin and his daughter Princess Monica, 1958.

Our best wishes to the Princess on her birthday!

As we conclude our journey through the remarkable life of Princess Monica of Liechtenstein, we are reminded of the power of true love and the unwavering dedication to one's passions. Princess Monica's story is a testament to the idea that even in the face of adversity, one can find solace in the love and support of others. Her elopement in Brazil, a bold move that defied the conventions of her royal status, serves as a reminder that true love knows no bounds and that the heart is capable of overcoming even the most daunting challenges. As we reflect on Princess Monica's remarkable life, we are left with a sense of awe and admiration for her unwavering commitment to her values and her love for André, a love that has endured for decades.

As we bid farewell to Princess Monica's story, we are left with a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of royal life. Her story serves as a reminder that even in the most seemingly perfect of worlds, there are always challenges and obstacles to be overcome. Through her journey, we are reminded of the importance of staying true to oneself and one's values, even in the face of adversity. Princess Monica's story is a powerful reminder that true love and dedication can overcome even the most daunting challenges, and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to share in her remarkable journey. As we close this chapter, we are left with a sense of hope and inspiration, knowing that the power of love and dedication can overcome even the most insurmountable obstacles.

what is the significance of princess monica of liechtenstein's elopement in brazil

Princess Monica of Liechtenstein's elopement in Brazil in 1959 holds significant cultural and historical importance due to the circumstances surrounding her decision to defy her family's opposition and marry a commoner, Andrzej Franciszek Spitzman Jordan. This bold move, which was unprecedented for a member of the royal family at the time, highlights the power of true love and the unwavering dedication to one's passions. The elopement also underscores the complexities and nuances of royal life, where even in the most seemingly perfect of worlds, there are always challenges and obstacles to be overcome. Princess Monica's story serves as a testament to the enduring nature of love and the ability of individuals to overcome adversity, making her elopement in Brazil a remarkable and memorable event in the history of the royal family.