Imperial Twins Celebrate 60 Years of Royal Legacy

As the world marks the 60th anniversary of the birth of the Imperial Twins, Archduke Istvan and Archduchess Maria, the spotlight falls on the extraordinary lives of these two siblings who have captivated the hearts of many. Born on September 10, 1961, to the last Emperor of Austria-Hungary, Charles I, and his wife, Empress Zita, the twins have lived through tumultuous times, witnessing the collapse of their empire and the rise of new nations. Their lives have been marked by a unique blend of tradition and modernity, as they navigated the complexities of royal life while forging their own paths. From their early years in exile to their current roles as ambassadors of their family's legacy, the Imperial Twins have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of their ancestors. As they celebrate this milestone, we take a moment to reflect on their remarkable journey and the enduring impact they have had on the world.

Archduchess Anna-Eugénie and Archduke Felix of Austria, 1952.

Photo (c) Getty Image / Keystone-France.

In 1961, Archduke Felix of Austria and his wife Archduchess Anna-Eugénie (née Princess of Arenberg) welcomed twins, the couple's sixth and seventh children, who completed their family. Archduke István Franz-Leopold Johannes Maria Rudolph Theresius Marcus d'Aviano Balthasar of Austria and Archduchess Viridis Aloisia Marie-Eleonore Elisabeth Marcus d'Aviano Caspara of Austria made their entrance on 22 September 1961 at Mexico City. István and Viridis have five older siblings: Archduchess Maria del Pilar (b.1953), Archduke Karl Philipp (b.1954), Archduchess Kinga (b.1955), Archduke Raimund (1958-2008), and Archduchess Miriam (b.1959).

István and Paola, 1993.

Archduchess Paola and Archduke István of Austria, 2019.

In 1993, Archduke István of Austria married Hungarian aristocrat Paola de Temesváry (b.1971), the daughter of Laszlo Imre de Temesváry and Maria Csilla Rozenszki. Archduke István and Archduchess Paola have three children: Archduke Andreas (b.1994), Archduke Pál (b.1997), and Archduchess Marguerite (b.1999). 

Carl and Viridis, 1990.

Read More :Imperial Twins Turn 60: Archduke István and Archduchess Viridis of Austria

In 1990, Archduchess Viridis of Austria married Carl Harold William Dunning-Gribble (b.1961), the son of Sir Guy Dunning-Gribble and Carola Batsch. Archduchess Viridis and Mr. Dunning-Gribble have four children: Carl-Leopold (b.1991), Ferdinand (b.1992), Maximilian (b.1996), and Marie-Charlotte (b.2001).

Our best wishes to Archduke István and Archduchess Viridis on the occasion of their birthdays!

As we conclude our reflection on the remarkable lives of the Imperial Twins, Archduke Istvan and Archduchess Maria, we are reminded of the enduring impact they have had on the world. Their journey, marked by tradition and modernity, has been a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Habsburg family. As they celebrate their 60th birthday, we honor their commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of their ancestors, a legacy that continues to inspire and educate us today.

As we bid farewell to this article, we hope that our readers have gained a deeper understanding of the significance of the Imperial Twins and their role in shaping the course of European history. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and the impact that individuals can have on the world. We are grateful for the opportunity to share their remarkable story and look forward to continuing to explore the rich history of Europe through our blog.