🚀 Historic French Nobility: Noailles Family's Duc d'Ayen Marries Letizia Bemberg

Marriage for the Duc d'Ayen, Heir of the Duc de Noailles

Emmanuel de Noailles, the Duc d'Ayen, has recently tied the knot with Letizia Bemberg in a private ceremony in France. This union marks a significant milestone in the lives of the couple, who have been together for several years. Born in Washington, DC, on February 14, 1983, Emmanuel is the only son of Hélie de Noailles, the 10th Duc de Noailles, and Nadèje Gonin. His paternal grandparents are François de Noailles, the 9th Duc de Noailles, and Charlotte de Caumont La Force. Emmanuel's maternal grandparents are Louis Gonin and Blandine de la Forest de Divonne[1].

Letizia Bemberg, the new Duchesse d'Ayen, is the daughter of Peter Bemberg and Gwendoline Levié-Ffoulke. Her paternal grandparents are Eduardo Pedro Federico Bemberg and Georgia Betty Hatch. Letizia's maternal grandparents are Jean Jérôme Levié-Ffoulke and Etheldreda Buhan. The couple has two sons, Raphaël and Felix, and their marriage is a testament to the enduring traditions of French nobility[1].

what are the key historical events that have shaped the Noailles family

The Noailles family has a rich history, with several key events that have significantly shaped their lineage. Here are some of the most important events:

1. Early Origins: The Noailles family's roots date back to the 16th century, with Antoine de Noailles, a French noble, being one of the earliest recorded members. He was a prominent figure in the French court and played a significant role in the marriage negotiations between Mary Tudor and Philip II of Spain.
2. Ducal Lineage: The family's ducal lineage began with Louis de Noailles, the 4th Duc de Noailles, who was the father of Emmanuel Marie Louis de Noailles, Marquis of Noailles. This line continued through generations, with notable members like Emmanuel Henri Victurnien de Noailles, a French diplomat and historian.
3. Napoleonic Era: During the Napoleonic Empire, the Noailles family experienced significant changes. Napoleon Bonaparte created a new nobility, which included many members of the Noailles family. This fusion of the old and new elite groups allowed the family to maintain their social status and influence.
4. Marriage and Diplomacy: The Noailles family has a long history of diplomatic involvement. Members like Emmanuel Henri Victurnien de Noailles served as envoys and ambassadors to various countries, including the United States, Italy, the Ottoman Empire, and Germany.
5. Historical Contributions: The family has made significant contributions to French history through their writings. Emmanuel Henri Victurnien de Noailles wrote several works on Poland, including "La Pologne et ses frontières" and "La Poésie polonaise".

These key events have collectively shaped the Noailles family's history, influencing their social status, diplomatic roles, and literary contributions.

who were the most influential members of the Noailles family in French history

The Noailles family has been a prominent and influential force in French history, with several notable members contributing significantly to various aspects of French society. Here are some of the most influential members:

1. Louis de Noailles (1701-1780): As the 4th Duc de Noailles, he played a significant role in the French court and was a prominent figure during the reign of Louis XV. He was known for his diplomatic skills and served as the French ambassador to Spain and the United States.
2. Louis Marie de Noailles (1756-1804): A member of the Mouchy branch of the Noailles family, he was a key figure in the French Revolution. He served under his brother-in-law, the Marquis de Lafayette, in America during the American War for Independence and later became a prominent figure in the French Estates-General. He emigrated to the United States and later died in Havana while fighting against the British.
3. Charles de Noailles (1892-1981): A prominent patron of the arts, Charles de Noailles was instrumental in promoting modern art and design. He and his wife, Marie-Laure, were known for their lavish parties and support of avant-garde artists, including Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí.
4. Marie-Laure de Noailles (1902-1970): A philanthropist and patron of the arts, Marie-Laure de Noailles continued her husband's legacy, supporting young artists and writers. She was known for her modern and avant-garde tastes, which influenced the development of modern art and design.

These individuals, among others, have contributed significantly to the Noailles family's influence in French history, shaping the country's cultural, diplomatic, and artistic landscape.

which Noailles family members played a significant role in the French Revolution

Several members of the Noailles family played significant roles during the French Revolution. Here are some key figures:

1. Louis Marie de Noailles (1756-1804): A member of the Mouchy branch of the Noailles family, he was a prominent military leader and politician. He served under his brother-in-law, the Marquis de Lafayette, in America during the American War for Independence and later became a key figure in the French Revolution. He was elected to the Estates-General in 1789 and played a significant role in the abolition of feudalism and titles.
2. Philippe de Noailles (1751-1794): A member of the Noailles family, he was executed by guillotine on June 27, 1794, along with his wife, Anne d'Arpajon. They were part of a group of five prominent Noailles family members who lost their lives during the Revolution.
3. Anne Jeanne Baptiste de Noailles (1758-1794): The wife of Louis Marie de Noailles, she was executed on July 22, 1794, along with her mother-in-law, the Duchesse d'Ayen, and her sister-in-law, Henriette Anne Louise d'Aguesseau. These executions were part of a larger wave of executions of Noailles family members during the Revolution.
4. Louis de Noailles (1701-1780): Although he died before the Revolution, his family was significantly impacted by the events. His son, Louis Marie de Noailles, played a key role in the French Revolution, and several other family members were executed or forced into exile.

These individuals, along with others, contributed to the complex and multifaceted nature of the Noailles family's involvement in the French Revolution.

Emmanuel and Letizia in 2019. Photograph (c) Getty Images/Henri Tullio.

Emmanuel de Noailles, Duc d'Ayen, and Letizia Bemberg recently married in France. The couple have two sons, Raphaël and Felix. 

Emmanuel de Noailles.

Born in Washington, DC, on 14 February 1983, Emmanuel Paul Louis Marie de Noailles, Duc d’Ayen, is the only son of Hélie de Noailles, 10th Duc de Noailles, and Nadèje Gonin. Emmanuel's paternal grandparents are François de Noailles, 9th Duc de Noailles, and Charlotte de Caumont La Force. Emmanuel's maternal grandparents are Louis Gonin and Blandine de la Forest de Divonne. 

Letizia Bemberg.

Letizia Bemberg is the daughter of Peter Bemberg and Gwendoline Levié-Ffoulke. Letizia's paternal grandparents are Eduardo Pedro Federico Bemberg and Georgia Betty Hatch. Letizia's maternal grandparents are Jean Jérôme Levié-Ffoulke and Etheldreda Buhan. Our congratulations to the Duc and Duchesse d'Ayen on their marriage!

As we conclude our coverage of the marriage of Emmanuel de Noailles, Duc d'Ayen, and Letizia Bemberg, we would like to extend our warmest congratulations to the newlyweds. This union marks a significant milestone in the lives of the couple, who have been together for several years. Born in Washington, DC, on February 14, 1983, Emmanuel is the only son of Hélie de Noailles, the 10th Duc de Noailles, and Nadèje Gonin. His paternal grandparents are François de Noailles, the 9th Duc de Noailles, and Charlotte de Caumont La Force. Emmanuel's maternal grandparents are Louis Gonin and Blandine de la Forest de Divonne[1].

Letizia Bemberg, the new Duchesse d'Ayen, is the daughter of Peter Bemberg and Gwendoline Levié-Ffoulke. Her paternal grandparents are Eduardo Pedro Federico Bemberg and Georgia Betty Hatch. Letizia's maternal grandparents are Jean Jérôme Levié-Ffoulke and Etheldreda Buhan. The couple has two sons, Raphaël and Felix, and their marriage is a testament to the enduring traditions of French nobility[1]. We hope that this union will bring joy and happiness to the family and that they will continue to be a symbol of French nobility and its rich history. We wish them all the best for their future together.

what are some interesting facts about the Duc d'Ayen's ancestry

The Duc d'Ayen, Emmanuel de Noailles, has a rich and storied ancestry that spans several centuries. Here are some interesting facts about his family history:

1. Early Origins: The Noailles family dates back to the 11th century, with its earliest known ancestor being a noble named Guillaume de Noailles. The family's name is derived from the castle of Noailles in the territory of Ayen, between Brive and Turenne in Limousin.
2. Admiral of France: Antoine de Noailles (1504–1562), the first comte de Noailles, was a prominent figure in French history. He served as Admiral of France and was ambassador to England during the reign of Henry II. This marked the beginning of the Noailles family's involvement in French diplomacy.
3. Comte d'Ayen: Henri de Noailles (1554–1623), the son of Antoine, was granted the title of Comte d'Ayen by Henry IV of France in 1593. This title was the first to be bestowed on the Noailles family.
4. Fronde and Early Reign of Louis XIV: Anne de Noailles (died 1678), the grandson of the first count, played a significant role in the Fronde and the early years of the reign of Louis XIV. He became captain-general of the newly won province of Roussillon and was made Duke of Noailles and a peer of France in 1663.
5. Military and Diplomatic Service: The Noailles family has a long history of military and diplomatic service. Members of the family have served as marshals, ambassadors, and commanders in various wars, including the War of the Spanish Succession and the War of the Austrian Succession.
6. Marriage and Family: The family has been known for its large family size and numerous marriages. For example, the 1st Duke of Noailles had two sons who raised the family to its greatest fame, and his grandson married Françoise Charlotte d'Aubigné, a niece of Madame de Maintenon.
7. Racing and Breeding: The Noailles family has also been involved in horse racing and breeding. Four members of the family have particularly strong links with the history of racing, including Count Alfred de Noailles, who was a successful breeder and owner.

These facts highlight the significant contributions and achievements of the Noailles family throughout French history, particularly in the fields of diplomacy, military service, and racing.