Wednesday, June 19, 2024

⏰ Celebrating 85 Years of Royalty: 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 life marked by significant achievements and connections to European nobility. Born on April 30, 1937, he is the 8th Duke of Sabran, a title that dates back to the 18th century. His notable achievements include:
  1. Historical Preservation: The Duke has been dedicated to preserving historical sites, particularly the Château d'Ansouis, which he shares a passion for with his late wife, Dewi Sukarno.
  2. Marriage and Family: He married Dubravka "Douchka" Cizmek in 1997 and had a daughter, Delphine, in 2001. His first marriage to Dewi Sukarno, the widow of Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia, was notable for its cultural exchange and shared historical interests.
  3. Social Connections: The Duke has been close friends with Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, reflecting his connections to European royalty.
  4. Philanthropy and Public Service: As the mayor of Ménil from 1883 to 1896, his predecessor, Edmond Marie Zozime de Sabran-Pontevès, contributed to the community, demonstrating the family's commitment to public service.
These achievements reflect the Duke's dedication to preserving history, his connections to European nobility, and his involvement in public service and philanthropy.

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

who were the most influential figures in the Duke de Sabran's life
The Duke de Sabran, Charles Élzéar Marie Joseph Adrien de Sabran-Pontevès, has been influenced by several notable figures throughout his life. Some of the most significant include:
  1. Dewi Sukarno: The widow of Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia, Dewi Sukarno was a significant figure in the Duke's life. They were engaged in 1977, and their shared passion for historical preservation, particularly at the Château d'Ansouis, was a notable aspect of their relationship.
  2. Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco: The Duke's close friendship with the royal couple reflects his connections to European nobility and the glamour of royal life.
  3. Foulques, 7th Duc de Sabran: The Duke's father, Foulques, played a significant role in his life, as he was the one who passed on the title of Duc de Sabran to him.
  4. Roselyne Manca-Amat de Vallambrosa: The Duke's mother, Roselyne, was a close friend of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, further emphasizing the Duke's connections to European nobility.
  5. Dubravka "Douchka" Cizmek: The Duke's second wife, Dubravka, whom he married in 1997, and their daughter Delphine, born in 2001, have also been significant figures in his life.
These individuals have all contributed to the Duke's life in various ways, from his family and personal relationships to his connections to European nobility and historical preservation.

who were the key family members that influenced the Duke de Sabran's decisions

The key family members who influenced the Duke de Sabran's decisions include:
  1. Foulques, 7th Duc de Sabran (1908-1973): As the Duke's father, Foulques played a significant role in his life, passing on the title of Duc de Sabran to him.
  2. Roselyne Manca-Amat de Vallambrosa (1910-1988): The Duke's mother, Roselyne, was a close friend of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, further emphasizing the Duke's connections to European nobility.
  3. Dewi Sukarno (1927-2009): The widow of Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia, Dewi Sukarno was a significant figure in the Duke's life. They shared a passion for historical preservation, particularly at the Château d'Ansouis, and were engaged in 1977.
  4. Dubravka "Douchka" Cizmek (b. 1946): The Duke's second wife, Dubravka, whom he married in 1997, and their daughter Delphine, born in 2001, have also been significant figures in his life.
These family members have all contributed to the Duke's life in various ways, from his family and personal relationships to his connections to European nobility and historical preservation.

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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