Marie José of Belgium
Marie José of Belgium, also known as Princess Marie José Charlotte Sophie Amélie Henriette Gabrielle, was born on August 4, 1906, in Ostend, Belgium. She was the youngest daughter of King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth of Belgium. As a child, she spent much of her time studying languages and art, and also developed a love for horseback riding. In 1930, Marie José married Umberto II, the last King of Italy, in a lavish ceremony in Rome. She became queen consort of Italy when her husband ascended to the throne in 1946. However, their reign was short-lived, as Italy abolished the monarchy later that year, and the couple was exiled to Portugal. Marie José lived in Switzerland for several years, where she devoted herself to charitable and humanitarian causes. She also traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and remained active in social and cultural circles. In 1983, Marie José returned to Belgium, and lived out the rest of her life in her family's castle in Boechout. She died on January 27, 2001, at the age of 94, and was buried alongside her husband in Italy. Despite her ups and downs in life, Marie José remains an important figure in European history, known for her elegance, grace, and commitment to public service.
