Exciting news for the French nobility—Princess Hélène of Orléans is engaged to her Portuguese partner, Francisco Sottomayor Quinta. The TAP airline pilot proposed during a romantic getaway in Brazil.
Princess Hélène’s father, Prince Charles-Louis of Orléans, Duke of Chartres, confirmed the engagement to Point de Vue, sharing his joy over his daughter’s future husband. “I met him a year ago. He is a kind and religious young man, with real values and his feet on the ground. I am very happy for my daughter.”
A Noble Heritage and a Stunning Ring
Prince Charles-Louis, born in 1972, is a member of the House of Orléans, a cadet branch of the now-defunct French Bourbons, tracing his lineage back to Philippe I, Duke of Orléans, the younger brother of King Louis XIV.
The engagement ring, designed by Hélène’s godfather, renowned jeweler Laurent de Chavagnac, features a striking emerald surrounded by diamonds and sapphires.
According to Point de Vue, Prince Charles-Louis and his wife, Iléana Manos, will soon meet Francisco’s parents to begin wedding preparations. While a date has not yet been set, Hélène will be the first of the couple’s five children to tie the knot.
About the Bride-to-Be
Born on January 24, 1999, Princess Hélène is the third child of Prince Charles-Louis and Iléana. She currently resides in Lisbon, where she works as a data analyst.
In 2022, she gained international attention when she opened le Bal des Débutantes, dancing with her father in a dazzling Georges Hobeika Haute Couture gown. She accessorized with a VMuse Treasure convertible tiara, which she elegantly wore as a necklace.
She made her social debut alongside her cousin, Syvila Manou of Greece, and Leah Behn, daughter of Princess Märtha Louise of Norway.
A Family of Aristocratic Ties
Prince Charles-Louis and Iléana are also parents to Prince Philippe, Princess Louise, Prince Constantin, and Princess Isabelle. Their son, Prince Constantin, recently attended le Bal des Débutantes in Paris, escorting American debutante Peyton Spaht—a glamorous evening that was also graced by Apple Martin, daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin.
With the engagement now official, royal watchers eagerly await details of Princess Hélène and Francisco’s upcoming nuptials.
