▶️ 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

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 de Sabran, a title that dates back to the 18th century. His family has a rich history of military and ecclesiastical achievements, with notable figures such as Louis Hector Honoré Maxime de Sabran, the last Bishop of Laon, and Philippe de Sabran, a close relative of the princes de Monaco and the queen of England. One of the duke's notable achievements is his dedication to preserving historical sites, particularly the Château d'Ansouis. He has worked closely with his wife, Dewi Sukarno, to restore the château, reflecting his passion for history and cultural heritage. The duke has also been involved in various personal and professional endeavors. In 1977, he announced his engagement to Dewi Sukarno, the widow of Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia. Although the couple never married, they shared a passion for historical preservation and cultural exchange. In 1997, the duke married Dubravka "Douchka" Cizmek, and they welcomed their only child, Delphine, in 2001. The duke's family has continued to be involved in historical preservation and cultural activities, reflecting the enduring legacy of the House of Sabran. Overall, the Duke de Sabran's life has been marked by his dedication to preserving historical sites, his connections to European nobility, and his personal and professional endeavors.

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

The most influential figures in the Duke de Sabran's family tree include:

1. Elzéar Louis Zozime de Sabran (1764–1847): The first duke of Sabran, who adopted the twins Marc Edouard and Joseph Léonide of Pontevès, nephews of his wife, and transmitted the title to them.
2. Marc Edouard de Sabran-Pontevès (1811–1878): The 2nd duke of Sabran, nephew of his predecessor, and the first to bear the title of Sabran-Pontevès by letters patent of July 18, 1829.
3. Louis Hector Honoré Maxime de Sabran (1739–1811): The last Bishop of Laon, grand almoner of Queen Marie-Antoinette, and deputy of the clergy to the Estates-General of 1789. He was a prominent figure in the history of the House of Sabran.
4. Foulques de Sabran-Pontevès (1908–1973): The 7th duke of Sabran, father of Charles Élzéar Marie Joseph Adrien de Sabran-Pontevès, the 8th duke.
5. Delphine de Sabran (1770–1826): A notable figure in her own right, she was the daughter of the Comte de Sabran and was known for her beauty and her association with the Chevalier de Boufflers.

These individuals have played significant roles in shaping the history and legacy of the House of Sabran, particularly in terms of their connections to European nobility and their contributions to historical preservation.

who was Garsinde de Sabran and what was her impact on the family

Garsinde de Sabran was a significant figure in the history of the House of Sabran, particularly in her role as the wife of Ildefonse of Provence. She was the mother of Raymond Béranger, whose wife, Beatrice of Savoy, gave birth to four daughters who married kings of France, Cornwall, and England. This connection to the royal families of Europe solidified the Sabran family's position among the nobility. Garsinde's impact on the family was substantial, as she brought Forcalquier to the House of Barcelona and united it with Provence. She was also a patron of Occitan literature, particularly the troubadours, and herself wrote lyric poetry, earning her the title of a trobairitz. Her marriage to Alfonso II in 1193 and her subsequent inheritance of Forcalquier further strengthened the Sabran family's ties to the royal families of Europe and the nobility of Provence.

The duke and duchess de Sabran. Photo (c) Getty Images / Bertrand Rindoff Petroff.

 

Today, the 8th Duc de Sabran celebrates his eighty-fifth birthday!

 

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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 the preservation of historical sites, particularly the Château d'Ansouis. His dedication to this cause is a testament to his enduring legacy, and we are grateful for the opportunity to reflect on his remarkable journey.

Élzéar de Sabran-Pontevès has been a prominent figure in French society, known for his passion for historical preservation and his connections to European nobility. His life has been marked by significant events, including his engagement to Dewi Sukarno, the widow of Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia. As we look back on his remarkable life, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and the enduring impact that individuals like the Duke de Sabran can have on our understanding of history. We wish him a happy 85th birthday and continue to celebrate his remarkable legacy.

what are some notable achievements of the Duke de Sabran in historical preservation

The Duke de Sabran, Charles Élzéar Marie Joseph Adrien de Sabran-Pontevès, has made significant contributions to historical preservation, particularly through his involvement with the Château d'Ansouis. Some notable achievements include:

1. Restoration of Château d'Ansouis: Alongside his wife Dewi Sukarno, the Duke has been actively involved in the restoration of the Château d'Ansouis, a significant historical site in the Luberon region of France.
2. Preservation of Historical Sites: The Duke's dedication to preserving historical sites reflects his commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Europe. His involvement in the restoration of the Château d'Ansouis is a testament to his enduring legacy in this field.

These achievements highlight the Duke's significant contributions to historical preservation, particularly through his work at the Château d'Ansouis.