Meet Princess Geraldine of Albania, the newest member of the Albanian royal family, whose ancestry holds a fascinating American connection. Born on October 22, 2020, to Crown Prince Leka and Crown Princess Elia, Princess Geraldine is the great-granddaughter of Queen Geraldine of Albania, who was born Countess Géraldine Margit Virginia Olga Mária Apponyi de Nagy-Appony on August 6, 1915. This royal lineage is rooted in the United States through the marriage of Queen Geraldine’s parents, Count Gyula Apponyi de Nagy-Appony and Gladys Virginia Stewart, who was the daughter of John H. Stewart, the United States Consul to Antwerp, Belgium.
Queen Geraldine’s American Heritage is a testament to the global connections that have shaped the lives of royal families. Her great-grandmother, Gladys Virginia Stewart, was born in the United States and married Count Gyula Apponyi de Nagy-Appony in 1914. This union led to the birth of Queen Geraldine, who would later marry King Zog I of Albania and become the queen consort. The American ancestry of Princess Geraldine is a significant aspect of her royal heritage, highlighting the global connections that have influenced the lives of royal families throughout history.
how did Queen Geraldine of Albania’s American ancestry influence her life and reign
how did Queen Geraldine’s American heritage shape her cultural identity
Key Points:
- American Roots: Geraldine’s mother, Gladys Virginia Stewart, was an American heiress who married Count Gyula Apponyi de Nagy-Appony in 1914.
- Global Connections: Geraldine’s ancestry reflects the global connections that have influenced the lives of royal families throughout history.
- Education: Geraldine was educated in the United States and Paris, which further shaped her cultural identity.
- Cosmopolitan Outlook: Geraldine’s blend of cultures helped her develop a refined and cosmopolitan outlook, which she carried with her throughout her life and reign.
Impact on Her Reign:
- Cultural Exchange: Geraldine’s American heritage facilitated cultural exchange between Albania and the West, which was significant during her brief tenure as Queen of the Albanians from 1938 to 1939.
- Liberal Spirit: Her American upbringing instilled in her a liberal spirit, which influenced her approach to governance and her commitment to social and cultural advancements.
- Western Mindset: Geraldine’s exposure to Western culture and values helped her adopt a more progressive and open-minded approach to governance, which was reflected in her efforts to modernize Albania during her reign.
Conclusion:
Queen Geraldine’s American heritage significantly shaped her cultural identity, influencing her approach to governance and her commitment to social and cultural advancements. Her blend of cultures helped her develop a refined and cosmopolitan outlook, which she carried with her throughout her life and reign.
how did Queen Geraldine balance her American heritage with her royal duties in Albania
Key Points:
- American Roots: Geraldine’s mother, Gladys Virginia Stewart, was an American heiress who married Count Gyula Apponyi de Nagy-Appony in 1914.
- Global Connections: Geraldine’s ancestry reflects the global connections that have influenced the lives of royal families throughout history.
- Cultural Adaptability: Geraldine’s upbringing in various countries, including the United States and France, helped her develop a refined and cosmopolitan outlook.
- Commitment to Albania: Despite her American heritage, Geraldine dedicated herself to her adopted country, Albania, and her role as Queen Consort.
Impact on Her Reign:
- Cultural Exchange: Geraldine’s American heritage facilitated cultural exchange between Albania and the West, which was significant during her brief tenure as Queen of the Albanians from 1938 to 1939.
- Liberal Spirit: Her American upbringing instilled in her a liberal spirit, which influenced her approach to governance and her commitment to social and cultural advancements.
- Western Mindset: Geraldine’s exposure to Western culture and values helped her adopt a more progressive and open-minded approach to governance, which was reflected in her efforts to modernize Albania during her reign.
Conclusion:
Queen Geraldine of Albania balanced her American heritage with her royal duties in Albania through a blend of cultural adaptability and commitment to her adopted country. Her diverse cultural background and upbringing in various countries helped her develop a refined and cosmopolitan outlook, which she carried with her throughout her life and reign.
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| Princess Geraldine of Albania, held by her father Crown Prince Leka, in front of a picture of her great-grandmother Queen Geraldine of Albania. Photograph (c) Alamy/David Niviere. |
Crown Prince Leka of Albania and his wife Crown Princess Elia welcomed the birth of their first child Princess Geraldine on 22 October 2020. The infant princess is the great-granddaughter of Queen Geraldine of Albania, who was born Countess Géraldine Margit Virginia Olga Mária Apponyi de Nagy-Appony on 6 August 1915, and who passed away on 22 October 2002 at Tirana.
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| Gladys Virginia Stewart. |
It is through Princess Geraldine’s great-grandmother and namesake that American blood courses through the veins of the newest member of the Albanian royal family. Queen Geraldine of Albania was the daughter of Count Gyula Apponyi de Nagy-Appony (1873–1924) and his wife Gladys Virginia Stewart (1891–1947), who married on 29 July 1914. The count and countess had three children: Countess Geraldine (later Queen of Albania), Countess Virginia (1916-2002; married in 1937 to András Baghy; married in 1947 to Joseph Blackburn; married in 1971 to József Máriássy), and Count Gyula (1923-1946). Following the death of her first husband in 1924, his widow Gladys married French soldier Gontran Girault (1882-1964) on 14 May 1926. The couple had three children: Sylviane Girault (b.Mehun-sur-Yèvre, Centre-Val de Loire, France 3 August 1927; married in 1955 to Maurice Muselier [1907-1989]), Guy Girault (b.1930), and Patricia Girault (b.1932). Aged fifty-six, Gladys Stewart Girault died on 19 November 1947 at Aix-en-Provence.
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| Mary Virginia Ramsay Harding and her granddaughter Geraldine, the future Albanian queen. |
Gladys Virginia Stewart, Princess Geraldine of Albania’s great-great grandmother, had been born on 18 July 1891 as the only child of John Henry Stewart (1831-1892), the son of David Stewart and Margaret Heighe, and his wife Mary Virginia Ramsay Harding (1871-1946). John Stewart and Mary Virginia Harding were married on 29 June 1890 at New York. In 1889, at the age of eighteen, Mary Virginia Harding authored a novel, The Soul of Lady Agnes. At the time of his marriage, John H. Stewart was the United States Consul to Antwerp, Belgium. After the death of Mr. Stewart, in July 1893 his widow became the guardian of their daughter Gladys. On 10 July 1902, Mary Virginia Ramsay Harding (widow Stewart) married Gustaf Victor Theodor Stråle af Ekna (1864-1935) at St. Helier’s, Isle of Jersey. Gustaf/Gustave de Straele (Stråle af Ekna) was reportedly a chamberlain to the King of Sweden. Mary Virginia Harding Stråle af Ekna died before 1955, when she was buried in New York.
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| The wedding notice of Edward Learned Harding and Lucy Booker Ramsey.
From the Spirit of the Age of Raleigh, NC (30 July 1856). |
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| The obituary of Lucy Ramsey Harding. From The News and Observer of Raleigh, NC (26 December 1906). |
Mary Virginia Harding, the great-great-great grandmother of Princess Geraldine, was the daughter of Edward Learned Harding (1822-1885) and Lucy Booker Ramsey (1839-1906), the daughter of Walter J. Ramsey (d.1856). Edward L. Harding, a clothing merchant, and Lucy B. Ramsey were married on 22 July 1856 at Raleigh, North Carolina, by the Reverend N. F. Reid. After the death of her husband, Lucy Ramsey Harding moved to France, where she died in 1906.
queen geraldine’s leadership style
As we conclude our exploration of the American ancestry of Princess Geraldine of Albania, we are reminded of the significant cultural and historical connections that have shaped the lives of royal families throughout history. Princess Geraldine’s great-grandmother, Queen Geraldine of Albania, was born Countess Géraldine Margit Virginia Olga Mária Apponyi de Nagy-Appony, and her American heritage is a testament to the global connections that have influenced the lives of royal families. Her great-grandmother’s American roots, inherited from her mother Gladys Virginia Stewart, have played a significant role in shaping Princess Geraldine’s cultural identity and her approach to governance.
Princess Geraldine’s American Ancestry has been a fascinating aspect of her royal heritage, highlighting the global connections that have shaped the lives of royal families. Her great-grandmother’s American roots have influenced her upbringing and education, which included time spent in the United States and France. This diverse cultural background has helped Princess Geraldine develop a refined and cosmopolitan outlook, which she carries with her throughout her life and reign. As we reflect on the significance of Princess Geraldine’s American ancestry, we are reminded of the importance of cultural exchange and the role that it plays in shaping the lives of royal families. We hope that this article has provided a valuable insight into the American ancestry of Princess Geraldine of Albania and the significant cultural and historical connections that have shaped her life and reign.
what other notable figures have American ancestry in European royal families
- Madonna: Madonna, the iconic pop star, is a descendant of the same French carpenter, Zacharie Cloutier, making her 10th cousins with Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom.
- Benedict Cumberbatch: Benedict Cumberbatch, the versatile actor, is the second cousin 16 times removed of King Richard III of England.
- Guy Ritchie: Guy Ritchie, the prolific British filmmaker, is linked to Edward I of England through the McLaughlin family, making him a descendant of royalty.
- Angelina Jolie: Angelina Jolie, the renowned actress and humanitarian, is Queen Elizabeth II’s 26th cousin, as confirmed by findmypast.com.
- Beyoncé: Beyoncé, the global superstar, is Queen Elizabeth II’s 25th cousins once removed, as revealed by the ancestry site Geni.
- Tilda Swinton: Tilda Swinton, the British actress, is a descendant of Scotland’s Robert the Bruce, 19 generations removed from the Scottish king who lived from 1274 until 1329.
- Brad Pitt: Brad Pitt, the renowned actor and producer, is Queen Elizabeth II’s 25th cousin twice removed, as confirmed by findmypast.com.
- Hugh Grant: Hugh Grant, the beloved British actor, is the ninth cousin once removed of Queen Elizabeth II, as reported by the genealogy website Geni.
- Richard Gere: Richard Gere, the accomplished American actor, shares a royal connection with Queen Elizabeth II, being the 22nd cousin once removed of the late monarch.
These examples illustrate the significant connections between American ancestry and European royal families, highlighting the global nature of these relationships.
