💥 Royal Romance: Prince Heinrich of Croÿ Marries Joana de Sotto-Mayor in Grand Portuguese Ceremony

The grandeur of the Palace of Mafra in Portugal was the backdrop for a momentous occasion on June 19, 2021, as Prince Heinrich of Croÿ and Maria Joana de Spínola Moreira de Sotto-Mayor exchanged vows in a beautiful wedding ceremony. The couple's love story began with a romantic holiday in Norway, where they got engaged in September 2019. The bride, a daughter of José Alberto da Fonseca de Sotto-Mayor and Dalila Alexandra de Spínola Moreira, wore a stunning dress, while the groom, son of Duke Rudolf of Croÿ and the late Duchess Alexandra of Croÿ, beamed with joy. **The wedding** was attended by a distinguished guest list, including members of European royal families.

The ceremony, held at the Basilica of the Palace of Mafra, was a testament to the couple's deep commitment to each other. **Prince Heinrich** and **Princess Joana**'s love has been a source of inspiration for many, and their union is a celebration of the enduring power of love and family ties. As they begin their new life together, they are sure to be remembered for their elegance, poise, and the joy they bring to those around them. The wedding marks a significant milestone in the lives of the couple and their families, and it is a moment that will be cherished for years to come.

what were the key highlights of Prince Heinrich and Princess Joana's wedding

The wedding of Prince Heinrich of Croÿ and Princess Joana de Sotto-Mayor took place on June 19, 2021, at the Basilica of the Palace of Mafra in Portugal. The couple, who got engaged in September 2019 while on holiday in Norway, exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony attended by distinguished guests from European royal families. Prince Heinrich, the son of Duke Rudolf of Croÿ and the late Duchess Alexandra of Croÿ, married Princess Joana, the daughter of José Alberto da Fonseca de Sotto-Mayor and Dalila Alexandra de Spínola Moreira. The wedding was a celebration of their love and commitment to each other, surrounded by the grandeur of the Palace of Mafra.

what was the significance of the location, Palácio de Mafra, for the wedding

The Palácio de Mafra, also known as the Palace-Convent of Mafra, held significant importance for the wedding of Prince Heinrich of Croÿ and Princess Joana de Sotto-Mayor. The palace, located in Mafra, Portugal, is a monumental 18th Century Baroque and Neoclassical structure that was built on the orders of King John V in fulfillment of a vow he had made to build a palace and a convent if he were blessed with an heir from his marriage to Maria Ana of Austria or if he were cured of a serious illness. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its grand architecture, beautiful sculptures, and intricate designs. The Basilica of the Palace of Mafra, where the wedding took place, was consecrated on October 22, 1730, and is a central point of the palace's religious façade. The palace's historical and cultural significance made it an ideal location for the royal wedding, which was attended by members of European royal families, including the Duke and Duchess of Braganza and their eldest son, Prince Afonso.

what makes the Palácio de Mafra a significant historical site

The Palácio de Mafra, located in Mafra, Portugal, is a significant historical site due to its rich cultural and architectural heritage. Here are some key factors that contribute to its historical significance:

1. UNESCO World Heritage Site: The palace was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, recognizing its cultural and architectural importance. This designation highlights the site's historical significance and its value to the world's cultural heritage.
2. Baroque and Neoclassical Architecture: The palace is a prime example of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, showcasing the blending of styles and the mastery of architects like Johan Friedrich Ludwig. The intricate designs, sculptures, and ornate furnishings make it a masterpiece of 18th-century architecture.
3. Royal History: The palace was built by King John V of Portugal in the early 18th century, primarily as a testament to his gratitude for the birth of his son. It was never a permanent royal residence but was frequently visited by royalty for hunting and religious events.
4. Historical Significance: The palace bears witness to significant historical events, including the French invasion in the early 19th century, which forced the royal family to flee to Brazil. This period of turmoil left the palace deserted for some time, reflecting the tumultuous period in Portugal's history.
5. Artistic and Cultural Significance: The palace is home to an impressive collection of artworks, including sculptures, paintings, and ornate furnishings. The library, with over 36,000 volumes, is a bibliophile's dream, and the basilica features stunning stained glass windows and intricate carvings.
6. Historical Preservation: The palace has been well-preserved and maintained over the centuries, ensuring that its historical significance and cultural importance are preserved for future generations. It is now a popular tourist destination and a significant cultural landmark in Portugal.

These factors collectively make the Palácio de Mafra a significant historical site, offering a glimpse into Portugal's rich history, cultural heritage, and architectural achievements.

Princess Joana and Prince Heinrich of Croÿ. Photograph (c) Jornal de Mafra.

The couple during the religious ceremony at the Palácio de Mafra. Photograph (c) Jornal de Mafra.

On Saturday, 19 June 2021, Prince Heinrich of Croÿ and Maria Joana de Spínola Moreira de Sotto-Mayor were married at Basilica at the Palace of Mafra in Portugal. The groom is the son of Duke Rudolf of Croÿ and the late Duchess Alexandra of Croÿ (née Miloradovich). The bride is the daughter of José Alberto da Fonseca de Sotto-Mayor and Dalila Alexandra de Spínola Moreira.

Front row (left to right): Prince Marc-Emanuel and Princess Delia of Croy, Guy delle Piane and Princess Xenia of Croÿ, Hereditary Prince Carl Philipp of Croÿ, and the Duke of Croÿ. Second row (left to right): Princess Beatrix and Prince Luitpold of Bavaria, Princess Anastasia of Croÿ, and Prince Alexander of Croÿ. Photograph (c) Jornal de Mafra.

The Prince of Beira and the Duchess and Duke of Braganza.

Photograph (c) Journal de Mafra.

Aside from the families of the happy couple, the following were among the guests: Prince Luitpold and Princess Beatrix of Bavaria, the Duke and Duchess of Braganza and their eldest son Afonso, Prince Gundakar and Princess Marie of Liechtenstein (née Orléans), Fürst Heinrich XIV Reuß, and Fürst Alexander of Schaumburg-Lippe and his son Hereditary Prince Donatus of Schaumburg-Lippe. 

The engagement photo of Prince Heinrich and Princess Joana.

Prince Heinrich and Princess Joana of Croÿ got engaged on 10 September 2019, while they were on holiday in Norway. Joana's engagement ring was a beautiful creation consisting of a vibrant ruby in the centre surrounded by diamonds on all sides.

Our congratulations to Prince Heinrich and Princess Joana!

As we conclude our coverage of the wedding of Prince Heinrich of Croÿ and Princess Joana de Sotto-Mayor, we would like to extend our warmest congratulations to the newlyweds. The grand ceremony at the Basilica of the Palace of Mafra in Portugal was a testament to the enduring power of love and family ties. The couple's journey began with a romantic holiday in Norway, where they got engaged in September 2019. The bride, a talented artist and atelier, wore a stunning dress, while the groom, a master of rural estate management and international marketing, beamed with joy. **The wedding** was attended by a distinguished guest list, including members of European royal families, reflecting the strong bonds between the royal families of Europe. The ceremony was a beautiful celebration of the couple's love and commitment to each other, and we wish them a lifetime of happiness and fulfillment.

As we reflect on this momentous occasion, we are reminded of the significance of the Palace of Mafra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as a symbol of the royal family's power and influence. The palace's grandeur and historical importance made it the perfect setting for this regal wedding. **The wedding** was a celebration not only of the couple's love but also of the enduring traditions and values of the royal families of Europe. We hope that this article has provided a comprehensive and informative account of the wedding, highlighting the key highlights and significance of the event. We would like to thank our readers for joining us on this journey and for their interest in the royal families of Europe. We wish Prince Heinrich and Princess Joana all the best as they begin their new life together, and we look forward to continuing to bring you updates on the royal families of Europe.

what are some interesting facts about Prince Heinrich's education

Prince Heinrich of Croÿ, the groom in the wedding, did not have his education discussed in the provided sources. The sources primarily focus on Prince Henry the Navigator, a Portuguese explorer, and his contributions to maritime exploration and the Age of Discovery. Therefore, there are no interesting facts about Prince Heinrich's education available in these sources.