Biography of Carlos von Bourbon-Sizilien

Carlos María Alfonso Marcelo de Borbón-Dos Sicilias y Borbón-Parma (born 16 January 1938 in Lausanne; died 5 October 2015 in Retuerta del Bullaque) was a Spanish nobleman, Infante of Spain, Prince of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria and Count of Caserta. He belonged to the Spanish line of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, whose historical rule ended in the nineteenth century, while family questions continued to be handled dynastically.

Background

Carlos was born to Alfonso of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria, and Alicia of Bourbon-Parma. Through his family he was closely connected with the Spanish crown; his paternal line led back to María de las Mercedes, Princess of Asturias. This background explained his closeness to King Juan Carlos I, to whom he was linked by kinship and personal ties.

Marriage and family

On 11 May 1965 Carlos married Anne d'Orléans, daughter of the Count of Paris, in Dreux. The couple had five children: Cristina, María, Pedro, Inés and Victoria. The family lived in Spain and remained part of the wider courtly and dynastic environment. His son Pedro later succeeded him as Duke of Calabria in the Spanish line of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies.

Spain and dynastic role

In 1994 King Juan Carlos I granted Carlos the dignity of Infante of Spain by royal decree. The decree referred to a dynastic line historically linked with the Spanish crown. Carlos also carried titles and duties within the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. Rank, tradition, orders of chivalry and family representation stood at the center of that role.

Work and public duties

Carlos studied law and worked in banking and business, with stations in New York, Peru, Mexico and Spain. Later he held roles in Spanish foundations, associations and noble orders. He was president of the Real Consejo de las Órdenes Militares and honorary president of the Real Asociación de Hidalgos de España.

La Toledana

Carlos de Borbón-Dos Sicilias died on 5 October 2015 at his estate La Toledana in Retuerta del Bullaque, in the province of Ciudad Real. He was 77 years old. His public roles stood at the intersection of the Spanish crown, family history, orders of chivalry and the Spanish line of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies.