My pleasure!
I'm no expert in this, but this is what I know:
The Merodes are one of the few princely families recognized by the kingdom of Belgium (some of the others are: the princes d'Arenberg, de Ligne ...)
In more formal, traditional times they had close ties with Belgian royalty as lady-in-waiting or personal friends... I guess those personal ties still exist since they move around in the same circles, but I don't see any official connections. Like all "important" noble families they have many international connections and their children all have a very international upbringing, wich usually starts at elitist British boarding schools where they mingle with members of other wealthy top notch families.
Maybe the most well known member of the family is prince Emmanuel de Merode, protector of the widlife natural park in Virunga, Congo.
In the 19th century there was the famous dancer Cléo de Merode, top figure of the Parisian cabaret culture, and mistress of king Léopold II.
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Nice of you to bring this tiara to light Isabelle. It looks really grand and big. Is this family connected to any of the main stream Benelux or German royals?
Regards,
Dave.
on May 16, 2019, 5:58 pm
