Marie-Claude of Autelia
| Marie-Claude | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The Queen in 2021 | |||||
| Queen of Autelia | |||||
| Reign | 20 June 1979 - 20 June 2013 | ||||
| Predecessor | Alexander III | ||||
| Successor | Alexander IV | ||||
| Born | January 26, 1943 Santerre, Autelia | ||||
| Died | 7 January 2023 (aged 79) Viervers, Autelia | ||||
| Spouse | Prince Henry of Cambridge (m. 1966; died 2007) | ||||
| Issue | Alexander IV of Autelia Prince William Prince Arthur | ||||
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| House | Cambron (dynastic) Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (by marriage) | ||||
| Father | Alexander III of Autelia | ||||
| Mother | Princess Maria Agata of Savoy | ||||
Marie-Claude (Marie-Claude Louise Henriette Alexandra; 26 January 1943 - 7 January 2023) was an Autelian royal, who reigned as Queen of Autelia from 20 June 1979 until her abdication 34 years later in 2013.
The only daughter from the marriage of Alexander III of Autelia and his first wife Princess Maria Agata of Savoy, Marie-Claude became his heiress in 1958 on his accession. In 1966, she married Prince Henry of Cambridge, a grandson of King William IV of the United Kingdom. They had three children- Alexander, William, and Arthur.
Her reign over three decades saw much change in Autelia. Some of these changes included the succession reforms in 1985, which made the move to absolute primogeniture.
After some health scares in the late 2000s, Marie-Claude decided to abdicate the throne in favour of her eldest son, who became King Alexander IV. Alexander's reign was unexpectedly short-lived after he died of lung cancer in less than two years following his accession. He was succeeded by Marie-Claude's granddaughter, Marie-Agathe, whom Marie-Claude has served for as a mentor during the early years of her reign.
Following her abdication, she largely retired from public life, although she sometimes made appearances at large family gatherings and state events. She latterly lived on a private farm in the Autelian countryside, where she died on 7 January 2023 at the age of 79.
Early life and education
Princess Marie-Claude was born on 26 January 1943 in Santerre, Autelia. Her father was Crown Prince Alexander of Autelia, the eldest son and heir of King Charles VI of Autelia. Her mother, Crown Princess Marie-Agathe was a daughter of Victor Emmanuel III of Italy and Princess Elena of Montenegro.
Marie-Claude's mother died when she was three years old.
Marriage and children
On 24 May 1966, Marie-Claude married Prince Henry of Cambridge, a male-line grandson of King William IV of the United Kingdom. They had three sons:
- Alexander IV of Autelia (5 August 1968 - 15 February 2015). Married Princess Marina of Schaumburg-Lippe, had issue.
- Prince William of Autelia (born 19 December 1970). Married Doña Allegra Camorenos de Valdés, had issue.
- Prince Arthur of Autelia (born 10 June 1975). Married Princess Juliana of Friskland, had issue.
Later years and death
Marie-Claude died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 79 on 7 January 2023 at her home in the Autelian countryside village of Viervers. Per Autelian custom, the late Queen's funeral will take place at the end of a week-long mourning period. The state ceremonies and burial will be held on 14 January 2023.
Ancestry
| Ancestors of Marie-Claude of Autelia |
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