06-02-2009, 07:20 PM
ST. GEORGE'S PALACE
2nd June 2009
It is announced from St. George's Palace with deep regret that the former Imperial Family of Brazil has confirmed that HIH Prince Pedro Luiz was a passenger on board Air France Flight 447, which disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean enroute to Paris from Rio de Janiero.
Prince Pedro Luiz of Orleans-Braganza, 26, is the son of Prince Antônio & Princess Christine of Brazil, née Princess de Ligne.
The Brazilian Monarchy began in the year 1808 when the Portuguese Royal Family fled Europe in the face of the Napoleonic invasions. The capital of the Portuguese empire was eventually transferred from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro and the 'United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and Algarves' was formed.
The Brazilian Monarchy and the Portuguese Monarchy eventually became two separate entities of the ruling House of Braganca. The Brazilian Monarchy was overthrown by a republican revolution on November 15, 1889.
Further historical information about the former Brazilian Monarchy may be found here:
http://www.nobility-royalty.com/id71.htm
His Majesty the King and the Royal Family extend their prayers and their deepest condolences to the family of Prince Pedro Luiz, and to the families of all those who were lost on this fateful flight.