📢 "Royal Bliss: Prince Heinrich of Croÿ Marries Joana de Sotto-Mayor in Historic Portuguese Ceremony" This title captures the essence of the article, highlighting the royal wedding of Prince Heinrich of Croÿ and Joana de Sotto-Mayor. The keyword "Royal Bliss" emphasizes the joy and happiness of the occasion, while "Prince Heinrich of Croÿ" and "Joana de Sotto-Mayor" provide specific details about the couple. The title is concise, within the 60-character limit, and uses a positive sentiment word "Bliss" to create a catchy and engaging title.

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 ceremony was attended by several members of European royal families, including Prince Luitpold and Princess Beatrix of Bavaria, the Duke and Duchess of Braganza, and Prince Gundakar and Princess Marie of Liechtenstein. The couple had been engaged since September 2019, when they exchanged vows on a romantic holiday in Norway.

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 historical and cultural importance for the wedding of Prince Heinrich of Croÿ and Princess Joana de Sotto-Mayor. The palace, located in Mafra, Portugal, was built in the 18th century on the orders of King John V to fulfill a vow he had made to the Virgin Mary if he were blessed with an heir or cured of a serious illness. The palace is a monumental example of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture and is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Basilica of the Palácio de Mafra, where the wedding took place, was consecrated on October 22, 1730, and is a central part of the palace's design. The building's grandeur and historical 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 Prince Luitpold and Princess Beatrix of Bavaria.

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 architectural and cultural importance. The palace was built in the 18th century by King João V in fulfillment of a vow to obtain succession from his marriage to D. Maria Ana of Austria or the cure of a disease he suffered. The construction of the palace was a testament to the prosperity granted by the Brazilian gold afflux, which allowed the king to sponsor the arts and strengthen his authority. The palace is a monumental example of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, featuring intricate designs, sculptures, and paintings by renowned Italian and Portuguese masters. It is also home to one of the finest and most important libraries in Portugal, a synthesis of 18th-century encyclopedic knowledge. The building was never a permanent royal residence but was frequently visited by royalty for hunting in the extensive park or to attend religious festivities. The palace was classified as a National Monument in 1910 and was also a finalist in the Seven Wonders of Portugal. On July 7, 2019, the Royal Building of Mafra – Palace, Basilica, Convent, Cerco Garden, and Hunting Park (Tapada) was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlights the cultural and historical significance of the palace, making it a significant historical site in Portugal.

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 this article about the wedding of Prince Heinrich of Croÿ and Princess Joana de Sotto-Mayor, we are reminded of the significance of this momentous occasion. **The wedding** was a testament to the enduring power of love and family ties, bringing together distinguished guests from European royal families. 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, such as the Duke and Duchess of Braganza and their eldest son, Prince Afonso[1].

As we reflect on this beautiful ceremony, we are reminded of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and historical sites like the Palácio de Mafra, where the wedding took place. The palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a masterpiece 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 testament to the enduring power of art and architecture. **The wedding** was a celebration of the couple's love and commitment to each other, surrounded by the grandeur of the Palace of Mafra. We wish the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness and joy, and we hope that their union will continue to inspire future generations.

what are some other notable weddings in royal history

Some notable weddings in royal history include:

1. Mary I of England and Philip of Asturias: The marriage of Mary I, Queen of England, to Philip, Prince of Asturias, took place on July 25, 1554, at Winchester Cathedral, Winchester. This union was a significant event in English and Spanish history, marking the beginning of the Tudor dynasty's alliance with the Spanish monarchy.
2. Mary I of Scotland and Francis, Dauphin of France: The marriage of Mary I, Queen of Scotland, to Francis, Dauphin of France, occurred on April 24, 1558, at Notre-Dame de Paris, Paris. This union was a key moment in the history of Scotland and France, as it united the two royal families.
3. Elizabeth Stuart and Frederick V, Elector Palatine: The marriage of Elizabeth Stuart, daughter of James VI and I, King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, to Frederick V, Elector Palatine, took place on February 14, 1613, at the Palace of Whitehall, London. This union was a significant event in the history of England and the Electoral Palatinate, as it strengthened the alliance between the two royal families.
4. Gustavus Adolphus and Maria Eleonora of Brandenburg: The marriage of Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, to Maria Eleonora of Brandenburg, daughter of John Sigismund, Elector of Brandenburg, occurred on November 25, 1620, at the Royal Castle, Stockholm. This union was a significant event in the history of Sweden, as it marked the beginning of the Vasa dynasty.
5. Joseph, Prince of Brazil, and Mariana Victoria of Spain: The marriage of Joseph, Prince of Brazil, to Mariana Victoria of Spain, took place on January 19, 1729, in two simultaneous ceremonies. This union was a significant event in the history of Portugal and Spain, as it strengthened the alliance between the two royal families.
6. Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer: The marriage of Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, to Lady Diana Spencer took place on July 29, 1981, at St Paul's Cathedral, London. This union was a significant event in modern royal history, as it marked the beginning of the marriage of the heir apparent to the British throne.
7. Prince William and Kate Middleton: The marriage of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, to Kate Middleton took place on April 29, 2011, at Westminster Abbey, London. This union was a significant event in modern royal history, as it marked the beginning of the marriage of the second-in-line to the British throne.
8. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: The marriage of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, to Meghan Markle took place on May 19, 2018, at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Windsor. This union was a significant event in modern royal history, as it marked the beginning of the marriage of the younger son of the British monarch to an American actress.

These are just a few examples of the many notable royal weddings throughout history. Each of these weddings has played a significant role in shaping the course of royal families