Barbara de Portago brought together once again, during her annual gala in New York, Royal Highnesses and generous patrons, all concerned with the preservation of French heritage. Prince Konstantin of Bulgaria, son of King Simeon II, was the guest of honor at the charity gala organized by the former resident of the Palace of Versailles. Prince Konstantin was accompanied by his wife, Princess Maria, and their daughter, Princess Sofia of Vidin.
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Barbara de Portago brings together generous patrons around the Prince of Vidin
Every year, Barbara de Portago, president of The Versailles Foundation & Giverny, is organizing a major charity gala in a prestigious location in New York. Barbara de Portago relies on her full address book to raise funds for her foundation which promotes Franco-American friendship and cultural exchanges by helping to finance the renovation of French historical heritage.
This year, Barbara de Portago received the support of Prince Konstantin of Bulgaria, Prince of Vidin. Prince Konstantin, 53, is the fourth son of King Simeon II of Bulgaria. Prince Konstantin attended the charity gala with his wife, Princess Maria. The Prince and Princess of Vidin, parents of two children, were accompanied by their daughter, Princess Sofia of Vidin, 23 years old.
Barbara de Portago attaches great importance to the preservation of heritage and her passion for the Palace of Versailles is no coincidence. The left wing of the Palace of Versailles was her childhood home, where she grew up with her mother, Florence Bennett Harris, and her stepfather, Gérald Van der Kemp, a member of the Institut de France. The Institut de France notably owns Giverny, Claude Monet’s estate that his son bequeathed to the institute.
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Prince Konstantin of Bulgaria in New York to support the preservation of Versailles and Giverny
Gérald Van der Kemp maintained a social life in order to surround himself with patrons ready to help him in his conservation projects, notably the Palace of Versailles. His daughter-in-law, Barbara, continues this project. For example, the foundation is involved in the restoration of the marble statues in the park in Versailles. In 2023, thanks to donations collected, the foundation restored the pair of giant marble urns, sculpted between 1671 and 1673 by Jacques Grimault.
The evening began with a welcome with Taittinger champagne. Just before dinner, Prince Konstantin spoke. Dinner was followed by dancing. The unaccompanied ladies had the honor of having cadets from the private boarding school of Valley Forge Military Academy in Pennsylvania as their riders.
Barbara Schlubach married in 1972 Antonio de Portago, Grand of Spain and Count of La Mejoreda, godson of Queen Victory-Eugénia of Spain. He is the son of the famous racing driver, Marquis Alfonso de Portago, as recalled by New York Times during their marriage. After their divorce, Barbara married Jason Grant, then William James Tapert.
The former royal family of Yugoslavia was also represented by two of its members. Jeweler Prince Dimitri attended the party with his half-brother, Prince Dushan. Princes Dimitri and Dushan are the grandsons of Regent Paul of Yugoslavia and Princess Olga of Greece. Prince Dimitri is the son of Princess Maria Pia of Savoy, eldest daughter of King Humbert II of Italy, while his half-brother Prince Dushan is the son of Princess Barbara of Liechtenstein. Prince Dushan attended the evening with his wife, Princess Valerie.
Also seen at this fundraising event was conservative Allison Whipple Rockefeller, wife of Peter Clark Rockefeller, grandson of Governor and Vice President of the United States Nelson Rockefeller, himself grandson of John Davison Rockefeller , founder of the Rockefeller dynasty.
Among the members of the foundation and those responsible for the foundation committee, were Russell and Lindsay Grant, Heide Hüttl Canellopoulos and Gillian Spreckels, formerly known as Lady Charles Spencer-Churchill, ex-daughter-in-law of the 10th Duke of Marlborough.
Nicolas Fontaine
Editor-in-chief
Nicolas Fontaine has been a designer-editor and author for numerous Belgian and French brands and media. A specialist in royal family news, Nicolas founded the site Histoires royales of which he is the editor-in-chief. [email protected]
