What does it mean to be a 21st-century princess? Princesses Maria Carolina and Maria Chiara of Bourbon Two Sicilies share their experience

What does it mean to be a princess in the 21st century?
Princess Maria Carolina: A modern princess isn’t a girl confined to a castle, waiting for her Prince Charming. In today’s world, she’s deeply connected to her time, engaged with global issues and has a responsibility to use her title or platform to create meaningful change, inspire positive action and support others. And of course, she is an independent, hardworking woman. For example, my sister and I are excited to start our own business together once we complete our studies, and we’re currently exploring various opportunities that could shape our future brand.

You both take an interest in women’s empowerment and animal rights. Can you share moments when you realised that more work needed to be done in this era, and what you’re hoping to achieve with your initiatives?
Princess Maria Carolina: I believe in a world where the power of love, education and equality can transform lives and nations. I am committed to advocating for women and standing against all forms of injustice and violence, following the philanthropic path set by my mother, who serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Women for Peace Association. This cause is deeply important to me, and I have always strived to dedicate myself fully to it. 

In 2016, my father, Prince Charles, took a monumental step by abolishing the Salic law, adopting absolute primogeniture in line with European laws that prohibit gender discrimination. This means that, regardless of gender, the eldest child inherits the title, which before then could only be passed on to the males of the family. As his legal heir, I feel empowered by this decision, as it reflects the urgent and necessary progress toward gender equality in today’s world. It’s unthinkable that a woman would be denied succession simply because she was born female. This change symbolises a broader movement toward gender equality, reminding us that leadership has no gender and encouraging us to continue championing women’s rights and responsibilities.

Princess Maria Chiara: I’ve always loved animals and nature. Respecting and protecting them has been a core value for me. I’ve worked with organisations like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), supporting animal welfare through adoption, awareness campaigns and volunteering. Travelling to Africa and Southeast Asia opened my eyes to the devastating impact of deforestation and wildlife loss, which strengthened my commitment to environmental protection. A few years ago, I became the Ambassador for the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) in France and Italy, which allows me to actively engage in conservation efforts through field trips, conservation conferences, and participation in panels. I also use social media to connect with younger generations, raising awareness and encouraging action on ecological issues.

Despite the challenges, I remain optimistic about the future. There is a growing global movement towards sustainability, with innovative solutions like renewable energy and eco-friendly technologies emerging. I participate in conferences where art, architecture and technology converge to create sustainable projects, such as Milan’s Bosco Verticale, Masdar City in the UAE and the Pixel Building in Australia. Global efforts like the Paris Agreement demonstrate that we can make a difference, and this hope fuels my commitment to building a greener future.

What would we be surprised to learn about royal etiquette?
Princesses Maria Carolina and Maria Chiara: What might surprise people about royal etiquette is how precise and rooted these traditions are across Europe’s 12 monarchies. Each royal family follows specific customs passed down from ancestors, and since most royals are related, we often find ourselves together at weddings, births and, unfortunately, also funerals. Whether you are born into the family or marry into it, royal etiquette becomes second nature.

One of the first, somewhat cliché things we learned is how to bow or curtsy as a sign of respect—even between cousins. Table manners are also essential: for instance, you never say “bon appétit” in high society and knowing how to properly handle cutlery is a must. It always reminds me of that scene in Pretty Woman where Vivian tries to eat French “escargots”. Fashion is another key part of royal etiquette. While you can wear almost anything you feel confident in, it has to fit the occasion. Hats, for example, are common at formal ceremonies, and gloves are sometimes required for certain events. Even something as simple as a handshake follows strict rules: it should consist of two to three pumps, with open palms and thumbs down. The list of etiquette rules could go on and on for pages…

You were in Hong Kong for the opening of Christie’s new Asia Pacific headquarters, where there were pieces of great provenance. Which of these spoke to you the most?
Princess Maria Chiara: Attending the grand opening of Christie’s new headquarters at The Henderson was an inspiring experience, especially with my family’s long-standing connection to the art world. My parents have always championed the idea that art transcends boundaries and unites cultures. Seeing Vincent van Gogh’s Les Canots Amarrés—a painting that’s been in our family for over 30 years—on display, felt very meaningful. This particular masterpiece was the one that sparked my love for art when I was a child. In today’s world, I believe art has evolved into a powerful medium for philanthropy and international communication, as well as helping to overcome geopolitical tensions. It’s amazing to witness Hong Kong rising as a global art hub. 

I would love to one day organise my own little exhibition in Hong Kong, sharing my paintings with a community of friends and art lovers, a beautiful way to bring together people who share the same passion!

What were you most excited about doing in Hong Kong?
Princesses Maria Carolina and Maria Chiara: Our first trip here was unforgettable. The city’s mix of tradition and modern energy really drew us in. Meeting art collectors who are bridging cultures through their passion for art was very inspiring. We were also very excited to visit the M+ Museum for Guo Pei’s exhibition—having graduated almost two years ago from Instituto Marangoni, it hit close to home. China, once known for mass-producing inexpensive goods, is now emerging as a hub for talented and innovative designers, with a strong focus on sustainable fashion. Guo Pei is a perfect example of this shift, and it’s amazing to see her recognised internationally as a symbol of Chinese creativity and talent. Another highlight was exploring the markets in Kowloon, where we experienced the authentic energy of local life, tasting traditional dim sum and Hong Kong milk tea! 

And lastly, what can we say about the beautiful Man Mo Temple? Understanding a small part of the city’s spiritual traditions definitely was an eye-opening, unforgettable experience.

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