Princess Tessy & Prince Louis of Luxembourg
A former soldier married into royalty, then fought for her children's future in a London courtroom.
Key Facts
What Happened
Tessy Antony was a former soldier in the Luxembourg Army who had served as a UN peacekeeper in Kosovo before meeting Prince Louis, the third son of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg. Their romance was unconventional by royal standards -- Tessy became pregnant before the wedding, and the couple married in September 2006. They had two sons: Prince Gabriel (born 2006) and Prince Noah (born 2007).
The marriage began to falter as the couple navigated the pressures of royal life and divergent ambitions. Tessy became an advocate for women's rights and social entrepreneurship, while Louis pursued a career in finance. In January 2017, Tessy filed for divorce at the Central Family Court in London, citing Louis's 'unreasonable behaviour.' The couple was granted a decree nisi (preliminary divorce order) in February 2017.
The financial settlement became deeply contested. Tessy argued that as a former royal who had sacrificed her career for the family, she deserved substantial support. The court, however, ordered Prince Louis to pay just 4,000 pounds per child per year -- a sum Tessy publicly described as inadequate. She considered appealing, describing the precarious living situation she and her sons faced. As part of the divorce, she lost her titles of Princess of Luxembourg, of Bourbon-Parma, and of Nassau.
The divorce was finalized on April 4, 2019. Tessy subsequently reinvented herself as Tessy Antony de Nassau, becoming a motivational speaker, social entrepreneur, and advocate. Her case highlighted the enormous disparity that can exist between a royal family's wealth and what a divorcing spouse actually receives, particularly when sovereign wealth is held in trusts and foundations rather than personal assets.
Legal Breakdown: Disparity of means in royal divorce
Jurisdiction Shopping in International Divorce
The case was heard in London rather than Luxembourg, which significantly affected the outcome. English family courts have broad discretionary powers but evaluate claims based on 'needs' rather than lifestyle maintenance. Choosing the right jurisdiction is one of the most important strategic decisions in any international divorce.
Sovereign Wealth vs. Personal Assets
Luxembourg's grand ducal fortune is held in sovereign trusts and foundations, not in Prince Louis's personal name. This meant the court could only divide Louis's personal assets, which were far less than the family's overall wealth. This structure is common in wealthy families and creates significant challenges for the non-moneyed spouse.
Title Revocation and Identity
Losing the title 'Princess' was not just a formality -- it affected Tessy's social standing, professional opportunities, and even her children's perception of their mother's status. Modern divorce should consider the impact of name and title changes on identity and future earning potential.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Understand the difference between family wealth and your spouse's personal assets -- you can only claim against what is legally 'theirs.'
- →Jurisdiction matters enormously in international divorces; consult a specialist before filing.
- →Career sacrifices made during a marriage should be documented and quantified for settlement negotiations.
- →Losing a title or social status can have real economic consequences -- factor this into your planning.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.