The European social calendar is once again abuzz in anticipation of one of the year’s most glamorous events — the Paris Debutante Ball. On the evening of November 29, the luxurious halls of the Shangri-La Hotel will host 19 young women from aristocratic and influential families worldwide. This year, Spain will enjoy a particularly prominent presence: two ladies with illustrious names — Eulalia Orléans-Borbón and Almudena Deyi Orléans — will make their social debut.
Almudena is the daughter of Princess Adelaide Orléans and Pierre-Louis Deyi. Her mother, Adelaide, is one of four children of Miguel Orléans, Count of Évreux, and Beatriz Pasquier de Franclieu, better known in Spain as Beatriz Orléans. Their marriage, which took place in Casablanca in 1967, was not considered dynastic, which led to certain complications with the head of the French Royal House. However, in 1999, Prince Henri, Count of Paris, officially recognized Beatriz and her children as members of the royal family, putting an end to years of disputes.
Before her parents’ divorce in 1994, the family led a nomadic lifestyle. Adelaide’s eldest sister was born in Morocco, she herself and her brother Carlos-Felipe were born in Paris, and her younger brother was born in Madrid. This international background undoubtedly shaped their worldview. Adelaide herself has lived in Brussels for over ten years with her husband and three children. Notably, her daughter Almudena will be accompanied at the ball by her own uncle, Diego, acting as her escort.
Adelaida’s connection to Spain is particularly strong. In 2002, she married Pierre-Louis Dailly at the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene in Villamanrique de la Condesa, a picturesque spot in Sevilla province. The celebration had all the grandeur of royalty and took place in a palace belonging to Pedro Orleans-Braganza, brother of the Countess of Paris and the bride’s grandfather. Among the distinguished guests were King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía, as well as then Prince of Asturias Felipe and Jaime de Marichalar. The bride dazzled in an exclusive Christian Dior gown personally designed by John Galliano, highlighting her family’s close ties to the world of high fashion.
Despite her background, Adelaida Orléans does not lead the idle life of an aristocrat. Since 2015, she has worked in Brussels as Client Director and partner at the prestigious event agency Profirst. Her company manages top-tier events, from fashion shows and luxury weddings to art exhibitions similar to those curated by Marta Ortega. In one of her rare interviews, Adelaida described her job as a complex fusion of organization, psychology, creativity, improvisation, and the art of entertaining.
The princess leads a highly private life, avoiding red carpets and public attention. She is not active on social media; her last post was over a month ago and was dedicated to the theft at the Louvre. She viewed this incident as an affront to her personal and family history, revealing much about her values. Her modesty and professionalism present the image of a modern aristocrat who cherishes her heritage but builds her life on her own terms.
RUSSPAIN.COM reference. Adelaide’s mother, Beatriz of Orléans, is a prominent figure in Spain’s high society. After moving to Spain, she built a brilliant career in communications and luxury marketing. For many years, she served as the face and ambassador for prestigious brands such as Dior and Bulgari in Spain. Her elegance, impeccable taste, and business acumen have made her one of the most influential women in the world of Spanish fashion and luxury. Beatriz is known for her sharp intellect and poise in public; she frequently attends social events and is the author of several books.
