France's political and social elite are abuzz with rumours linking the country's most prominent far-right politician to a glamorous Italian princess, creating a storm of controversy and raising questions about image and ambition.
A Power Couple Emerges from Parisian Elite
Jordan Bardella, the 30-year-old president of Marine Le Pen's National Rally party and favourite to become France's next president, has been spotted with Princess Maria Carolina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, a 22-year-old influencer and heiress. The pair were seen leaving an elite party at Paris's Grand Palais together before getting into the same car, according to reports in Point de Vue magazine.
The princess attended the lavish event with her family: her sister Princess Maria Chiara, 21, and their parents, Prince Carlo, Duke of Castro, and Princess Camilla, Duchess of Castro. Princess Camilla is known as the 'momager' to her socialite daughters. The sighting has ignited intense speculation about a romance that bridges the worlds of hard-right politics and European aristocracy.
Political Calculations and a 'Presidential' Image
The timing of the outing is particularly sensitive. It occurred while Bardella's mentor, Marine Le Pen, was in court appealing an embezzlement conviction. The outcome of this appeal, scheduled to last five weeks, could determine her ability to run in the 2027 presidential election. If barred, Bardella is widely expected to be her successor.
Observers suggest Bardella, who tightly controls his public persona, may be using the association to appear more 'presidential'. A right-wing politician told Le Parisien, "Obviously, he’s doing it to make himself look presidential, appearing with a first lady while the trial gets under way." This strategy, however, has drawn sharp criticism.
French newspaper Le Monde questioned his judgement, noting that Bardella, the son of Italian immigrants raised on Paris housing estates, positions himself as the voice of "a forgotten people" yet is now seen socialising with a multi-million-euro heiress as farmers protest in Paris. National Rally MP Alexandre Loubet defended Bardella on X, criticising Le Monde for "tabloid-style gossip".
The Bourbon-Two Sicilies: Royals Without a Realm
Princess Carolina is part of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, a cadet branch of the Spanish royal family that ruled southern Italy and Sicily until 1861. Though the throne is defunct, the family maintains a high-profile presence in European high society. They have connections with figures including Donald Trump, Prince Albert of Monaco, and King Frederik of Denmark.
Carolina and her sister Chiara are well-known socialites, managed by their mother, and have built large Instagram and TikTok followings by showcasing their luxurious lifestyles. They speak English, French, and Italian fluently and have appeared at Paris Fashion Week. In a notable twist, Princess Chiara was previously rumoured to be engaged to Denmark's future king, Prince Christian.
Prince Carlo has overturned centuries of male primogeniture, meaning Carolina will inherit his title and his claim as Head of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. The family splits its time between Paris, Rome, and Monaco, and is active in charity work promoting southern Italy.
Le Pen's Legal Battle and Bardella's Ascent
The backdrop to this social intrigue is a pivotal legal battle. In March, Marine Le Pen was convicted of misusing EU Parliament funds and given a five-year ban from office, a suspended sentence, and a fine. She has denounced the ruling as a "democratic scandal" designed to block her presidential ambitions. The National Rally currently leads in opinion polls and is the largest single group in France's lower house.
Bardella's own rise has been meteoric, particularly among younger voters. His private life is usually kept secret; he has not been publicly linked to anyone since splitting with Le Pen's niece, Nolwenn Olivier, in 2023. He has also publicly denied speculation about his sexuality, stating clearly, "I'm straight."
The rumoured couple reportedly met at the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix in May 2025. As the appeal trial of Marine Le Pen unfolds and the 2027 election approaches, this unexpected alliance between a populist politician and a princess continues to dominate headlines, revealing the complex interplay of image, power, and tradition in modern European politics.
