H.I.&R.H. The Prince Imperial of Brazil
Prince Bertrand Maria José Pio Januário Miguel Gabriel Rafael Gonzaga, born in Mandelieu, France, on February 2, 1941, where the Brazilian Imperial Family were exiled after the Republican Coup d'etat. He is the third son of Prince Pedro Henrique (1909-1981), Head of the Brazilian Imperial House, and Princess Maria Elizabeth of Bavaria (1914-2011). His godparent were his granduncle, Prince Gennaro of Two-Sicilies (1882-1944) and his paternal aunt, Princess Pia Maria of Brazil (later Countess of Nicolay; 1913-2000). At birth, Prince Bertrand was the fourth in the Line of Succession to the Brazilian Throne.
In 1945, after end of the Second World War, Prince Bertrand came with his parents and siblings - Princes Luiz and Eudes, and Princess Isabel - to Brazil, were, initially, they lived in the city of Petrópolis, and then moving to Rio de Janeiro. In 1951, the Imperial Family moved to a farm, in the state of Paraná. Another eight siblings born in Brazil: Prince Pedro, Prince Fernando, Prince Antônio, Princess Eleonora, Prince Francisco, Prince Alberto, Princess Maria Teresa, and Princess Maria Gabriela.
Prince Bertrand started his studies in Paraná, before going to the tradicional St. Ignatius School, in Rio de Janeiro. He's a lawyer, having graduated at University of St. Francis's Place, in São Paulo.
With the ascension of his brother, Prince Luiz, to the Headship of Imperial House, in July 5, 1981, Prince Bertrand, by virtue of Prince Eudes's renunciation, in 1966, became the second in line to the Brazilian Throne, assuming the title of Prince Imperial of Brazil.
Extremely dedicated to the Brazilian Monarchist Movement, the Prince Imperial has traveled all over the country, taking part in meetings, giving lectures and interviews, spreading the Monarchist ideas within the population. Nowadays, he lives in São Paulo, with his brother, the Head of the Imperial House.
