Italian Princess at the Center of French Debate, Jordan Bardella’s Relationship Sparks Controversy Over His Political Image

Jordan Bardella’s romantic relationship, the leader of the far right in France, with Italian princess Maria Carolina de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles is becoming a political problem for the National Rally, as his rivals say he is drifting away from the image of a politician close to the working class and moving closer to the elites he has attacked for years.

The relationship between the 30-year-old MEP and the Italian aristocrat has received major media attention in recent months. According to analysts and figures within his party, the story risks affecting how the public sees Bardella, just ahead of an important period for his political future.

Although the couple first appeared publicly in April, on the cover of “Paris Match” magazine, it was their appearance at the Monaco Grand Prix at the beginning of June that turned the romance into a political issue.

Photos of Bardella attending the luxury event alongside the princess were published at a time when France was shaken by the rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl. A few days later, during a television program, he was asked whether his presence in Monaco had been inappropriate, and he reacted irritably.

“Is this a serious question? There are silent marches every day,” he replied, adding that the victim’s family had asked politicians not to take part in the memorial ceremony.

The statement drew criticism in the French media and also caused concern within the National Rally. According to party sources, the episode was seen as a “political mistake,” amid fears that it could create the impression of a lack of empathy toward events that shock public opinion.

Bardella has built his public image on his personal story as the son of an ordinary family from the suburbs of Paris, presenting himself as a voice of the French working class and a critic of the political and economic elites.

By contrast, his partner comes from one of the best-known aristocratic dynasties in Italy. Maria Carolina de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles is the heir to a large family fortune and lives between luxury residences in Monaco, Paris, Saint-Tropez and Sardinia.

She is also known as a prominent figure on social media, where she promotes luxury brands and regularly posts photographs from her travels and activities.

It is precisely this contrast between Bardella’s background and his partner’s lifestyle that has been used by political opponents, who accuse the far-right leader of hypocrisy.

According to French media, Bardella and the princess met during a Formula 1 event in 2025 and have since been seen together at several public events.

Bardella himself has chosen to speak only rarely about his private life. In an earlier interview, he said that his partner is not involved in politics.

“She is by my side, she is an extraordinary woman, and I am very happy,” he said.

In France, the romantic relationships of political leaders have rarely brought electoral consequences. However, for the French public, wealth and lifestyle remain far more sensitive issues.

According to reports in the French media, Maria Carolina’s family has a fortune estimated at more than 130 million euros, while she was raised among luxury residences and educated by private tutors.