Jordan Bardella, a prominent figure in French right-wing politics and considered Marine Le Pen's protégé, recently made his first official public appearance with his Italian heiress girlfriend, Princess Maria Carolina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. The couple attended the Ambrosetti Forum, an annual economic and geopolitical conference in Lake Como, Italy.
Their joint appearance at the professional event marks a significant moment, following an earlier outing at the Monaco Grand Prix in June that drew criticism and accusations of Bardella being an "aspiring jet-setter." For the Lake Como conference, Bardella wore a navy blue suit, while Princess Carolina opted for a black blazer and a Chanel bag.
Bardella, 31, who has cultivated a political brand based on championing ordinary French voters and was raised by his working-class mother, faces scrutiny over how his relationship with the 23-year-old princess might affect his image. Princess Carolina is an heiress to a defunct Italian throne and comes from the ancient House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. Her family has historical ties to European royalty and has maintained a presence in high society, mingling with figures like Donald Trump and various European royals.
The couple publicly confirmed their relationship last month via Instagram, with Princess Carolina sharing photos from a Sardinia holiday, including a selfie with Bardella. This followed their first public appearance together at the Monaco Grand Prix, where they were seen in a display of public affection.
While some within Bardella's National Rally (RN) party have publicly defended the relationship, portraying it as a "fairy story," concerns have been privately voiced about its potential impact on the party's anti-elite, blue-collar voter base. Critics, including members of opposing parties, have argued that Bardella's association with such a high-profile, wealthy figure risks alienating the very voters he aims to represent.
Despite the internal debates, Bardella has expressed unwavering support for Marine Le Pen, who is facing her own legal challenges. Le Pen was recently convicted of embezzling EU funds, a verdict that was upheld on appeal. Although initially suspended from seeking public office, she has vowed to contest the ruling and remain a candidate in the upcoming presidential election.
Princess Maria Carolina, who was educated at Harvard and has moved in elite circles, has a family history intertwined with European aristocracy. Her father, Prince Carlo, Duke of Castro, holds a claim to the defunct throne and has stated his title will pass to his eldest daughter. The Bourbon-Two Sicilies family, though without a current monarchy, remains active in charity work and promoting southern Italian interests, with the sisters themselves maintaining a significant social media presence showcasing their lifestyle.
Bardella, who has largely kept his private life out of the public eye, has been linked to Princess Carolina since earlier this year. His public appearances with her are seen by some as a strategic move to humanize his image ahead of a potential presidential bid, though the effectiveness of this strategy with his core voter base remains a subject of speculation.