French political figure Jordan Bardella has confirmed he is in a relationship with Princess Maria Carolina de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles, a 22-year-old royal with longstanding ties to Monaco, after photographs of the couple were published by Paris Match following a trip to Corsica.

Bardella, president of the Rassemblement National and a widely discussed potential candidate in the next French presidential election, confirmed the relationship during an appearance on France 2 this week, saying sustained paparazzi attention had made further discretion impossible.

“When you are involved in politics at the level I am, it is very difficult to keep a private life,” he said. “We were being tracked by paparazzi — so we decided together to stop hiding and to acknowledge what, for us, has become obvious in our private lives. I can tell you one thing tonight — I am very happy.”

The Monaco connection

Princess Maria Carolina is the daughter of Prince Carlo, Duke of Castro, and Princess Camilla, Duchess of Castro. The family belongs to the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, the historic royal dynasty that once ruled parts of southern Italy, and maintains a residence in Monaco. The Bourbon-Two Sicilies family is a familiar presence in the Principality’s social and philanthropic circles, regularly attending major events and participating in charitable and cultural initiatives.

French media report the couple first met at the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix last year. Until this week, Bardella had kept his personal life entirely out of the public eye, and the confirmation of the relationship has generated significant coverage across France.

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Photo of Princess Maria Carolina, far right, attending the 20th anniversary of the Bal de la Rose in 2025, beside her mother Princess Camilla, Duchess of Castro. Photo courtesy of Five Stars Events