In a perfectly tailored dress with a simple gold chain adorning her neck, Princesse Tania de Bourbon Parme sits across from me with impeccable posture and effortless grace. Speaking with poise about her experiences growing up as a princess and direct descendant of Louis XIII, she also shares details about her family life and philanthropic endeavours. It is no wonder that Louis XIII Holdings’ chairman Stephen Hung has appointed the princess as special advisor for his projects. With an undeniable eye for detail, Princesse Tania de Bourbon Parme will be helping to authenticate and uncover facets of her country’s great history for Louis XIII’s future projects, which include a hotel in Macau to be opened in a few years’ time.

Hong Kong Tatler: What has it been like for you to grow up with the title of “Princesse”?
Princesse Tania de Bourbon Parme: It has been an honour and definite responsibility to carry the name and title that my father passed on to me. I’m responsible for applying my style to everything I do whilst respecting my family’s ideals and values.

HKT: What was your most memorable experience growing up as a Princesse?
PT: An experience that definitely made my childhood memorable was when my parents moved us to my grandmother’s house. As she was the Princess of Denmark, I learned the proper protocols of royalty and it was when I discovered my ties to the Bourbons and Louis XIII. This was definitely the time when my passion for history blossomed and began.

HKT: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?
PT: I try to visit as many exhibitions as possible; I find that exhibitions usually help to inspire work as a designer. I’m also the president of the association L’Art Autrement Dit, which promotes French art to foreigners. I spend a lot of time working with this association as I think it’s important to share our history with as many people as possible. I’m also very active and enjoy taking part in sports competitions. I currently hold a championship title for shooting.

HKT: Tell us how you manage your day as a Princesse, a mother and a lady with a career?
PT: Each and every morning, I enjoy spending time with my children and taking them to school myself. I have three magnificent daughters whom I adore. During the day, as the owner of my own company, I surround myself with team who work with me on many of my different design and event planning projects. In the evenings, I enjoy spending time with my partner, Louis-Arnaud, discovering new hobbies, visiting exhibitions and attending charity events.

HKT: What has your impression of Hong Kong been like?  Do you enjoy Chinese cuisine?
PT: I love Hong Kong and this is my second time visiting this vibrant city. I am definitely a fan of Chinese cuisine. I love the mix of flavours and the originality and creativity in each of the dishes. Peking duck and cooked fresh shrimps are favourite dishes of Louis-Arnaud and myself.

HKT: As special advisor to Louis XIII how have your ties to Asia and Hong Kong been strengthened? How will you be using your royal ancestry to assist Stephen Hung with his projects?
PT: I have always been attracted to Asia and it is clear that with my role as an artistic advisor to Louis XIII Holdings, I am reinforcing my ties with the continent and with Hong Kong in particular. Stephen Hung has become not only a wonderful colleague, but him and his wife Deborah have also become great friends. To work with Stephen is wonderful, because it allows me to uncover more of the history of my magnificent country and bring artistic aspects of French culture to Asia. The projects that I’m working on with Stephen will hopefully allow me to bring East and West together and to promote French art and design.