The Swedish and Danish royal families are in mourning following the death of Countess Marianne Bernadotte, who passed away on Friday at the age of 100.
The Swedish Royal Court confirmed the news and paid tribute to the Countess’s lifelong dedication to charitable causes, particularly in the areas of dementia care, support for people with disabilities, and paediatric eye health.
A strong advocate for children’s vision care, Countess Marianne co-founded the Sigvard and Marianne Bernadotte Research Foundation for Paediatric Eye Care in 1989 alongside her late husband, Count Sigvard Bernadotte. Her commitment to this cause remained central to her philanthropic legacy.
In addition to her health advocacy, she served as honorary chair of both the Swedish Dyslexia Association and the Swedish Dyslexia Foundation, using her platform to raise awareness and support for those affected by learning difficulties.
A Life Devoted to the Arts and Fashion
Countess Marianne also shared her husband’s passion for the arts. She designed clothing that was later featured in exhibitions throughout Sweden and earned recognition for her personal style—being named one of the world’s ten best-dressed women during her lifetime.
Her contributions to culture and design reflected the refined elegance and creativity that marked much of her public life.
Personal Life and Family
Before her marriage to Count Sigvard in 1961, Marianne was married to Gabriel Tchang, the son of the Chinese ambassador to Sweden. The couple, who were together from 1941 to 1957, had three children: Robert, Richard, and Marie.
Tragically, Marianne endured the loss of two of her children. Her son Richard died in early childhood at just two years old, and her eldest son Robert passed away in 2012 at the age of 64. She is survived by her daughter, Marie.
Countess Marianne Bernadotte leaves behind a legacy of compassion, cultural contribution, and royal grace that will be remembered across Sweden, Denmark, and beyond.
