As the daughter of a French former model and the late eccentric aristocrat Prince Alessandro ‘Dado’ Ruspoli, it is perhaps of little surprise that Princess Melusine Ruspoli has a penchant for the finer things in life.
Named by society bible Tatler as the European It Girl of the summer, the socialite spends her time jet-setting to glamorous locations and utilising the stunning grounds of her family’s 16th-century castle, Castello Ruspoli, just outside of Rome.
And Princess Melusine, 25, appears to delight in sharing her lavish lifestyle with her 17,600 followers on Instagram.
But despite her feed coming complete with an enviable wardrobe and plentiful getaways to St Moritz and Egypt – the royal has previously revealed she ‘never uses’ her princess title, preferring to ‘be like everyone else’.
As the daughter of a French former model and the late eccentric aristocrat Prince Alessandro ‘Dado’ Ruspoli, it is perhaps of little surprise that Princess Melusine Ruspoli, 25, (pictured in Rome) has a penchant for the finer things in life
The socialite (pictured with Princess Diana’s niece Lady Kitty Spencer) spends her time jet-setting to glamorous locations and utilising the stunning grounds of her family’s 16th-century castle, Castello Ruspoli, just outside of Rome
Melusine was born in Paris to French model Theresa Patricia Genest and the late Prince Alessandro Ruspoli, an eccentric aristocrat whose family titles reportedly date back more than 1,000 years.
Her ladies’ man father and notorious partygoer, who was also an actor and had a bit part in The Godfather: Part III (1990), was married three times before passing aged 80 in January 11 2005.
His friendship circle boasted the likes of American novelist Truman Capote, French actress and singer Brigitte Bardot and French poet Jean Cocteau.
The model’s family is rich in history with fifteen popes apparently related to the Marescotti-Ruspoli line.
And Melusine, pictured last year in Egypt, appears to delight in sharing her lavish lifestyle with her 17,600 followers on Instagram
The Italian royal has been spending lockdown in her family’s seat (pictured), where she’s enjoyed reading by the eye-catching fountain, picking fruit in the grounds and discovering the wildlife
But despite her family’s prestigious past, she has previously revealed how she ‘never uses’ her royal title.
Speaking to American fashion magazine W in 2014, she said: ‘Of course, I have some advantages—but I’m like everyone else.’
Melusine was raised in the French capital and her family’s castle, located in the province of Viterbo, in a small town named Vignanello, near Rome.
The Italian royal has been spending lockdown in her family’s seat, where she’s enjoyed reading by the eye-catching fountain, picking fruit in the grounds and discovering the wildlife.
Despite her feed coming complete with an enviable wardrobe and plentiful getaways to St Moritz and Egypt – the royal (pictured riding a horse) has previously revealed she ‘never uses’ her princess title, preferring to ‘be like everyone else’
The Castle is usually open to visitors and offers an extensive range of activities, such as guided tours, events, weddings, private luncheons and dinners and business conferences.
The luxurious garden, which according to the property’s website is considered one of the most important in Italy, was created in 1611.
Melusine, who has modelled for Dolce & Gabbana and Salvatore Ferragamo, as well as having interned in the latter’s advertising department, celebrated her 18th birthday with a moon-themed ball at the castle.
She can often be seen sitting front row at Chanel, Alberta Ferretti and Fendi’s fashion walks and shared a photograph at Tod’s in February, featuring Princess Diana’s niece Lady Kitty Spencer.
Melusine (pictured at the castle) was born in Paris to French model Theresa Patricia Genest and the late Prince Alessandro Ruspoli, an eccentric aristocrat whose family titles reportedly date back more than 1,000 years
Speaking about her time in Ferragamo PR’s department, Melusine told Teen Vogue in 2014: ‘Being in front of the camera, you feel like you’re really a part of something.
‘But you don’t always realize all the important work that goes into everything behind the scenes. That’s why it was so interesting to do both.’
Aged 19, she made her debut at Paris’s famed Bal des Debutantes dressed in Chanel Haute Couture.
The model (pictured front row at Salvatore Ferragamo Fall Winter 2020 show at Milan Fashion Week) can often be seen sitting front row at Chanel, Alberta Ferretti and Fendi’s fashion walks