Brazilian royal and claimant to the defunct throne of Brazil, known for his efforts to restore the monarchy and preserve the country's imperial heritage.
Prince Antnio Gasto of OrlansBraganza was a Brazilian prince who served in the forces of the British Empire during World War I, earning him the Military Cross in 1917. Known for his bravery and sense of duty, he was a true embodiment of the values of his royal heritage.
Born on August 9, 1881, in Paris, Prince Antnio was the third and last son of Isabel, Princess Imperial of Brazil, and her husband Gaston of Orlans, Count of Eu. His family affectionately called him "Tot." Despite being chronically sick with bronchitis as a child, he went on to receive his education in Paris and at the Theresian Military Academy in Wiener Neustadt, Austria.
After graduating, Prince Antnio became a Hussar lieutenant in the Austro-Hungarian Army between 1908 and 1914. When World War I broke out, he was prevented from joining the French armed forces due to a law that forbade members of the deposed French royal family from serving in the military. Undeterred, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Dragoons, where he served attached to the Royal Flying Corps as an intelligence officer.
Prince Antnio's bravery and dedication earned him the Military Cross in 1917. He was promoted to captain in 1916 and served as aide-de-camp to the commander of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade, Brigadier-General Seely, from February 1917 until May 1918. He was later seconded for duty with the War Office in July.
Tragically, Prince Antnio died from injuries sustained in an air crash at Edmonton, London, shortly after the end of the war. His remains were placed in the Royal Chapel of Dreux, in France. He is remembered for his selfless service and bravery, and his legacy continues to inspire generations to come.
Prince Antnio's remarkable life is a testament to the values of duty, honor, and service. His bravery and selflessness in the face of adversity continue to inspire us today.
