Rome, 20 March 2008. The Chancery of the British and Irish Delegation with profound regret has received official notification of the death on 20 March 2008 in France of His Royal Highness Prince Ferdinando of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro, Head of the Royal House of Bourbon Two Sicilies, and Grand Master of the Dynastic Orders.
Prince Ferdinando, succeeded his father in 1973 as Head of the Royal House and Grand Master of the Dynastic Orders. His late Royal Highness served with distinction throughout his thirty five year tenure.
A private family funeral will be held in France on 25 March 2008 with a public memorial mass to be held in France and Italy at a later date.
The Delegate for Great Britain and Ireland, HE The Rt Hon Lord Brennan of Bibury, QC, has sent a message of condolence on behalf of the knights and dames of the British and Irish Delegation to his successor and heir, HRH Prince Carlo, Duke of Castro.