The Washington herald., 1909-02-07
ITALIAN PRINCE HERE
Interesting Sketch of Members of the ROspigliosi
Family and American Connections.

so throughout the United States. My
Ga Kentucky Home
Miss Rowan was known as the Belle
or Nelson As a hOrseWOman she was
famed in a country where every one
IS expert and a poor rider Is an excep-
ton When John Rowan and his wife
we're presented az the Court OF ST. James.
Queen Victoria remarked that they were
the handsomest couple ever presented
HIS wife was a Miss Rebecca earns, OF
Maryland, whose grandfather was an
officer IN the Continental army and a
charter member Of the Order Of Cincln-
natus. She was educated at a convent in
Naples. Italy Her father occupied the
palace OF the prime minister OF the
King, Marquis Ruffo. during his diplo-
matte career. Francis Scott Key. who
wrote the Star Spankled Banner" was
her cousin
When Marie Reid made her debut IN
society her beauty was universally ad-
mireo- She became engaged hardly be-
fore she had been launched on her social
career, and married on September e.
ISs7, Frederic Hale ParkhursJ, who was
studying law az the Columbian Tinker
slty az Washington. Mr.. and Mrs. Park
hurst were divorced in the spring OF 1895
delphia. where her mother has resided
for the past twelve years or more.
On the 1Ith OF July, 1900 Mrs. Park
hurst, ROW the princess. sailed for Eu-
rope % Join her relatives. the Cesn6las.
VINO had preceded her. She intended 10
spend only a few months and return IT
the fall Her principal purpose vas 70
make a pilgrinsss 70 RoI,e, u being Leo
AIITs jubilee year, AMI 10 visit me
friends Of her mother, who. as a daugh-
ter cf the American Minister. had resided
and received her education IN Italy.
Mrs Parkhurst was heartily welcomed
BY the inner circle al Rome and many
dinners were given IN her honor The
Pope's niece she visited az her country
place, Castle GOnd0lfo. It Is a fact that
Is not widely known outside Of Italy that
Princess Rospigliosi's grandfather. John
Rowan. while Minister TO Italy saved the
life Of Pope Plus TX during the revolution
in 1s4S when the Reds captured the Qulri-
nal and he was forced % fee in disguise
a fugitive from the mob.
Mrs Parkhurst made her plans TO say
adieu 20 Europe and engaged passage on
the St Louis. which was 10 sail on the
24th of November. Owing to an accident.
the St Louis was taken on the line. The
persuasion Of her many friends, VINO
held out TO her the charm OF seeing
Rome at its best and gayest. finally pre-
vailed upon her 10 stay for the winer.
AT that time the princess was heart free
and had not met her fate. The Hunt Club.
which during the season meets twice a
week. and IS the most exclusive affair Of
the kind In Rome. appealed particularly
TO Mrs Parkhurst, with her inboru love
Of horses and her wide experience In
Kentucky. where she was known as 2
peerless cross-eountry rider. The men
whom she knew rivaled each other in
their attentions The Duke Of CarricoUa.
whom she had known well in Washing
1on as secretary OF the Italian Legation.
Count Rattazi, and Lieut.. Marsenso. all |
placed their faTorits hunters al her dis I
posal and avowed they would be honored /
by her use Of them.
Prince RospiEliosi. great patron of I
the chase. on returning from one OF his I
estates attended q meet OF the Hmlt Club 4
on the last Of November. and on first see
ing Mrs Parkhurst said 10 has friend I
Prince ColoHna. IN a manner which be- 4
t0kened unusual interest. who Is that
beautiful wonan7" Prince CoIonna smiissI /
and said Yes; all agree she Is the most
beautiful woman IN Rome. Would YOU
meet herr
A few minutes later Prince Colonna in /
troduced Prince RospigliosL He was hard /
nit a. first i was love Al first sight. 1
The prince was IN his hfty-third year. a 4
splendid. soIdierly looking man. whose
face indicates great drnness OF charac- 4
ter He is six-foot-two specimen. Of 4
robust vigorous manhood The prince 4
wooed with an ardor that was worthy Of I
the cause At last. IN February. 1911. he /
was given q conditional affirmative 10 {
his proposal There were many and grave I
difficulties in the way Of marriage Both
were Roman Catholics. but he was 2
prince Of the holy Roman empire. whose /
family had always been supporters Of tn
Pope and recognized him as their king.
The woman he wanted 10 marry was q .
divorcee. No obstacle could be greater fin I
Italy, and his rashness in flying in the i
face Of al tradition was looked up0n
with disfav0r. Every influence was
brought 10 bear 70 dissUade him from his /