Reichsfürst
Marie Victoire was born in Brussels the eldest daughter of Léopold Philippe, Duke of Arenberg. Her mother was Maria Lodovica Francesca Pignatelli, Duchess of Bisaccia, Countess of Egmond , a grand daughter of Ottone Enrico del Carretto, who was an Imperial Army commander, like her own father. As a member of the House of Arenberg, she was allowed the style of "Serene Highness" reflecting the Arenbergs status as Princes of the Holy Roman Empire.