Downton Abbey Fans, Meet Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan: The American Duchess Who Wrote Her Own Words
The Glitter and the Gold: The American Duchess---in Her Own Words
Have you ever wondered what it was like to be an American heiress who married an English duke in the late 19th century? If you are a fan of Downton Abbey, you might have been intrigued by the character of Cora Crawley, the Countess of Grantham, who was based on a real person: Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan. She was one of the most famous and influential women of her time, who lived a remarkable life full of glamour, drama, romance, adventure, and tragedy. In this article, we will explore her memoir, The Glitter and the Gold: The American Duchess---in Her Own Words, which was first published in 1953 and reissued in 2012. We will learn about her fascinating story, from her childhood in New York to her marriage to the Duke of Marlborough, from her role as a socialite and a political figure to her second marriage to a French aviator, from her lavish lifestyle in Europe to her heroic deeds during World War II. We will also discover why her memoir is a valuable source of historical and cultural insight, as well as a captivating read for anyone who loves Downton Abbey.
The Glitter And The Gold: The American Duchess---i hospital christina e
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The World of Her Youth
Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan was born on March 2, 1877, in New York City. She was the only daughter of William Kissam Vanderbilt, a railroad magnate and a grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the founder of the Vanderbilt fortune, and Alva Erskine Smith, a Southern belle and a descendant of prominent families. She grew up in a world of privilege and opulence, surrounded by mansions, servants, jewels, and art. She was also exposed to the best education and culture, learning several languages, playing the piano, and traveling to Europe.
However, her childhood was not as happy as it seemed. She was under the strict control of her mother, who was ambitious and domineering. Her mother planned every aspect of her life, from her clothes to her friends, from her hobbies to her future husband. Her mother also instilled in her a sense of duty and responsibility, as well as a high moral standard. Consuelo learned to obey and please her mother, but she also developed a rebellious and independent streak. She longed for affection and freedom, which she found in her father and her younger brothers.
A Debutante of the 90s
When Consuelo was 18 years old, she made her debut in the New York society in 1895. She was one of the most eligible and sought-after young ladies of her generation, who attracted the attention of many suitors. She was beautiful, intelligent, charming, and rich. She had fair skin, dark hair, blue eyes, and a slender figure. She also had a distinctive feature: a small bump on the bridge of her nose, which she inherited from her father and which she considered a flaw. She was nicknamed "the girl with the nose".
Among her admirers, there was one who captured her heart: Winthrop Rutherfurd, a handsome and wealthy American gentleman. He was kind, gentle, respectful, and devoted to her. They fell in love and planned to marry. However, their romance was doomed by Consuelo's mother, who had other plans for her daughter. She wanted Consuelo to marry an English duke, who would give her a title, prestige, and influence. She set her eyes on Charles Spencer-Churchill, the 9th Duke of Marlborough, who was the cousin of Winston Churchill and the owner of Blenheim Palace. He was also in need of money to maintain his estate and his lavish lifestyle.
Consuelo's mother used every means to break up Consuelo and Winthrop, and to force Consuelo to accept the Duke. She lied, manipulated, threatened, and even locked Consuelo in her room until she agreed to the engagement. Consuelo was heartbroken and miserable, but she felt powerless and obliged to obey her mother. She sacrificed her happiness for the sake of her family and her duty.
A Marriage of Convenience
Consuelo married the Duke of Marlborough on November 6, 1895, at St. Thomas Church in New York City. It was one of the most spectacular weddings of the time, attended by thousands of guests and covered by the press. The bride wore a white satin gown with a long train and a veil held by a diamond tiara. The groom wore his scarlet uniform with gold braid and medals. They exchanged vows in front of a huge floral arch that spelled "Welcome". They received gifts worth millions of dollars.
However, behind the glitter and the gold, there was no love or joy. Consuelo cried before, during, and after the ceremony. She felt like a victim of a transaction between two families. She had no affection or respect for her husband, who was cold, arrogant, selfish, and unfaithful. He had no interest or concern for his wife, who he treated as a possession and a source of income. They had nothing in common except their social status.
After their wedding, they sailed to England and took up residence in their new home: Blenheim Palace. It was one of the largest and most magnificent houses in England, built by John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough and a famous military leader. It had over 200 rooms decorated with paintings, tapestries, sculptures, and furniture. It had gardens designed by Capability Brown with fountains, statues, and lakes. It had parks with forests, fields, and farms. It was a national treasure and a historical monument.
However, it was also a cold and lonely place for Consuelo. She felt like a stranger and an outsider in a foreign land. She faced the hostility and snobbery of the English aristocracy, who looked down on her American origin and wealth. She struggled with the rigid rules and etiquette of the British court, who expected her to behave dress and speak in a certain way. She suffered from the boredom and isolation of her daily life, which consisted of endless duties and obligations. She longed for her home, her friends, and her lover.
Mistress of Blenheim Palace
Despite her unhappiness, Consuelo tried to make the best of her situation. She took on her role as the Duchess of Marlborough with dignity and grace. She was a gracious and generous hostess, who entertained guests and organized parties at Blenheim Palace. She was a loyal and supportive wife, who accompanied her husband on his political campaigns and diplomatic missions. She was a devoted and caring mother, who gave birth to two sons: John Albert William Spencer-Churchill, the Marquess of Blandford and later the 10th Duke of Marlborough, and Lord Ivor Charles Spencer-Churchill.
She also used her position and influence for good causes. She was involved in various social and charitable works, such as improving the living conditions of the tenants and workers on the Blenheim estate, supporting the education and welfare of women and children, promoting the arts and culture, and raising funds for hospitals and war relief. She was especially passionate about the women's suffrage movement, which she joined in 1908. She advocated for the right of women to vote and to participate in public affairs. She marched with other suffragists in London and spoke at rallies and meetings. She faced criticism and opposition from her husband, her family, and the society, but she remained steadfast in her convictions.
She also developed a close friendship with Queen Victoria and other members of the royal family. She met Queen Victoria for the first time in 1896 at Windsor Castle, where she was invited for a weekend visit. She impressed the Queen with her beauty, intelligence, and manners. The Queen took a liking to her and invited her to other occasions, such as her Diamond Jubilee in 1897 and her funeral in 1901. Consuelo also befriended Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, who succeeded Queen Victoria in 1901. They treated her with kindness and respect, and often invited her to their residences at Sandringham and Buckingham Palace.
Red Carpet and Protocol
As part of her duties as the Duchess of Marlborough, Consuelo attended many events and ceremonies that marked the history and culture of her time. She witnessed the pomp and splendor of the British monarchy, as well as the changes and challenges that it faced. She also traveled to different countries and met many famous and influential figures of her era.
Some of the most memorable events that she attended were:
The coronation of Edward VII in 1902 at Westminster Abbey, where she wore a magnificent gown of white satin embroidered with pearls and diamonds.
The visit of Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra of Russia in 1903 at Cowes, where she sailed on the royal yacht with them and admired their beauty and elegance.
The wedding of Prince Charles of Denmark (later King Haakon VII of Norway) and Princess Maud of Wales (later Queen Maud of Norway) in 1896 at Buckingham Palace, where she was one of the bridesmaids.
The funeral of King Leopold II of Belgium in 1909 at Brussels, where she wore a black velvet dress with a long train and a black feather hat.
The opening of the first Parliament of South Africa in 1910 at Cape Town, where she accompanied her husband who represented King George V.
Some of the most notable people that she met were:
Winston Churchill, who was her husband's cousin and a rising politician. She admired his courage and charisma, arrogant and rude. She had several arguments and disagreements with him over political and personal matters.
Mark Twain, who was a famous American writer and humorist. She met him in 1907 at Oxford, where he received an honorary degree. She enjoyed his witty and wise remarks, and shared his views on democracy and human rights.
King Alfonso XIII of Spain, who was a young and handsome monarch. She met him in 1905 at Biarritz, where he flirted with her and asked her to dance. She was flattered but also amused by his boldness and charm.
Edith Wharton, who was a renowned American novelist and a friend of Consuelo. She met her in 1906 at Paris, where they became close companions. She appreciated her literary talent and her sympathy for her situation.
Coco Chanel, who was a famous French fashion designer and a neighbor of Consuelo. She met her in 1924 at Lou Sueil, where they exchanged ideas and opinions on style and beauty. She admired her creativity and innovation, but also found her eccentric and controversial.
Deed of Separation
After 11 years of marriage, Consuelo decided to end her unhappy relationship with the Duke of Marlborough. She realized that they had nothing in common and that they could never love each other. She also discovered that he had been unfaithful to her with several women, including Gladys Deacon, an American socialite who became his second wife. She felt betrayed and humiliated by his infidelity and cruelty.
She also fell in love with another man: Jacques Balsan, a French aviator and industrialist. He was handsome, charming, adventurous, and generous. He treated her with respect and affection, and made her feel happy and free. They met in 1908 at Paris, where they were introduced by mutual friends. They soon became lovers and soulmates.
Consuelo filed for a divorce from the Duke of Marlborough in 1906, but he refused to grant it. He wanted to keep her as his wife for financial and social reasons. He also wanted to punish her for leaving him and for having an affair with Jacques Balsan. He made the divorce process difficult and lengthy, demanding a large settlement and custody of their children. He also spread rumors and lies about her character and reputation.
Consuelo fought for her rights and dignity, with the help of her lawyers and friends. She also had the support of her father, who had divorced her mother in 1895 and remarried in 1903. He understood her situation and gave her his love and advice. She finally obtained a deed of separation from the Duke of Marlborough in 1921, which allowed them to live apart but not to remarry.
A New Life Unfolds
After her separation from the Duke of Marlborough, Consuelo started a new life with Jacques Balsan. They married in 1921 in London, after obtaining a special dispensation from the Pope. They were very happy and in love, sharing their interests and passions.
They traveled around the world in their airplane, yacht, car, or train. They visited exotic places such as Egypt, India, China, and Japan. They experienced thrilling adventures such as flying over the pyramids, the Taj Mahal, and the Great Wall. They enjoyed the beauty and diversity of different cultures, people, and landscapes.
They also settled in their homes in France. They had a villa in the French Riviera, called Lou Sueil, which means "the sun". It was a cozy and elegant house, with a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea. It had a large garden, with flowers, trees, and birds. It had a swimming pool, a tennis court, and a golf course. It was their favorite place to relax and entertain.
They also had a château in Normandy, called Saint Georges-Motel, which means "the saint's house". It was a historic and charming house, with a medieval tower, a moat, and a drawbridge. It had a farm, with cows, sheep, and chickens. It had a park, with a lake, a stream, and a forest. It was their peaceful retreat to escape and enjoy.
They also devoted themselves to various philanthropic and humanitarian causes. They supported the education and health of children, especially those who were orphaned or disabled. They donated money and supplies to hospitals, schools, and charities. They helped refugees and victims of war, famine, and natural disasters. They also promoted the development and innovation of aviation, which was their passion and profession.
Lou Sueil: Friends and Neighbours
One of the most enjoyable aspects of Consuelo's life with Jacques Balsan was their social life. They had many friends and neighbours who visited them at Lou Sueil, where they hosted parties and gatherings. They also visited their friends and neighbours at their nearby villas, where they attended events and celebrations. They formed a close-knit and lively community, which included some of the most famous and influential people of their time.
Some of the most notable friends and neighbours that they had were:
Edith Wharton, who was a renowned American novelist and a friend of Consuelo. She lived at Sainte-Claire du Vieux Château, where she wrote some of her best works, such as The Age of Innocence and The House of Mirth. She also entertained guests such as Henry James, André Gide, and Jean Cocteau.
Coco Chanel, who was a famous French fashion designer and a neighbour of Consuelo. She lived at La Pausa, where she created some of her iconic designs, such as the little black dress, the Chanel suit, and the Chanel No. 5 perfume. She also entertained guests such as Pablo Picasso, Igor Stravinsky, and Winston Churchill.
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, who were the former King Edward VIII of England and Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee. They lived at Villa La Croë, where they led a glamorous and controversial life, after abdicating the throne in 1936 to marry each other. They also entertained guests such as Marlene Dietrich, Noël Coward, and Salvador Dali.
The Aga Khan III, who was the leader of the Ismaili Muslims and a wealthy philanthropist. He lived at Villa Yakimour, where he collected art and horses, and practiced his faith. He also entertained guests such as Rita Hayworth, Maurice Chevalier, and Josephine Baker.
The Rothschild family, who were a famous and wealthy banking dynasty. They lived at various villas, such as Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Villa Kerylos, and Villa Maryland. They collected art and antiques, and supported various causes and institutions.
Saint Georges-Motel: Peaceful Summers
Another aspect of Consuelo's life with Jacques Balsan that she enjoyed was their rural life. They spent their summers at Saint Georges-Motel, where they immersed themselves in nature and agriculture. They loved their château and their farm, which they managed and improved with care and enthusiasm.
They cultivated various crops and plants, such as wheat, corn, potatoes, apples, pears, plums, cherries, roses, and lilies. They raised various animals, such as cows, sheep, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons, rabbits, dogs, and cats. They also kept bees and produced honey.
They participated in various activities and events related to their farm, such as harvesting, threshing, milking, cheese-making, baking, canning, preserving, and selling. They also joined in the local festivals and celebrations, such as Easter, May Day, Bastille Day, and Christmas. They also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, such as walking, fishing, boating, picnicking, and reading.
They also welcomed their friends and family to their château, where they shared their happiness and hospitality. They invited their children and grandchildren, who loved to play and explore the farm. They invited their neighbours and acquaintances, who appreciated their generosity and kindness. They also invited some of their famous friends from Lou Sueil, who enjoyed the contrast and the tranquility of their rural retreat.
A Corner of France: 1940
The most dramatic and challenging part of Consuelo's life with Jacques Balsan was their experience of World War II. They witnessed the horror and the tragedy of the war, which affected them personally and profoundly. They also showed their courage and their heroism, which earned them respect and admiration.
They were in France when the war broke out in 1939. They decided to stay in their country and to support their people. They used their resources and their influence to help the war effort. They donated money and supplies to the Red Cross and other organizations. They converted their homes into hospitals and shelters for the wounded and the homeless. They also used their airplane to transport medicine and messages across the country.
They were also involved in the resistance movement against the Nazi occupation. They joined a network of spies and saboteurs, who gathered and transmitted information, sabotaged enemy facilities, and rescued allied soldiers and civilians. They risked their lives and their freedom for their cause. They were arrested and interrogated by the Gestapo several times, but they managed to escape or to be released.
They finally fled from France in 1944, after the Normandy invasion. They crossed the Pyrenees mountains on foot, with the help of some guides. They reached Spain, where they boarded a ship to England. They stayed in London for a while, where they reunited with some of their friends and family. They then moved to New York, where they settled for the rest of the war.
Conclusion
Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan lived a remarkable life that spanned two continents, two centuries, and two world wars. She was born into a world of privilege and wealth, but she also faced a world of hardship and change. She was married to a world of power and prestige, but she also found a world of love and freedom. She witnessed a world of history and culture, but she also made a world of difference.
Her memoir, The Glitter and the Gold: The American Duchess---in Her Own Words, is a richly enjoyable memoir that reveals her fascinating story in her own voice. It is a revealing portrait of a golden age that is now being celebrated every week behind the doors of Downton Abbey. It is also a valuable source of historical and cultural insight that sheds light on the social and political issues of her time.
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