Sintra – 29 May 2025. His Majesty’s Honorary Consul-General of the Kingdom of Tonga to the Portuguese Republic, Anthony Bailey, joined the Mayor of Sintra, Basílio Horta, and HRHThe Duchess of Braganza at an intimate ceremony honouring HRH Dom Duarte, Duke of Braganza, one of Sintra’s most distinguished long-standing residents. The event marked two significant milestones for the Head of the Portuguese Royal House: his 80th birthday and the 30th anniversary of his marriage.
The ceremony took place at the historic Quinta da Regaleira, where the Mayor invited the Duke to unveil a commemorative monument dedicated to his decades of public service. The monument bears the inscription:
“In homage to Dom Duarte de Bragança for a life of service to Portugal and Portuguese culture — 2025. Araucaria columnaria planted in 1840 by the Viscountess of Regaleira.”
This tribute, set within one of Sintra’s most iconic estates, provides the royal town with a permanent memorial recognising the Duke’s lifelong commitment to Portugal, its heritage and cultural identity.
The occasion was also attended by Clare Head, former Mayor of Richmond upon Thames, underscoring the historic connections between the Braganza dynasty and the communities of Twickenham and Richmond, ties that have strengthened over more than a century.
The presence of the Consulate-General of the Kingdom of Tonga in Sintra, just moments away from the gardens of the Quinta da Regaleira — highlighted the ongoing relevance of Portugal’s royal heritage to Sintra’s civic life and the enduring international associations linked to the Portuguese Royal House and the historic royal city of Sintra.
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