Rafael de Orléans-Bragança

Rafael of Orléans-Braganza (born 24 April 1986) is a member of the Imperial House of Brazil and a claimant to the defunct Brazilian throne. Originating from the Vassouras branch, he served as the heir presumptive to his uncle, Bertrand of Orléans-Braganza, following the death of his father, Antônio, on 8 November 2024, being regarded by its supporters as the holder of the courtesy title of Prince Imperial of Brazil. However, following a major dynastic dispute over his marriage to the Italian aristocrat Margherita delle Piane in November 2026, which was not recognized by his uncle due to traditional rules requiring equal marriages, Rafael formally broke away from the Vassouras line. Rejecting the forced renunciation that would pass his rights to his younger sister, Maria Gabriela of Orléans-Braganza, he established an independent secretariat and announced the formation of the London branch of the House of Orléans-Braganza.