We want our readers to trust us. There is little escape for Consuelo from Alvas dominance when the time comes to return to the Petit Chateau, the familys Fifth Avenue palace completed in 1882. The beautiful heiress to the massive Vanderbilt wealth, her future had shone like a diamond from the moment she was born. She lived in France before World War II, when she and Balsan returned to live in New York. This was the very definition of a mercenary marriage both Consuelo and the Duke were in love with other people. Consuelo shied away from the world of debutante balls to carve her own path through her ventures in music and business, and has been featured in . In her autobiography, Consuelo Vanderbilt described how she was required to wear a steel rod, which ran down her spine and fastened around her waist and over her shoulders, to improve her posture. The sweet, stunning Consuelo was barely in her teen years when she began getting offers of marriage from almost every man who met her. Instead, Alva invited the Duke of Marlborough back to America to visit just a couple of months later. The matchmaker was a minor American heiress turned major English hostess, Lady Paget, the wife of Sir Arthur Paget. Gladys Deacon, the newest young American heiress on the market, secured herself an invite to Blenheim one day and became fast friends with both the Duke of Marlborough and Consuelo. After their agonizing will-they, wont-they back and forth, she eventually did hook up with Winthrop Rutherfurd shortly after her marriage. Other images of Vanderbilt by artist Paul Csar Helleu: Reginald Fellowes is possibly Hon. Her marriage to the ninth Duke of Marlborough was an international emblem for . As if that humiliation werent enough, the Dukes true feelings soon became obvious. "[6], Like her godmother, Consuelo Vanderbilt attracted numerous title-bearing suitors anxious to trade social position for cash. Yet like so many of Consuelos romances, her dalliance with her old lover was going to go up in flames. Her duty done, Consuelo might have settled into a quiet, unassuming life. But for all her mid-life happiness, the next decades brought final tragedies to Consuelos story. With the slim, tight look that was all the rage in the Edwardian era, she was a small, elongated woman with dark eyes and a long, oval face with delicate features. Perfect for readers of Jennifer Robson and lovers of Downton Abbey. While Balsan was being lionized as a hero, Consuelo was enduring a loveless marriage and lonely exile as the wife of a foppish English peer of the realm. And while Consuelo managed to escape Prince Franciss proposal, she wouldnt be so lucky with the next one. Consuelo is besieged by suitors but Alva finds the man she considers the perfect choice for a son-in-law in Charles Richard John Spencer Churchill, 9th Duke of Marlborough. Charles Richard John Spencer-Churchill, 9th Duke of Marlborough, KG, TD, PC (13 November 1871 - 30 June 1934), styled Earl of Sunderland until 1883 and Marquess of Blandford between 1883 and 1892, was a British soldier and Conservative politician, and a close friend of his first cousin Winston Churchill.He was often known as "Sunny" Marlborough after his courtesy title of Earl of Sunderland. However, despite our best efforts, we sometimes miss the mark. And really, this was just a tiny sign of the deranged acts to come. Born in New York City, Consuelo Vanderbilt was the only daughter and eldest child of William Kissam Vanderbilt, a New York railroad millionaire, and his first wife, a Southern belle and budding suffragist Alva Erskine Smith (18531933, who later married Oliver Belmont) from Mobile, Alabama (a daughter of Murray Forbes Smith). [24] Jacques Balsan died in 1956 at the age of 88. Many believed Ivor was actually Winthrop Rutherfurds son, given that the boy had very little resemblance to either the duke or his older brother. On July 4, 1921, before the ink on her divorce papers was dry, she married again. The influx of Consuelos fortune allowed him to restore Blenheim to the glory that the great house still exhibits today. Terrified his American wife was going to come off ignorant and coarse, Consuelos husband had spent most of their honeymoon drilling her on his Spencer-Churchill family tree, as well as on other people of importance and rank in society. Of the three family mansions, Cosuelos favorite is the one called Idle Hour in Oakdale on Long Island, designed by William Morris Hunt. Pastel on canvas. Born as Mary "Minnie" Stevens, Lady Paget was the daughter of Paran Stevens, the socially ambitious widow of an American hotel entrepreneur who had successfully obtained admittance to the exclusive New York society of the fabled "Four Hundred". Churchill commiserates with Consuelos marital unhappiness and as Consuelo and the Duke grow further and further apart, Churchill is her ally in negotiating an official separation in 1906. Madame de Pompadour was the alluring chief mistress of King Louis XV, but few people know her dark historyor the chilling secret shared by her and Louis. The only suitor she even allowed Consuelo to consider was Prince Francis Joseph of Battenberg, a man Consuelo deeply disliked. She was tall elegant with a long . From the day of Consuelos birth, Alva harbors the highest social goals for her only daughter, but as long as Consuelo remains a young girl, she is allowed some freedom to enjoy her very privileged surroundings. Consuelo Vanderbilt March 2, 1877 - December 6, 1964. Just months before their daughters wedding in 1895, Alva and William are officially divorced and a year later Alva becomes Mrs. O.H.P. Helleu was cultured, sophisticated and witty, and was a friend to Consuelo during a lonely time in her life. Soon enough, she gave birth to a son, John Spencer-Churchill. Historys most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily. My mom never told me how her best friend died. Alva invites Marlborough to visit Marble House, expecting him to propose to Consuelo. The duke proposed to her in her family cottage, but he was more like a dutiful cadet than a passionate lover. They were blissfully happy together, with Balsan doting on his wife. The dream home of 26,000 square feet is called Casa Alva, in honor of her mother. So they carried on a courtship right under Alvas nose, with Rutherfurd even sending Consuelo a single red rose on her 18th birthday. [9], Determined to secure the highest-ranking mate possible for her only daughter, a union that would emphasize the preeminence of the Vanderbilt family in New York society, Alva Vanderbilt engineered a meeting between Consuelo and the indebted, titled Charles Spencer-Churchill, 9th Duke of Marlborough, chatelain of Blenheim Palace. CONSUELO VANDERBILT BALSAN (1877-1964) - THE PAWN Consuelo Vanderbilt was a willowy beauty of 17 when the 26-year-old Frenchman and future aviation pioneer, Jacques Balsan, first saw her and fell in love. It has remained true to its origins and stayed a private not-for-profit institution that still serves the Paris community. Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? One writer said he and his friends were enamoured by "her dimples, and her tiny teeth when she smiled." Consuelo was quite a catch, future dowry notwithstanding. Everyone expected an engagement at any moment. Nonetheless, she was the Duchess of Marlborough now, and she laid back and thought of America. Michel c. 1900 Object number NPG.86.169 Restrictions & Rights CC0 Type Print Medium Drypoint on paper Dimensions Image: 50.3 x 33.6cm (19 13/16 x 13 1/4") Sheet: 63.1 x 41.4cm (24 13/16 x 16 5/16 . Her mother, Alva, was ambitious for her daughter's marriage prospects and named her after Consuelo Yznaga, a childhood friend. In a flurry, he told Consuelo he still loved her and wanted to elope. The story explored an arranged marriage, Costin said, and looked at the societal pressures and family positioning that had plagued Vanderbilt women of the past, dating back to Consuelo Vanderbilt's marriage to the Duke of Marlborough at the end of the nineteenth century. In fact, she kept it with her for the remainder of her life, and it has remained with the family since her death. From the beginning, Alva expected her daughter to be nothing short of perfect, and from a young age forced Consuelo to wear a steel rod along the length of her spine to improve her posture. The Glitter and the Gold by Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan Consuelo and Alva Vanderbilt: The Story of a Daughter and a Mother in the Gilded Age by Amanda Mackenzie Stuart The face on the sphinx: . With no alternative, Consuelo masters the difficulties of managing a household with scores of servants, dinners for royalty, elaborate hunting parties and balls. The beautiful heiress to the massive Vanderbilt wealth, her future had shone like a diamond from the moment she was born. But it also put her in incredibly horrible positions. [16] They had two sons, John Albert William Spencer-Churchill, Marquess of Blandford (who became 10th Duke of Marlborough), and Lord Ivor Spencer-Churchill. No, it made absolutely no sense. The crowds outside the church were testament to the success of her strategy, although when Consuelo and her father arrived late for the ceremony, it was obvious that the bride had been crying. Within a month, she had received five marriage proposals from various European suitors. That was far from all. To say that Consuelo does not share her mothers enthusiasm is an understatement. In 1886 William Vanderbilt inherited $65 million on the death of his father. Consuelo Vanderbilt, born in New York in 1877, was the first child of William Kissam Vanderbilt (grandson of the Commodore, Cornelius Vanderbilt) and his first wife, Alva Erskine Smith. Consuelo Vanderbilt married the 9th Duke of Marlborough at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, New York City, on November 6, 1895. It has remained true to its origins and stayed a private not-for-profit institution that still serves the Paris community. When the duke arrived home from the conflict, she coolly informed him that she had been sleeping with his cousin, and that she never wanted to see him in her bedroom ever again. Browse 868 consuelo vanderbilt stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Scariest of all, she vaguely threatened that she wouldnt hesitate to shoot a man if I thought he might ruin your life. Consuelo is only too happy to move into the charming 15h-century Tudor manor house, Crowhurst. When it finally came, it was a high-society tragedy. [30], During World War I, Consuelo Vanderbilt worked as the chair of the Economic Relief Committee for the American Women's War Relief Fund.[31]. Apparently, he felt too attached to her to elope. Morgan Englund . Consuelos marriage to the Duke had been arranged through the machinations of her socially striving mother, Alva, who had long hoped to secure an aristocratic match for her daughter. But, her parents had divorced in 1895 when Consuelo was only 18 and this drastically changed her fate. If only this is what happened. except that we dont have the nasal bridge so tall. Over the years, the bankrupted dynasty had had to sell off masses of furnishings and possessions, so that now the stately home was only a husk. Consuelos relationship with the Duke of Marlborough didnt last, but her friendship with his cousin Winston Churchill surprisingly managed to pass the test of time. Born on . Consuelos family was already hiding shadowy secrets. Later in her life, Consuelo wrote (with the help of a ghostwriter) her autobiography The Glitter and the Gold, where her life with the Duke of Marlborough was the glitter, with all its hollow opulence, and her time with Balsan was the true gold. When Consuelo Vanderbilt did her duty and produced the required "heir and a spare" for the 9th Duke of Marlborough, she rocked her boys in a regal cradle, which is still on view at Blenheim Palace. Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan Vanderbilt and his daughter, Consuelo, Duchess of Marlborough, at the races in Paris. And when the duke finally got home from battle, Consuelo had another nasty surprise in store. See more ideas about vanderbilt, marlborough, belle epoque. Consuelo's mother, the irrepressible Alva Vanderbilt, wasted no time in ordering this cradle from Italy. For her part, Consuelo was given little opportunity to express her own opinion on the matter. But before she could do anything about it, her mother went to horrific new lows. If Consuelo said one word out of line, the matriarch was liable to whip the girl with a riding crop. Duchess Marlborough Consuelo Vanderbilt was born 2 March 1877 in New York City, New York, United States to William Kissam Vanderbilt (1849-1920) and Alva Erskine Smith (1853-1933) and died 6 December 1964 Southampton, Suffolk County, New York, United States of unspecified causes. He has his clubs, his sports and his obsessive focus on the restoration of Blenheim to occupy him. As they traveled out for their vacation to Europe, Consuelo watched her new husband preen at all the congratulatory letters he was getting from other members of the nobility, including from Queen Victoria herself. Consuelo's stunning beauty. But Consuelos fianc dealt her a cruel snub. Consuelo begged to see her, but her mothers emissary instead insisted, referring to last nights fight, I warn you there will be catastrophe if you persist. July 27, 2021. Factinate is a fact website that is dedicated to finding and sharing fun facts about science, history, animals, films, people, and much more. He reportedly accumulated a $100 million fortune by the. By the time Consuelo and her second husband Jacques Balsan were happily entering middle age, the duke and Gladys were doing nothing but tormenting each other. Paul Csar Helleu (French, 1859-1927), Consuelo Vanderbilt, Duchess of Marlborough, circa 1900. Starting in late August of 1895, Alva Vanderbilt accepted the Duke of Marlborough as her guest as she had always planned and began drumming up publicity for the marriage between her daughter and a British peer. Old film of Consuelo Vanderbilt visiting a working class housing area in Southwark, London, England in 1917. [15] Consuelo's father built a mansion for her in London, Sunderland House in Curzon Street. Consuelo Vanderbilt around 1910. She had transformed into, of all things, a vehement suffragette. She actually locked her up in her room, like a princess in a tower, and told any friends who visited that Consuelo wasnt at home. [25], After the annulment of her marriage to the Duke of Marlborough, she still maintained ties with favorite Churchill relatives, particularly Winston Churchill. The Balsans build a villa on the French Riviera but when the Nazis invade France, they are forced to make a daring escape through Spain to Portugal and eventually to the United States where they live the rest of their lives. I knew that she was going to take it badly, but I had no idea about the insane lengths she would go to just to get revenge and mess with my life. At the time of his death in 1877, his fortune was valued at $100 million (equal to nearly $2.5 billion today, via the Official Data Foundation ), which was more money than was held in the U.S. Treasury at the time, according to Forbes. In her newfound freedom, she is also able to take activist stands on issues important to her. Besides basically telling her that she amounted only to a big bank account, Consuelos new husband revealed his real feelings. The day that Winthrop Rutherfurd made Consuelo Vanderbilt his fiance, the young girl was on the edge of heading out on a long European sojourn with her mother, ostensibly to broaden her horizons but really to catch her a husband with a title. William Morris Hunt pulled out all the stops on this extravagant showplace designed to allow Alva to display her wealth and high-end francophilia to the world. November 6, 1895 at St. Thomas Church on Fifth Avenue in the most prestigious Gilded Age wedding. The party is said to have cost her indulgent husband $3 million. It was designed as a love nest by Maurice Fatio. Its tracks stretched Vanderbilt's empire across the United States and gave him a monopoly for all rail service in and out of New York city. Consuelos course of instruction, supervised by her mother, has always bordered on cruelty. Consuelo Vanderbilt was born on March 2, 1877 in New York City, New York, USA. The year of Consuelos engagement was also the year the Vanderbilt family publicly imploded. Another of Alva's friends, Minnie Paget, introduced Consuelo to the eligible Charles Spencer-Churchill, 9th Duke of Marlborough. The Glitter and the Gold serves as a compelling and fascinating account of turn-of-the-century aristocratic life from the intimate and candid memoirs of one of America's most famous heiresses, Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan, the former Duchess of Marlborough and wealthy daughter of the American Vanderbilt legacy.I decided to read this book after the enthusiastic advise of one of those English blue . He too married his mistress, Gladys Deacon, just weeks after the divorce. Still, she was about to find out just how awful things could get. Could You Have Endured Consuelo Vanderbilt's Upbringing? He has scandalized his family by abandoning his first wife on their honeymoon to travel with a French dancer. Still, there was something her mother didnt know. Her mother leaked the news to the press right away. The entire time that they were in Europe, Alva had one man on her mind: Charles Richard John Spencer-Churchill, the ninth Duke of Marlborough. But this American princess and "million dollar duchess" didn't get a happy endingshe got an utter nightmare. She was named for Consuelo Vanderbilt - this part is important later, Consuelo has carved out a life for herself separate from her family's heavy legacy as a singer and entrepreneur. In the intervening years, both would marry others, Balsan would be celebrated for his record-breaking feats of aviation, while Consuelo would submit to the life imposed on her as the spectacularly rich and aristocratically groomed daughter of Alva Vanderbilt, a woman with obsessive social ambitions. For much of their 25-year marriage, the Marlboroughs lived separately and the marriage was finally annulled. November 28, 2009 at 2:48 AM . Eventually, karma came for him. She overcomes much initial suspicion and becomes a popular figure in England. One publication even printed a cartoon with the heading The Dukes Return from the Land of Dollars, with Marlborough sailing Consuelo back to Britain atop a heap of money. But that friendship was about to endure a horrible shock. Consuelo was young, but she wasnt dumb: She knew what her mother was up to, and she knew it spelled certain doom. Please reach out to us to let us know what youre interested in reading. English: Consuelo Vanderbilt, aka Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan and Consuelo Spencer-Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, (March 2, 1877 - December 6, 1964), was a member of the prominent American Vanderbilt Family, as well as an English aristocrat.She was seen as the ultimate marital prize of the Victorian age. A product of the 1960's and 70's, he is influenced by the music of the times. But unlike Consuelo, his second marriage was far from blissful. Still, Rutherfurd was no prince and no duke, and Consuelo was terrified of her mother finding out about their love. But all that glitters is very much not gold. And then one day, they took it as far as they could. I therefore did not beg, but ordered her to marry the Duke.. When the infamous Vanderbilt divorce officially went through, high society couldnt help gossiping about what was going on. [3] When, as a teenager, Consuelo objected to the clothing her mother had selected for her, Alva told her that According to canon law, being married against ones will is the only valid claim for annulment and it falls on Alva to offer testimony in her daughters support. Earl, a breeder. On a trip to London in 1894, Alva arranged a meeting for Consuelo, 17, and the duke, 23 . She Was A Golden Child Advertisement Easy. But this American princess and million dollar duchess didnt get a happy endingshe got an utter nightmare. When Consuelo Vanderbilt's grandfather died, he was the richest man in America. The couple: Consuelo Vanderbilt and Charles Spencer-Churchill, 9th Duke of Marlborough When: 1895 Where: New Yorkthe ceremony at St. Thomas Church, and the reception at Mrs. Vanderbilt's home . Guest and Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan, Facemasks required while inside any Museum building, 17 Meeting House Lane / PO Box 303, Southampton, NY 11968. The only daughter of railroad millionaire William Vanderbilt and his formidable wife Alva, Consuelo was pre-destined to marry into the British aristocracy like her godmother Consuleo Yznaga who had married the heir to the 7 th Duke of Manchester. Even so, its hard to argue with the results; the next period of Consuelos life was everything she deserved and more. Consuelo's second marriage, on July 4, 1921, was to Lt. Col. Jacques Balsan, a record-breaking pioneer French balloon, aircraft, and hydroplane pilot who once worked with the Wright Brothers. Alva, having satisfied her own social ambitions as a Vanderbilt, is able now to turn her laser focus on marrying Consuelo into the highest European society. But this is no fairy tale. "[23] In later years, Consuelo and her mother enjoyed a closer, easier relationship. The surly Duke makes Alva wait but finally proposes to Consuelo in the gloomy Gothic Room at Marble House, and Consuelos fate is sealed. During the inter-war period, she and Winaretta Singer-Polignac (the Princess de Polignac and Singer Sewing Machine heiress) worked together in the construction of a 360-bed hospital destined to provide medical care to middle class workers. Home page of Morgan Englund Music, an indie artist from Los Angeles. "[9] She came to embody the "slim, tight look" that was in vogue during the Edwardian era. Many believe[27] that Churchill polished his famous Iron Curtain Speech in that house as he visited his cousin's former wife on his way to Fulton, Missouri, to deliver an address at Westminster College. 56x 38in (144 x 97.5 cm). Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, or the rebel heiress as Page 6 as the society rags love to label her, is the 7th descendent of Cornelius Vanderbilt. Consuelo Vanderbilt was a willowy beauty of 17 when the 26-year-old Frenchman and future aviation pioneer, Jacques Balsan, first saw her and fell in love. The Duke was away fighting in the Boer War and this touching portrait illustrates an intimacy between Helleuand his sitter. And as Consuelo grew up, an enormous problem began developing. Please submit feedback to contribute@factinate.com. Her defiance of her mother had caused Alva to have a heart attack, and the matriarch was currently clinging to life in her bedroom. Isolated and utterly beaten down, Consuelo couldnt even get in touch with Winthrop to tell him what was going on. (9 votes) Very easy. Pastel on canvas. And then there were Consuelos unpleasant duties. Consuelo Vanderbilt Height, Weight & Measurements At 87 years old, Consuelo Vanderbilt height not available right now. One of the naughty Spencer-Churchill cousins was Charles, Viscount Castlereagh, and he was more of a piece of work than the Duke of Marlborough himself. "[29], Consuelo Balsan died at Southampton, Long Island, New York, on December 6, 1964. Consuelo Vanderbilt was considered a great beauty, with a face compelling enough to cause the playwright Sir James Barrie, author of Peter Pan, to write, "I would stand all day in the street to see Consuelo Marlborough get into her carriage. It was a total nightmare. Growing up a Vanderbilt was a hugely privileged position for Consuelo. Even Consuelos arrival at her new home was an enormous disappointment. (Socialite) Consuelo Vanderbilt was an American socialite from the Vanderbilt family who became the Duchess of Marlborough following her marriage to Charles Richard John Spencer-Churchill, the 9th Duke of Marlborough. Catherine of Aragon was King Henry VIIIs first wife and longest-lasting Queen of England. Consuelo knew just what to do. The church was covered with flowers, and the bride wore a magical gown of cream satin with a five-foot-long train. As such, the birth of Consuelos first son helped free Winston to go into politicssomething he was apparently very grateful for, and the pair became fast friends. She was 88 years old. Consuelo not only had money and poise, but she also was known as a great beauty in her time. She wasnt. The very next day, Consuelo rushed to the arms of her lover, hopeful that her whole future was before her. On November 6, 1895, Consuelos nightmare finally became a reality. With all these traits, you might have thought that she could have easily married for love. Sure that her daughter would try to make a break for it with Winthrop the minute the opportunity arose, Alva controlled Consuelo in a chilling way. 0 0 1 0 0 0 0. The argument carried on for hours, and Consuelo left, depleted and exhausted, with no clear path forward. Rate the pronunciation difficulty of consuelo. As she walked down the aisle with her fatherwho Alva only allowed to come for the sake of appearances before he left immediately afterthe crowd turned to face her. eugeniagaravani. Is Consuelo Vanderbilt still alive? Her second husband was the dashing French pilot and man about town Jacques Balsan, who was her lover in the days leading up to her official divorce. The best revenge might be living well, but that doesn't mean we can always turn the other cheek. Family Her mother is Alva Belmont and her father is William Kissam Vanderbilt I . Consuelo actually had affairs with no fewer than three of the Duke of Marlboroughs cousins over the course of her marriage, to the shock and horror of the respectable Spencer-Churchill family. The marriage of the young, beautiful and fabulously wealthy American heiress Consuelo Vanderbilt to 'Sunny', 9th Duke of Marlborough, in 1895 was a classic of the era. Your suggestions can be as general or specific as you like, from Life to Compact Cars and Trucks to A Subspecies of Capybara Called Hydrochoerus Isthmius. Well get our writers on it because we want to create articles on the topics youre interested in. This work is offered in the 19th-Century European Art sale on 26 October at Christie's in New York Alva Vanderbilt got her wish, and Consuelo and the Duke became engaged in September of 1895. LADY SARAH SPENCER-CHURCHILL, who has died suddenly in Connecticut, aged 78, was a powerful personality, 6 ft tall, rich and well-known in international society for several decades. When they were married the duke was 23. First, let's get Consuelo's mama out of the way: Alva Vanderbilt was . Mrs. Earl was a long-time resident of Ridgefie She did, however, get one last tragic chance with him. At the time, Winston, as she later described him, was the life and soul of the young and brilliant circle that gathered round him at BlenheimWhether it was his American blood or his boyish enthusiasm and spontaneity, qualities sadly lacking in my husband, I delighted in his companionship.. The Duke of Marlborough, Savior of Blenheim Palace, Has Died at Age 88 By James Reginato October 18, 2014 Standing six feet and five inches tall, John George Vanderbilt Henry. [18] She was also a social success with royalty and the aristocracy of Britain. But Consuelo hadnt managed to fool her mother Alva, who cottoned on to what was going on and refused to admit Winthrop that day or any other. See more ideas about vanderbilt, charles spencer, marlborough. Consuelo found the Duke cold, snobbish and image-obsessed. May 8, 2019 - Explore Marie's board "Consuelo Vanderbilt", followed by 236 people on Pinterest. Madame de Pompadour didn't just share King Louis XV's bed, she also shared his power. To the world outside of that church, though, the marriage still looked like a triumph. Consuelo Balsan (formal, Consuelo, Duces de Marlborough; nscut Consuelo Vanderbilt) ( 2 martie 1877 - 6 decembrie 1964 ), a fost membr proeminent a familiei americane Vanderbilt. It is often said that the Dukes nickname, Sunny, was not given because it reflected his personality, but was simply taken from his first courtesy title, the Earl of Sunderland. It was about to get so much worse. In some ways, this very particular promiscuity was a continued cry for help from the dank cell of her loveless marriage. Paid Notice: Deaths EARL, CONSUELO VANDERBILT Published: February 27, 2011 EARL--Consuelo Vanderbilt, a great-great-granddaughter of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, died on February 21, 2011, at the age of 107. Col. Jacques. But Gladys had a reputation as something of a wild child, and things escalated fast. There is an 1 1/2 diagonal tear to the paper in the upper left edge. Thanks for your help! In 1921, when the Duke marries Gladys there is finally a divorce and that same year, 27 years after that first encounter, Consuelo and Balsan are married--finally a marriage of love. [2] In April 2015, she filmed a music video at the Vanderbilt Mansion. By this point, Consuelo had given up on ever fully escaping her marriage, so she had to fall back on merely hurting her husband any way she knew how. Estimate: $300,000-500,000. Thats because she was far from faithful herselfand one of her first lovers was scandalous. His depiction of the 23-year-old Duchess, a ribbon emphasising the long neck for which she was so famous, staring off into the distance with a brightness and intelligence to her eyes, must be as close as we can get to knowing how Consuelo would have wanted to portray herself. Alva had gradually stripped Consuelo of all her independence. Music lessons and an hour of exercise in Central Park fill out the day.