A palace built on love, destroyed by ego!
Once upon a time, in the opulent palaces of princely India, love didn’t always mean happily living ever after. Imagine a royal wedding with elephants, diamonds, and fireworks—followed by a bitter divorce that shattered not only hearts, but also political power.
Let’s rewind the royal clock to uncover a story of love and separation where throne that paid the price.
The story began in the glittering courts of Kapurthala, a princely state in Punjab, and the charming Maharaja Jagatjit Singh, one of India’s most flamboyant monarchs. Fluent in French, a globe-trotter, and an admirer of the arts, he ruled not just a kingdom, but the social circles of Europe and India.
Introducing Anita Delgado, a Spanish flamenco dancer who eventually turned Maharani. Yes, you read that right. The maharaja met her at a royal wedding in Spain and was instantly fell in love. She was young, glamorous, and far from the traditional Indian royal bride. He pursued her across countries—and she later agreed.
The royal wedding in Paris was nothing short of extravagant. Diamonds dripped from Anita’s tiara, and the guest list included European aristocrats. And, when she came to India, her name was changed into Maharani Prem Kaur. She lived in lavish palaces, and even wrote a memoir titled "An Indian Princess."
Unfortunately, fairy tales fade sometimes!
As romantic as their story started, reality soon arrived. The cultural chasm, language barriers, and the fact that the Maharaja already had multiple wives, all began to weigh in.
Anita, who initially became mesmerized by Indian grandeur started feeling increasingly isolated. Life in the zenana (women’s quarters) wasn’t exactly freedom-friendly. The Maharaja’s growing political involvement—and affection for other consorts—caused her frustration.
Rumors swirled. Affairs were hinted. Anita’s expectations were more than just a gilded cage.
Eventually, after 18 years of marriage, she left. Not in secret, not in shame, but with the poise of a queen who knew her worth. The Maharaja was devastated—and the palace? It lost more than just its princess. Public image, prestige, and even political influence was hampered badly.
In those days, image was everything for Indian rulers—especially when under British colonial scrutiny. A foreign bride leaving the court was not just gossip, it was outright embarrassment. The British Raj started whispering about instability in Kapurthala. The once-modern Maharaja was suddenly seen as “eccentric,” even unreliable.
After all these socio-political incidents, the maharaja continued ruling, but the sparkle was gone. His European love story had cost him politically. And symbolically, the throne had cracked.
Did You Know? Anita Delgado was only 16 years old when she married the Maharaja, who was in his mid-30s.
She was trained in Hindustani music and Urdu before coming to India!
Their story inspired books like "The Princess of Kapurthala" and a documentary in Spain.
Even after the breakup, Anita refused to give up her title.
Though the love didn’t last, the story remains one of the most fascinating royal romances in Indian history. The palace of Kapurthala still stands—a unique combination of French architecture and Punjabi pride.
Anita, after returning to Spain, lived a quiet life. The Maharaja continued his role as a statesman, representing India in various diplomatic events. But neither ever truly found a love like that again.
In an era before celebrity affairs gossip columns and Netflix royal dramas, this was the real deal. Beneath the crowns and ceremonies, royals are human too. Love, heartbreak, ego, and choices—they dealt with it all, under a million watchful eyes.
Sometimes, the cost of love is not just a broken heart, but a crumbling empire. And sometimes, queens don’t wait to be saved—they pack their bags and write their own ending.
