Lee Radziwill: A Life Beyond the Shadow of Jacqueline Kennedy
Lee Radziwill, the younger sister of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, lived a fascinating and complex life. While her sister was often the center of public attention as First Lady, Lee’s own story is one of elegance, influence, and independence.
She passed away at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy that extended far beyond her familial ties to the Kennedys. As a fashion icon, socialite, and accomplished interior designer, Lee Radziwill carved her own place in the world.
Early Life and Family Background
Born Caroline Lee Bouvier in 1933, Radziwill was raised in a world of privilege. Her father, Jack Bouvier III, was a stockbroker, and her mother, Janet Norton Lee, was a socialite. Lee spent much of her childhood between Manhattan and the Hamptons, attending elite institutions like Miss Porter’s School and The Chapin School.
While her upbringing was luxurious, it was also marked by familial tension. Her father’s womanizing and her mother’s remarriage to Hugh Auchincloss created a complex family dynamic.
Growing up alongside her older sister Jacqueline, Lee often felt overshadowed by Jackie’s academic success and the attention she received. However, these challenges shaped Lee’s independent spirit and determination to forge her own identity.
A Life in High Society and Marriages
Lee Radziwill’s life was marked by high-profile relationships and an enduring presence in elite social circles. Her first marriage to Michael Temple Canfield in 1953 ended in divorce.
In 1959, she married Prince Stanislaw Albrecht Radziwiłł, a Polish aristocrat, which elevated her to the rank of European royalty. The couple had two children, Anthony and Christina, but the marriage was tumultuous, marred by infidelity. Her third and final marriage was to film director Herbert Ross in 1988, though it too ended in divorce.
Despite the personal challenges she faced in her relationships, Lee remained a fixture in international high society, known for her elegance and poise. Her friendships with famous figures like Truman Capote, Andy Warhol, and members of European royalty kept her in the spotlight.
The Complex Sisterhood with Jacqueline Kennedy
The relationship between Lee and Jacqueline Kennedy was complicated by both deep affection and rivalry. While the sisters shared a close bond during their youth, their adult lives were marked by moments of tension.
Lee’s ambitions and public life were often compared to her sister’s, and Jackie’s marriage to Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis created a particular strain in their relationship. Nevertheless, the bond between them endured, underscored by moments of support and reconciliation.
A Force in Fashion and Interior Design
Although Lee Radziwill often found herself in her sister’s shadow, she built a distinguished career in fashion and design. Her impeccable taste and style earned her recognition in the fashion world, where she collaborated with industry icons and was frequently photographed for leading fashion magazines.
As an interior designer, Lee was renowned for her ability to create sophisticated, elegant spaces that reflected her refined aesthetic. Her work in both industries cemented her status as a style icon, with her personal fashion choices influencing designers and tastemakers alike.
Lee Radziwill’s life was far more than the story of a younger sister to a First Lady. She was a woman of intelligence, taste, and resilience, who made her mark in fashion and design. Her legacy is one of grace and individuality, demonstrating that even in the shadow of an iconic figure, one can still shine brilliantly. Though her name may forever be linked with that of Jacqueline Kennedy, Lee Radziwill’s story is one of personal triumph, leaving a lasting impact on the worlds of fashion, design, and high society.
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