Marie Blanc

Marie Charlotte Blanc (née Hensel; 23 September 1833 – 25 July 1881) was a German socialite and businesswoman. She was a prominent member of high society in Monaco and France. After the death of her husband, François Blanc, she operated the Monte Carlo Casino.

Early life Marie Charlotte Hensel was born on 23 September 1833 in Friedrichsdorf to working class parents. She was a daughter of Catherine ( Stemler) Hensel and Caspar Hensel, a shoemaker.

Career In 1856, Charles III of Monaco hired François Blanc, who successfully operated a casino in Germany, to create a casino in Monaco. He founded the Monte Carlo Casino and, in 1861, co-founded the Société des bains de mer de Monaco. While living in Monaco, Hensel helped her husband establish the casino in Monte Carlo. On 27 July 1877 her husband died due to respiratory problems while in Leukerbad, Switzerland for treatment. After her husband's death, Hensel inherited 72 million francs and took control of the Monte Carlo Casino. She worked with Charles Garnier to build the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. Marie-Félix Blanc (1859–1882), who married Prince Roland Bonaparte.

In 1871, Hensel purchased the Château d'Ermenonville for her daughter, Louise. She died on 25 July 1881 in Moûtiers.

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