Alexandra Leigh-Hunt, daughter of Consul Henry Leigh Hunt, passes December 14, 2015

Madame Leigh-Hunt was the last surviving of three daughters of Huntridge and Las Vegas Strip developer Henry Leigh Hunt and famed French author Louise de Vilmorin.

DECEMBER 7, 2015 — SAGHARBORONLINE.COM –//

“Alexandra Leigh-Hunt died peacefully in her sleep on December 2, 2015 in her home in Sag Harbor. Noted in equal measures for her elegance, the warmth of her hospitality and the conviction of her opinions, she was 85 years old and in failing health.

The middle of three daughters of Louise de Vilmorin, the noted French poet, and Henry Leigh-Hunt, an American entrepreneur and decorated veteran of the Battle of Belleau Wood, Ms. Leigh-Hunt was born on April 1, 1930 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a suburb of Paris. She bore the burden of April Fools with grace.” — see entire obituary

Henry Leigh Hunt with daughters Jessie (standing) and Alexandra. circa 1930 -Alexandra Leigh-Hunt Collection

Having won the Prince Pierre of Monaco Literary Award in 1955, Alexandra’s mother, Louise de Vilmorin, was invited to cover the 1956 wedding of  TTSSHH Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, in Monaco for Marie Claire Magazine.

She had recommended her former husband, globe trotting adventurer and Las Vegas property magnate Henry Leigh Hunt, to be Honorary Consul of Monaco in Las Vegas.  He had been appointed by Rainer III and confirmed by President Dwight Eisenhower in January, 1956, becoming the first Consul of Monaco and thereby opening the first consulate ever in Nevada.

Consul Jonathan Warren and Alexandra Leigh Hunt, Sag Harbor, Aug. 2013 Consulate of Monaco Collection

Alexandra was also the granddaughter of International empire builder Leigh S. J. Hunt, who first envisioned the Las Vegas Strip and attracted its first investors.

Consul Jonathan Warren was fortunate to have had the opportunity to have interviewed Ms. Leigh-Hunt, by her generous invitation in August of 2013, in Sag Harbor New York.  The interview provided critical information and photos which will be published in an article  in Las Vegas this spring.  A book will follow.

We at the Consulate were saddened to hear of the passing of Alexandra Leigh-Hunt.  Our condolences to the many family and friends mourning her loss and remembering her long and interesting life.