Francesca Alessandra Azais des Comtes Tatistscheff was born in Gubbio, Italy, on November 26, 1942. Dame of Honour and Devotion of the Order of Malta, she holds Italian nationality and is the widow of Lieutenant General Sandro Azais, who was decorated as a Grand Officer of the Order pro Merito Melitense with Swords, Knight of Magistral Grace, and former Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the Republic of Seychelles. She has been awarded the Cross with Shield of the Order pro Merito Melitensi. She is the mother of Alessandro Azais Tatistscheff, a businessman and Knight of the Order pro Merito Melitense, who is married and father of four children.

Since 2019, she has served as Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the Republic of Seychelles, having presented her credentials that same year. Prior to that, between 2005 and 2019, she held the positions of Chargé d’Affaires a.i. and subsequently Minister Counsellor at the same diplomatic mission.

Throughout her diplomatic and cultural career, Ambassador Azais has played a key role in the cultural and institutional life of Seychelles. She was a member of the former Home Children’s Foundation and was a founding member of the Seychelles Association of Friends of the Botanical Garden. She contributed as a consultant to the establishment of the new National History Museum and supported the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the first landing on the islands. She has also served as a consultant for Francophone initiatives.

Her artistic talent has been recognized at the highest levels: between 2007 and 2009, she was commissioned by the Presidency to paint 44 portraits of historical figures and former governors as part of the restoration of the State House.

From 1990 to 1999, she worked as an interior designer, collaborating with renowned architects such as Mongiardino, Perego, and Piero Pinto. She decorated residences for prestigious clients including Gucci, Galtrucco, Versace, and Mancone. Her works can be found in prestigious private collections, including Buckingham Palace, the White House, and the Vatican.

Between 1970 and 1999, she carried out high-level representational duties alongside her husband and was also devoted to the education of their son.

Earlier in her career, from 1968 to 1970, she served as Promotions Delegate for Samsonite in Brussels, responsible for developing a Europe-wide sales and distribution network.

Ambassador Azais holds a diploma in piano from the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome and completed her studies at the French Châteaubriant School in Rome.

She is fluent in French and English, and has knowledge of German and Creole.