Aleksandra Ilava was born in 1928 to Zledin Ilava and Anica Ský, both from Hurbanova. In 1941, the Royal Family of Brunant fled to Lovia during the Nazi German invasion. Her father was asked to build a house in Hurbanova for the exiled Royals. Prince Marten, the future King Marten II, met Aleksandra and fell in love with her. In 1949, she came to Brunant and in 1950 she married him.