Agustín Fernando Muñoz y Sánchez, 1st Duke of Riánsares facts for kids
Agustín Fernando Muñoz y Sánchez (born May 4, 1808 – died September 11, 1873) was an important figure in Spanish history. He became the second husband of Maria Christina, who was the Queen Regent of Spain. A Queen Regent rules a country when the true monarch is too young or unable to rule. Agustín Muñoz was given several important titles, including the 1st Duke of Riánsares.
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Early Life of Agustín Muñoz
Agustín Muñoz was born in a town called Tarancón in New Castile, Spain. This was in the Province of Cuenca. He was the second son of Juan Antonio Muñoz y Funes and Eusebia Maria Sánchez y Ortega. His father worked for the government, managing a shop that sold tobacco.
Marriage to the Queen Regent
Agustín Muñoz joined the royal bodyguard, a special group of soldiers who protect the royal family. There, he met Maria Christina, who was the Queen Regent of Spain. She was the widow of King Ferdinand VII of Spain.
King Ferdinand VII died on September 28, 1833. Not long after, on December 29, 1833, Maria Christina and Agustín Muñoz were secretly married.
If Maria Christina had made her marriage public, she would have lost her position as Regent. However, many people at the Spanish court knew about their relationship. In 1840, Maria Christina decided to give up her role as Regent. She then left Spain with Agustín Muñoz. They later bought a home in France called the Château de Malmaison. In 1843, they were able to return to Spain.
Public Recognition of the Marriage
In 1844, Maria Christina's daughter, Queen Isabella II, was old enough to rule on her own. On June 23, 1844, Queen Isabella II gave Agustín Muñoz the title of Duke of Riánsares. This title also made him a Grandee of Spain, which was a very high honor. The title came from a river near his hometown.
Later, on October 12, 1844, Queen Isabella II officially approved her mother's marriage to Agustín Muñoz. This meant their marriage was now public and recognized by everyone. In 1846, Queen Isabella II made Muñoz a Knight of the Golden Fleece, another important award. He also received a second title, Marquis of San Agustín.
Agustín Muñoz was also promoted to Captain General, which is the highest rank in the Spanish Army. In 1847, the King of France, Louis Philippe, gave Muñoz the title Duke of Montmorot. He also gave him the Grand Cross of the Légion d'honneur, a famous French award.
Agustín Muñoz was known for being kind and polite. He also became very wealthy through investments in railways and the stock market. He did not seem to be interested in politics.
Agustín Muñoz passed away in 1873 in France. He is buried in the crypt of the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Riánsares, near his birthplace.
Children
Agustín Muñoz and Maria Christina had several children together:
- María Amparo Muñoz, 1st Countess of Vista Alegre (1834–1864)
- Maria de los Milagros Muñoz, 1st Marchioness of Castillejo (1835–1903)
- Agustín Muñoz, 1st Duke of Tarancón (1837–1855)
- Fernando Muñoz, 2nd Duke of Tarancón and Riansares (1838–1910)
- María Cristina Muñoz, Marchioness of La Isabella (1840–1921)
- Juan Muñoz, Count of Recuerdo (1841–1863)
- Antonio Muñoz y de Borbón (1842–1847)
- José Muñoz, Count of Gracia (1843–1863)
See also
In Spanish: Agustín Fernando Muñoz y Sánchez para niños
