Anna of Austria, Queen of Spain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anna of Austria |
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Portrait by Alonso Sánchez Coello, c. 1571
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| Queen consort of Spain | |
| Tenure | 4 May 1570 – 26 October 1580 |
| Queen consort of Portugal | |
| Tenure | 12 September 1580 – 26 October 1580 |
| Born | 2 November 1549 Cigales, Spain |
| Died | 26 October 1580 (aged 30) Badajoz, Spain |
| Burial | El Escorial |
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| Issue Detail |
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| House | Habsburg |
| Father | Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor |
| Mother | Maria of Austria |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Anna of Austria (born November 2, 1549 – died October 26, 1580) was a powerful queen. She became the Queen of Spain by marrying her uncle, King Philip II of Spain. For a short time before she died, she was also the Queen of Portugal.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Anna was the oldest daughter of Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor. Her mother was Maria of Spain. Her parents were first cousins.
Anna was born in Spain. This was during the rule of her grandfather, Emperor Charles V. When she was four, her family moved to Vienna, Austria. Anna was said to be her father's favorite child. Stories say he loved playing games and gambling with her. Once, an important meeting in Hungary was even put off because Anna was sick! She received a good Catholic education.
A Royal Marriage
As the eldest daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor, Anna was a popular choice for marriage. Many royal families in Europe wanted her to marry into their family. Her parents hoped a Spanish marriage would make the Austrian and Spanish Habsburg families stronger.
At first, Anna was considered for her cousin, Don Carlos, Prince of Asturias. He was the only son of her uncle, Philip II of Spain. But these plans changed when Don Carlos died in 1568.
Later that same year, Philip's third wife, Elisabeth of Valois, died. She passed away after giving birth. This meant Philip was a widower with two young daughters. He needed to remarry to have a male heir (a son to inherit the throne). So, plans for a Spanish marriage for Anna came back.
Engagement and Journey
In February 1569, Anna's engagement to her uncle Philip II was announced. They were married by proxy (meaning someone stood in for the groom) in May 1570.
Anna traveled from Austria to Spain in the fall of 1570. Her brothers, Albert and Wenceslaus, came with her. She sailed along the English Channel. Elizabeth I, the Queen of England, sent her admirals to offer help and safe passage.
Anna also traveled through the Netherlands. There, she met friends and family of Floris of Montigny. Floris had been in prison in Spain since 1567. His family hoped that with the new queen, he might be set free. Anna promised to try her best to help him. Sadly, she was not successful. Floris was secretly put to death just before Anna arrived in Spain.
Queen of Spain
When Anna arrived in Spain, she got a new royal household. It was led by Margarita de Cardona. Margarita was an experienced lady-in-waiting. She had worked for Anna's mother before.
Queen Anna was described as lively and cheerful. She helped make the Spanish court less strict. Anna spent most of her time doing needlework.
A Happy Marriage
Anna and Philip's marriage was described as happy. Anna was reportedly Philip's most beloved wife. Diplomats at the time said the king was truly in love with his young bride. There are no records of Philip having other relationships during their marriage.
Anna had a personality very much like Philip's. He was very devoted to her. Philip was a hardworking king. He kept in touch with Anna twice a week by sending notes. He also visited her room up to three times a day.
Anna gave birth to five children. Four of them were sons. The first three sons died before Philip. Her youngest son eventually became King Philip III. Anna was also a good stepmother to Philip's daughters, Isabella Clara Eugenia and Catherine Michelle.
Later Life and Death
In 1580, Anna was in Badajoz, Spain. The royal court was there because Philip II was trying to claim the throne of Portugal. Anna died there from influenza (the flu). This was eight months after she gave birth to her last child, Maria. Maria died less than three years after her mother.
Anna was first buried in Badajoz. Later, her body was moved to El Escorial, a grand royal palace and monastery.
Children
Anna and Philip II had five children:
- Ferdinand, Prince of Asturias (December 4, 1571 – October 18, 1578).
- Carlos Lorenzo (August 12, 1573 – June 30, 1575).
- Diego, Prince of Asturias (August 15, 1575 – November 21, 1582).
- Philip III of Spain (April 3, 1578 – March 31, 1621). He was the only child to live to adulthood and became king after his father.
- Maria (February 14, 1580 – August 5, 1583).
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Anna of Austria, Queen of Spain
Born: 1 November 1549 Died: 26 October 1580 |
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| Royal titles | ||
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| Vacant
Title last held by
Elisabeth of France |
Queen consort of Spain 1570–1580 |
Vacant
Title next held by
Margaret of Austria |
| Vacant
Title last held by
Catherine of Austria |
Queen consort of Portugal 1580 |
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See also
In Spanish: Ana de Austria (reina de España) para niños
