Beatrice of Portugal, Duchess of Savoy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Beatrice of Portugal
Duchess consort of Savoy
Tenure	29 September 1521 – 8 January 1538
Countess of Asti
Reign	3 April 1531 – 8 January 1538
Predecessor	Charles V
Successor	Emmanuel Philibert
Born	31 December 1504 Lisbon, Portugal
Died	8 January 1538 (aged 33) Nice, Savoy
Spouse	Charles III, Duke of Savoy
Issue	Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy
House	Aviz (by birth) Savoy (by marriage)
Father	Manuel I of Portugal
Mother	Maria of Aragon

Beatrice of Portugal was a princess from Portugal. She was born on December 31, 1504, and passed away on January 8, 1538. When she married Charles III, Duke of Savoy, she became the Duchess of Savoy. She also ruled the area known as the County of Asti from 1531 until her death.

Life of Beatrice of Portugal

Beatrice was the second daughter of Manuel I of Portugal. He was the King of Portugal. Her mother was Maria of Aragon. Beatrice had several brothers and sisters. Her siblings included King John III of Portugal and Isabella, Holy Roman Empress. Beatrice received her education under the care of her governess, Elvira de Mendoza.

Marriage to Charles III of Savoy

On September 29, 1521, Beatrice married Duke Charles III, Duke of Savoy. The wedding took place in Villefranche-sur-Mer. Charles had become the Duke of Savoy in 1504. This meant that Beatrice became the Duchess of Savoy right after her wedding.

People described Beatrice as beautiful, smart, and determined. In 1531, she received the County of Asti as a special gift. This gift came from her cousin, Emperor Charles V. When Beatrice passed away, her son inherited Asti. It then became a permanent part of the lands belonging to the House of Savoy.

Life as Duchess

In 1534, Beatrice welcomed Christina of Denmark. Christina was traveling to marry the Duke of Milan. She was also under the care of Beatrice's brother-in-law, the Emperor.

After Christina's husband died in 1535, a plan was suggested. Count Stampa from Milan thought Christina should marry Beatrice's oldest son, Louis. This marriage would help protect Milan from the Emperor's control. Beatrice liked this idea. When Louis died, she suggested her next son could marry Christina instead. However, this plan did not happen.

In April 1536, French forces took over Savoy. Beatrice had to flee with two of her children. She also brought the Shroud of Turin from Chambéry. She found safety with Christina in Milan. In May, Beatrice visited the Emperor with Christina in Pavia. But this meeting did not lead to any political help. Beatrice then stayed as a guest with Christina in Milan. They were good friends.

In November 1537, Beatrice traveled to meet the Emperor again. She was escorted by an Imperial official. This meeting in Genoa also did not bring any results. She then continued her journey to Nice. There, she was reunited with her husband. Beatrice passed away in Nice in January 1538.

Children of Beatrice and Charles III

Beatrice and Charles III had nine children together. Sadly, most of them did not live to be adults.

• Adrian Jordan Amadeus, Prince of Piedmont (born November 19, 1522 – died January 10, 1523).
• Louis, Prince of Piedmont (born December 4, 1523 – died November 25, 1536).
• Emmanuel Philibert (born July 8, 1528 – died August 30, 1580). He was born in Chambéry and died in Turin. He was their only child who survived to adulthood. He later became the Duke of Savoy.
• Catherine (born November 25, 1529 – died May 1536).
• Marie (born June 12, 1530 – died 1531).
• Isabella (born May 1532 – died September 24, 1533).
• Emmanuel (born and died May 1533).
• Emmanuel (born and died May 1534).
• Gianmaria (born December 3, 1537 – died January 8, 1538).

After the death of Sebastian of Portugal, who had no children, Beatrice's son, Emmanuel Philibert, tried to claim the throne of Portugal. Sebastian was Beatrice's grand-nephew. However, Emmanuel Philibert was not successful. The throne was given to Philip, who was Isabella's son.

See also

• Descendants of Manuel I of Portugal

Images for kids

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  This painting shows Portuguese ships, including the famous Santa Catarina do Monte Sinai. It shows the journey of Princess Beatrice to Savoy in 1521.