Catalina Micaela of Spain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Catherine Michaela |
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Portrait by Sofonisba Anguissola
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| Duchess consort of Savoy | |
| Tenure | 18 March 1585 – 6 November 1597 |
| Born | 10 October 1567 Madrid, Spain |
| Died | 6 November 1597 (aged 30) Turin, Italy |
| Burial | Turin Cathedral |
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| Issue Detail |
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| House | Habsburg |
| Father | Philip II, King of Spain |
| Mother | Elisabeth of Valois |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Catherine Michaela of Spain (Spanish: Catalina Micaela de Austria) was a Spanish princess born on October 10, 1567. She became the Duchess of Savoy when she married Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy. She was known for her intelligence and often helped rule the Duchy of Savoy when her husband was away. She was the younger daughter of Philip II of Spain, a powerful king, and Elisabeth of Valois, a French princess.
Early Life of a Princess
Catherine Michaela was the daughter of Philip II of Spain, who ruled a huge empire, and his third wife, Elisabeth of Valois. She was described as beautiful and very smart. She knew she came from a very important family.
Even though her father, King Philip II, was not as excited about her birth as he was about her older sister, Isabella Clara Eugenia, Catherine Michaela had a good relationship with him. They wrote letters to each other throughout her life.
She was very close to her sister, Isabella. They grew up together and were cared for by special ladies-in-waiting. Their grandmother, Catherine de' Medici, who was a powerful queen in France, received regular updates about Catherine and her sister. She even had their portraits sent to her. Catherine Michaela was likely named after her famous grandmother.
Becoming the Duchess of Savoy
Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy, wanted to marry Catherine Michaela. He hoped this marriage would help him get support from Spain. He wanted to expand his territory, especially along the coast of France.
Their wedding took place in Zaragoza, Spain, on March 11, 1585. The couple then traveled to Turin, the capital of Savoy, arriving on August 10, 1585.
When Catherine Michaela first arrived in Turin, some people did not like her. She seemed a bit proud and tried to bring Spanish customs and fancy clothes to the court. However, she soon earned respect. She was very skilled in politics and diplomacy. She used these skills to protect Savoy's independence from Spain. For example, she politely refused Spain's offer to send Spanish soldiers to Turin.
Catherine Michaela was said to have a big influence on her husband, Charles Emmanuel I. She helped him become a better ruler. She also acted as regent several times. This meant she ruled Savoy when the Duke was away fighting wars, like during a military campaign in 1594. She also helped the arts and culture in Savoy. She supported new buildings, including an art gallery. Because of her influence, her sons were sent to Spain for their education.
Catherine Michaela died young in 1597, after having many children. Her death is believed to have saddened her elderly father, King Philip II, who passed away the following year.
Her Children
Catherine Michaela and Charles Emmanuel I had ten children together in just eleven years of marriage:
- Philip Emmanuel, Prince of Piedmont (1586–1605)
- Victor Amadeus (1587–1637)
- Emanuel Filibert of Savoy (1588–1624), who became the Spanish Viceroy of Sicily.
- Margaret (1589–1655), who married a duke from Mantua.
- Isabella (1591–1626), who married a duke from Modena.
- Maurice (1593–1657), who became a cardinal in the Catholic Church.
- Maria Apollonia (1594–1656), who became a nun.
- Francesca Caterina (1595–1640), who also became a nun.
- Thomas Francis, Prince of Carignano (1596–1656), who started an important branch of the House of Savoy.
- Giovanna (born and died 1597)
See also
In Spanish: Catalina Micaela de Austria para niños
