Margarita de Cardona facts for kids
Margarida Folc de Cardona i Requesens (born 1535, died 1581) was an important Spanish court official. She worked as a lady-in-waiting for Empress Maria of Habsburg. This was from 1548 until 1581. Margarida had a powerful role in the Empress's court. Her letters to her husband and daughter, Anna von Dietrichstein, teach us a lot. They show us how royal families lived and worked.
Early Life and Role at Court
Margarida de Cardona was born in 1535. Her father was the Spanish noble Antonio Folc de Cardona y Enriquez. Her mother was Maria de Requesens, who passed away in 1577.
Margarida became a maid of honor to Princess Maria. This happened before Maria married Maximilian. In 1551, Margarida traveled with Maria to Austria.
Marriage and Family
In 1554, Margarida married a German diplomat. His name was Adam von Dietrichstein. He was also a court official. Margarida and Adam had thirteen children together.
Margarida's mother served Empress Maria too. She was the chief-lady-in-waiting from 1554 to 1577. After her marriage, Margarida herself became a lady-in-waiting. Her husband was a chamberlain for Maximilian.
Margarida and Adam were part of a close group. This group included Maria de Lara and Wratislav von Pernstein. They were all very Catholic. Empress Maria preferred these courtiers in Austria.
Travels and Influence
In 1563, Margarida went to Spain. She traveled with her husband. He was chosen to be the governor for Maria's sons, Rudolf and Ernst.
In 1570, Margarida received an important task. She had to organize the household of the new Queen of Spain. This was Anna of Austria.
Margarida's own daughters and sisters worked for Queen Anna. They were all ladies-in-waiting. This shows how much influence a lady-in-waiting could have. They could help get people appointed to court jobs.
In 1573, Margarida returned to Austria. She continued her work as a lady-in-waiting for Empress Maria. When Empress Maria became a widow, Margarida went back to Spain with her. Margarida de Cardona passed away in Spain in 1581.
See also
In Spanish: Margarida de Cardona para niños
