Maria Luisa Gabriella of Savoy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maria Luisa Gabriella of Savoy |
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Portrait by Juan García de Miranda
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| Queen consort of Spain | |||||
| Tenure | 2 November 1701 – 14 February 1714 | ||||
| Born | 17 September 1688 Royal Palace of Turin, Savoy |
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| Died | 14 February 1714 (aged 25) Royal Alcazar of Madrid, Spain |
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| Burial | El Escorial | ||||
| Spouse | Philip V of Spain | ||||
| Issue Detail |
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| House | Savoy | ||||
| Father | Victor Amadeus II, Duke of Savoy | ||||
| Mother | Anne Marie d'Orléans | ||||
Maria Luisa Gabriella of Savoy (born September 17, 1688 – died February 14, 1714) was known as La Savoyana. She became the Queen of Spain when she married King Philip V. She was a regent for her husband from 1702 to 1703. She also gave important political advice during the War of the Spanish Succession. People in Spain loved her because she was very effective and helpful.
Contents
Early Life
Growing Up
Maria Luisa Gabriella was born on September 17, 1688. Her birthplace was the Royal Palace of Turin in Savoy. She was the third daughter of Victor Amadeus II, Duke of Savoy. Her mother was Anne Marie of Orléans. Maria Luisa Gabriella was described as smart and fun-loving. She received an excellent education. She was very close to her older sister, Maria Adelaide. Her sister later married Louis, Duke of Burgundy, who was the grandson of King Louis XIV.
Her Engagement
A French prince, Philippe, Duke of Anjou, became the King of Spain. This happened after his great-uncle, Charles II of Spain, died without children. To make his rule stronger, Philip V decided to marry Maria Luisa Gabriella. She was his second cousin. They were married by proxy on September 12, 1701. This was just five days before her thirteenth birthday.
She arrived in Nice on September 18. Pope Clement XI greeted her there. He gave her the Golden Rose as a special gift. A week later, she sailed from Nice to Antibes. From there, she traveled to Barcelona.
Becoming Queen of Spain
The official wedding took place on November 2, 1701. King Philip V was deeply in love with his new wife. The French ambassador told King Louis XIV that Philip would be guided by his Queen. Louis XIV then warned his grandson not to let his wife control him too much.
The young Queen was very mature for her age. She was good at politics and worked hard. People in Spain praised her for her leadership. She was seen as someone who gave King Philip V the energy he needed. This was especially true when he had to fight in wars.
Leading During Wartime
In 1702, King Philip V had to leave Spain. He went to fight in Naples during the War of Spanish Succession. Maria Luisa Gabriella was only 14 years old. She acted as regent from Madrid while he was away. She made sure all complaints were looked into. She ordered reports to be sent directly to her. She worked for many hours with ministers.
She met with ambassadors. She tried to stop Savoy from joining the enemy, but this did not work. However, she helped reorganize the Junta. She also encouraged nobles and cities to donate money for the war. In 1715, Philip V was recognized as King of Spain. He kept most of Spain's colonial lands. But he gave up some territories in Italy. He also gave up his right to the French throne.
Court Life and Influence
Marie Anne de La Trémoille, Princess des Ursins, was a lady-in-waiting to the Queen. She had a lot of influence over Maria Luisa Gabriella. She was the Camarera mayor de Palacio, the Queen's chief lady-in-waiting. The Princess was almost always with the Queen. She went with her everywhere outside her private rooms. She even sat by her side during council meetings. She also controlled who could see the Queen.
Because King Philip V shared a bedroom with Maria Luisa Gabriella, the Princess gained great influence over him too. In 1704, King Louis XIV ordered the Princess to be sent away. This made the King and Queen very sad. But in 1705, the Princess returned to Madrid. The Queen was very happy to have her back.
Her Final Years
Towards the end of her life, Maria Luisa Gabriella became sick. She had tuberculosis. She died in the Royal Alcazar of Madrid on February 14, 1714. She was 25 years old. The Queen was buried at San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
Just months after her death, her husband remarried. On September 16, 1714, he married Elisabeth Farnese by proxy. She was the heiress of the Duke of Parma. Maria Luisa Gabriella's niece, Princess Maria Luisa, was named after her.
Her Children
Maria Luisa Gabriella and Philip V of Spain had four children. Two of them lived past infancy:
- Louis (born August 25, 1707 – died August 31, 1724): He became King of Spain after his father. He married Louise Élisabeth d'Orléans.
- Philip (born July 2, 1709 – died July 18, 1709): He died as a baby.
- Philip (born June 7, 1712 – died December 29, 1719): He died as a child.
- Ferdinand (born September 23, 1713 – died August 10, 1759): He became King of Spain after his brother. He married Infanta Maria Barbara of Portugal.
None of her children had children of their own. So, Maria Luisa Gabriella of Savoy has no direct descendants today.
See also
In Spanish: María Luisa Gabriela de Saboya para niños
