Maria Manuela, Princess of Portugal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maria Manuela |
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| Princess of Portugal, Princess of Asturias | |
Portrait by Antonis Mor
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| Duchess consort of Milan | |
| Tenure | 12 November 1543 - 12 July 1545 |
| Born | 15 October 1527 Coimbra |
| Died | 12 July 1545 (aged 17) Valladolid |
| Burial | El Escorial |
| Spouse | |
| Issue | Carlos, Prince of Asturias |
| House | Aviz |
| Father | John III of Portugal |
| Mother | Catherine of Austria |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Dona Maria Manuela (born October 15, 1527 – died July 12, 1545) was a princess from Portugal. She was the oldest daughter of King John III of Portugal and Queen Catherine of Austria.
Maria Manuela became the Princess of Asturias and Duchess of Milan when she married Philip II of Spain. She was also the Princess of Portugal, meaning she was expected to inherit the Portuguese throne between 1527 and 1535.
Early Life of Maria Manuela
Maria Manuela was born in Coimbra, Portugal, on October 15, 1527. She was one of only two children of King John III who lived past childhood.
When she was young, Maria received a special education. This type of education was common for princesses during her time. It focused on subjects like history, languages, and the arts.
Marriage and Family
Maria Manuela married her double cousin, Philip II of Spain, on November 12, 1543. The wedding took place in Salamanca, Spain.
Philip was the heir apparent to the Spanish throne. This meant he was next in line to become king of Spain. Maria was also a princess of Portugal, known as an Infanta. Because of their royal status, their wedding was very grand.
Many writers from that time described the journey to the wedding. They wrote about the luxurious gifts Maria received. The wedding was one of the most remarkable events in Spanish history due to its amazing display of wealth.
Maria Manuela gave birth to her son, Carlos, on July 8, 1545. He was born in Valladolid, Spain. Sadly, Maria died just four days later, on July 12, 1545. She passed away due to heavy bleeding after childbirth.
She was first buried in the Royal Chapel of Granada. Later, her body was moved to the Royal Crypt of the Monastery of El Escorial. This is a special burial place for Spanish royalty.
