Mercedes of Orléans facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mercedes of Orléans |
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Photograph of Mercedes of Orléans
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| Queen consort of Spain | |||||
| Tenure | 23 January 1878 – 26 June 1878 | ||||
| Born | 24 June 1860 Palacio Real, Madrid, Spain |
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| Died | 26 June 1878 (aged 18) Palacio Real, Madrid, Spain |
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| Burial | Cathedral of la Almudena | ||||
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| House | Orléans | ||||
| Father | Antoine d'Orléans, Duke of Montpensier | ||||
| Mother | Infanta Luisa Fernanda of Spain | ||||
| Religion | Roman Catholic | ||||
María de las Mercedes of Orléans (born June 24, 1860 – died June 26, 1878) was a Spanish princess who became the Queen of Spain. She was the first wife of King Alfonso XII. Mercedes was born in Madrid. Her parents were Antoine of Orléans, Duke of Montpensier, and Infanta Luisa Fernanda of Spain.
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Early Life of Queen Mercedes
María de las Mercedes was born at the Palacio Real in Madrid. This happened on June 24, 1860. She was the sixth of nine children born to her parents. Her father, Antoine, Duke of Montpensier, was a French duke. Her mother, Luisa Fernanda, was a Spanish princess.
Mercedes' godparents were her aunt, Queen Isabella II, and her uncle, King Francis. At her christening, she received many names. She was given the names: María de las Mercedes Isabel Francisca de Asís Antonia Luisa Fernanda Felipa Amalia Cristina Francisca de Paula Ramona Rita Cayetana Manuela Juana Josefa Joaquina Ana Rafaela Filomena Teresa Santísima Trinidad Gaspara Melchora Baltasara et omni sancti.
Even though her father was French, Mercedes was also a Spanish princess. She spent her first eight years living in Spain. Her childhood home was the Palace of San Telmo in Andalusia. Her father sometimes had disagreements with the royal court in Madrid. This was because people thought he wanted to become king himself.
Marriage and Time as Queen
In 1868, Queen Isabella II was removed from power. Because of this, Mercedes' family had to leave Spain and live in exile. It was during this time, in 1872, that she met her cousin, Alfonso, Prince of Asturias. He was also living in exile.
Queen Isabella II did not want Mercedes and Alfonso to marry. This was because Mercedes' father and the former queen had many disagreements. However, when Alfonso became king, he chose to marry María de las Mercedes.
They were married at the church of Atocha in Madrid. The wedding took place on January 23, 1878. Before the wedding, there was a very large ball in December 1877. King Alfonso's choice of Mercedes surprised some. His mother, Queen Isabella, had hoped he would marry Infanta Blanca de Borbón.
Queen Mercedes also helped with a big project. She supported building a new church after the old Church of Santa María de la Almudena was torn down in 1868.
Queen Mercedes' Early Death
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Soon after their wedding, Queen Mercedes became very ill. It became clear that she had typhoid fever. Her marriage to King Alfonso lasted only six months. During this time, she also had a miscarriage.
Queen Mercedes passed away from the fever on June 26, 1878. She was only 18 years old.
Legacy of Queen Mercedes
The news of her death made many people sad. It inspired many folk songs. One of the most famous is a copla (a type of Spanish song). This song has many versions in Spain and other countries. It became very popular with children, who would sing it while playing skipping rope.
A famous writer, Benito Pérez Galdós, heard the song shortly after her death. The song goes: “¿Dónde vas Alfonso XII? ¿Dónde vas triste de ti? Voy en busca de Mercedes que ayer tarde no la vi…” This means: "Where are you going, Alfonso XII? Where are you going, sad man?—I'm going in search of Mercedes whom I did not see yesterday afternoon..."
A film about the love story between María de las Mercedes and Alfonso XII was made in 1958. It was called Where Are You Going, Alfonso XII?.
Queen Mercedes helped start the building of the Cathedral of la Almudena in Madrid. This cathedral is right across from the royal palace. Construction began in 1883. In May 2004, Felipe, Prince of Asturias, was married there.
On November 8, 2000, Queen Mercedes' remains were moved to the Almudena Cathedral. This was done to follow her husband's wishes.
A town in the northern Philippine province of Isabela was named Reina Mercedes. This happened in 1886 to honor her.
After Mercedes died, King Alfonso's minister suggested he marry again. Alfonso agreed. He later married Archduchess Maria Christina of Austria-Teschen. Their first child, the Princess of Asturias, was named in honor of Queen Mercedes.
Images for kids
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Royal cypher
See also
In Spanish: María de las Mercedes de Orleans para niños
