Princess Henriette Adelaide of Savoy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Henriette Adelaide of Savoy |
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| Electress consort of Bavaria | |||||
| Tenure | 27 September 1651 – 13 June 1676 | ||||
| Born | 6 November 1636 Castello del Valentino, Turin, Savoy |
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| Died | 13 June 1676 (aged 39) Nymphenburg Palace, Munich |
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| House | Savoy | ||||
| Father | Victor Amadeus I, Duke of Savoy | ||||
| Mother | Christine of France | ||||
| Religion | Roman Catholicism | ||||
Henriette Adelaide of Savoy (born Enrichetta Adelaide Maria; November 6, 1636 – June 13, 1676) was a powerful princess. She became the Electress of Bavaria when she married Ferdinand Maria, Elector of Bavaria. An Electress was like a queen for a special state called an Electorate. Henriette Adelaide had a big impact on Bavaria. She worked with her husband to make life better for the people.
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Early Life as a Princess in Savoy
Henriette Adelaide was born in Turin, Italy, at the Castello del Valentino. She was one of two twin girls. Sadly, her twin sister, Princess Catherine Beatrice, died when she was very young.
Henriette Adelaide was only one year old when her father, Victor Amadeus I, Duke of Savoy, passed away. Her mother, Christine of France, then became the ruler of Savoy. She ruled for Henriette Adelaide's younger brothers, Francis Hyacinth, Duke of Savoy and later Charles Emmanuel II, Duke of Savoy.
Family Challenges and a Civil War
Henriette Adelaide's mother, Christine, faced challenges from her husband's brothers. These uncles, Prince Maurice of Savoy and Thomas Francis, Prince of Carignano, wanted to take control. They were not happy with Christine and her French friends.
When her older brother Francis Hyacinth died, the uncles started a war. This was called the Piedmontese Civil War. People who supported the uncles were called "principisti." Those who supported Christine were called "madamisti." With help from her own brother, King Louis XIII of France, Christine won the war. She kept her power as regent.
Becoming the Electress of Bavaria
On December 8, 1650, Henriette Adelaide married Ferdinand Maria, Elector of Bavaria. He was the future ruler of Bavaria. The very next year, he became the Elector after his father, Maximilian I, Elector of Bavaria, died. This made Henriette Adelaide the Electress.
Bavaria's Connection to France
Henriette Adelaide had a strong influence on Bavaria's dealings with other countries. She especially favored France, because her mother was from the French royal family. This led to Bavaria and France becoming allies. They worked together against Austria, another powerful country.
One important result of this alliance was a marriage. Henriette Adelaide's oldest daughter, Maria Anna, married her cousin, Louis, the Dauphin of France. This marriage happened in 1680. The Dauphin was the heir to the French throne.
Building and Culture in Bavaria
Henriette Adelaide played a big part in designing and building important places in Munich. These included the beautiful Nymphenburg Palace and the grand Theatine Church.
She also brought many talented Italian artists to Munich. She introduced Italian opera to the Bavarian court. This made Munich a more artistic and cultural city.
Henriette Adelaide died in Munich in 1676. She was buried in the Theatine Church. She and her husband built this church to celebrate the birth of their son, Maximilian II Emanuel, Elector of Bavaria. He was the long-awaited heir to Bavaria.
Henriette Adelaide's Children
Henriette Adelaide and Ferdinand Maria had several children:
- Maria Anna Victoria of Bavaria (1660–1690): She married Louis, the Dauphin of France. The current King of Spain is a descendant of hers.
- Maximilian II Emanuel, Elector of Bavaria (1662–1726): He became the Elector of Bavaria. He married twice and had children from both marriages.
- Luise Margarete Antonie of Bavaria (1663–1665): She died when she was very young.
- Ludwig Amadeus Victor of Bavaria (1665–1665): He also died as a baby.
- Stillborn son (1666).
- Kajetan Maria Franz of Bavaria (1670–1670): He died as a baby.
- Joseph Clemens of Bavaria (1671–1723): He became an Elector and Archbishop of Cologne, a very important church leader.
- Violante Beatrix of Bavaria (1673–1731): She married Ferdinando de' Medici, who was the Grand Prince of Tuscany.
See also
In Spanish: Enriqueta Adelaida de Saboya para niños
