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Maria AmeliaPrincess of Orleans, wife of King Carlos I of Portugal
Date of Birth: 28.09.1865
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life
- Marriage to King Carlos I
- Reign as Queen Consort
- Political Turmoil and Assassination
- Exile and Return
- Later Years and Death
- Legacy
Early Life
Born in exile in the United Kingdom as the daughter of Louis-Philippe, Count of Paris, and Maria Isabella of Orléans, Princess Amélie spent her early years in France. After the Franco-Prussian War, she returned to her homeland in 1871.
Marriage to King Carlos I
On May 22, 1886, Amélie married Prince Carlos of Portugal, born on the same day as her. Carlos was the eldest son of King Luís I and the heir apparent to the Portuguese throne. The couple had three children: Luís Filipe (1887-1908), Duke of Braganza; Maria Anna (1887); and Manuel II (1889-1932).
Reign as Queen Consort
In October 1889, Carlos succeeded his father as King of Portugal, alongside Amélie as Queen Consort. She actively engaged in social and cultural affairs, establishing the Institute for Shipwrecked Assistance (1892), the Royal Coach Museum (1905), and the National Tuberculosis Aid (1909).
Political Turmoil and Assassination
As the 20th century dawned, Portugal faced political instability. King Carlos's popularity waned amidst allegations of financial misconduct. Rivalry intensified between the Braganza and Saxe-Coburg-Gotha dynasties. On February 1, 1908, as Amélie and her family returned from a vacation in France, republican terrorists opened fire on their carriage. King Carlos and Luís Filipe were killed instantly, while Manuel II was wounded.
Exile and Return
Following the tragedy, Amélie withdrew to the Pena Palace in Sintra. The republican movement gained momentum, ultimately leading to the declaration of the Portuguese Republic on October 5, 1910. The royal family was forced to leave the country.
Later Years and Death
Amélie found refuge in the United Kingdom with her brother. After Manuel II's marriage, she moved to France, where she spent the majority of her later years. She passed away in her Bellevue Palace in 1951.
Legacy
Queen Amélie is remembered as the last Queen Consort of Portugal. Her social work and cultural contributions left a lasting impact on the country. She remained an important figure for the deposed Braganza dynasty, even after the proclamation of the republic. Her visit to Portugal in 1945 marked a reconciliation between the two royal branches.
