Maria Francisca, Duchess of Coimbra: A Royal Figure in Greek History
Early Life and Lineage
Maria Francisca Isabel Josefa Antónia Gertrudes Rita Joana was born on May 28, 1914, in Lausanne, Switzerland, into the Portuguese Royal Family. She was the great-granddaughter of Queen Maria II of Portugal and King Ferdinand II. Her father, Miguel, Duke of Braganza, was a claimant to the Portuguese throne, while her mother, Princess Maria Teresa of Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg, was a German noblewoman.
Claim to the Portuguese Throne
As a descendant of King Miguel I of Portugal, Maria Francisca was a potential heir to the Portuguese throne. However, the Portuguese monarchy was abolished in 1910, and her father's claim was unrecognized by the Portuguese government.
Marriage and Family
In 1949, Maria Francisca married Prince Christoph of Greece and Denmark, the youngest son of King George I of Greece. The couple had five children: * Princess Alexandra of Greece and Denmark (born 1950) * Prince Pavlos of Greece (born 1951) * Prince Nikolaos of Greece (born 1953) * Princess Theodora of Greece (born 1956) * Prince Philippos of Greece (born 1964)
Royal Family of Greece
The Greek Royal Family is a branch of the Danish Royal Family, which originated from the House of Glücksburg. Maria Francisca's marriage to Prince Christoph connected her to one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious royal families.
Later Life and Legacy
Maria Francisca and her family lived in Greece for many years. They participated in official royal events and supported various charitable organizations. In 1967, a military coup led to the overthrow of the Greek monarchy, and the Royal Family went into exile in London.
Annual Leave
In 1973, Maria Francisca and her husband moved to King's Lynn, Norfolk, England, where they remained for the rest of their lives. They often returned to Greece to visit family and attend royal events. Maria Francisca, Duchess of Coimbra, passed away on December 15, 1968, at the age of 54. She is remembered as a beloved member of the Portuguese and Greek Royal Families, and her legacy continues to inspire people today.
Komentar