Moniek Bloks's Blog, page 128

Maria Josepha of Bavaria – The second choice (Part one)

Maria Josepha of Bavaria was born in Munich on 20 March 1739 as the daughter of the future Charles VII, Holy Roman Emperor and Maria Amalia of Austria. She was the youngest of seven children, though two of her siblings did not live to adulthood. The relationship between her parents is difficult to pinpoint. Charles Albert’s biographer wrote that he “lived with his wife in a very happy manner”, but the same can probably not be said for Maria Amalia. He wrote of her that she “knew how to adapt herself to his temperament.”1 Based on individual reports from the court, it appears that Charles Albert sometimes beat his wife, tore out clumps of her hair and that these episodes sometimes took place in the public sphere of the court in Munich.2

In 1740, her mother’s uncle Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor, died at the age of 55. Maria Amalia had renounced her claim to the Austrian lands upon her marriage, and per the Pragmatic Sanction 1713 (which gave Charles VI’s daughters precedence over Maria Amalia and her elder sister), her cousin Maria Theresa succeeded him. Nevertheless, not all parties were in agreement, and the War of the Austrian Succession broke out – with Maria Josepha’s father also claiming the succession. After coming to an agreement with King Augustus III of Poland, the husband of her mother’s elder sister Maria Josepha who had a stronger claim, Charles Albert successfully invaded Bohemia.

Subsequently, her mother was crowned Queen (consort) of Bohemia in Prague on 7 December 1741. Charles Albert also managed to get elected as Holy Roman Emperor in 1742, and they both received imperial coronations in Frankfurt on 12 and 14 February 1742, respectively. However, Maria Theresa did not quite give up so easily, and Austria occupied Bavaria, bleeding it dry. With Bavaria’s fortunes so suddenly turned, her father was now an Emperor without land, and he remained exiled in Frankfurt. He also did not succeed in having Maria Josepha’s eldest brother elected as King of the Romans as his heir, and he was widely mocked with the Latin saying et Caesar et nihil, meaning “both Emperor and nothing.”

In October 1744, Charles Albert managed to regain Munich, and he was able to return home. But it turned out that he went home to die. Already suffering from gout, he died on 20 January 1745 at the age of 47. Maria Josepha’s brother eventually made peace with their mother’s cousin Maria Theresa upon his mother’s advice, and Maria Theresa’s husband Francis was elected as Holy Roman Emperor. Maria Josepha was only five years old when her father died, and her mother followed in death ten years later.

Maria Josepha would remain unmarried until 1765, but she did make a rather grand match. The future Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor, had been widowed in 1763. His first wife had been Isabella of Parma. He had initially been quite reluctant to remarry, but he had just one surviving daughter with Isabella, and tragically the little girl would die at the age of 7 in 1770. He was eventually persuaded to remarry, and several candidates were put forward. He even asked after Isabella’s younger sister Maria Luisa of Parma, but she was promised to the King of Spain. Another possibility was Maria Kunigunde of Saxony, whom he found “utterly devoid of what might be called charms.”3 She became the Princess Abbess of Thorn. On his return journey from seeing Maria Kunigunde, he went to see “the Bavarian” or Maria Josepha. He wrote of her, “Her twenty-six years; the fact that she has not had smallpox, a disease of which I have a frightful memory; a short, fat figure, no youthfulness; a common face; on it, some little pimples with red spots; bad teeth; all these things could hardly tempt me to return to a state in which I had enjoyed their opposite. I explained this to their Majesties and begged them to make up my mind for me in this difficult situation. After many prayers they had the goodness to tell me that the whole public, I cannot tell why, was in favour of the second [princess]; and that, since I was indifferent, they believed the Bavarian preferable…”4

Maria Josepha had a political advantage over Maria Kunigunde, but even Joseph’s mother, Maria Theresa, had her doubts. She wrote to her daughter Maria Christina, “The most bitter thing of all is that we have to pretend that we are happy and delighted.”5 The proxy wedding took place in Munich on 13 January 1765 and they were married in person at Schönbrunn on 25 January 1765. Unfortunately, the marriage was a disaster from the start – from both sides.

Part two coming soon.

The post Maria Josepha of Bavaria – The second choice (Part one) appeared first on History of Royal Women.

Marie Louise Coidavid – The Haitian Queen in exile (Part two)

Read part one here.

It would seem that the Queen would have a glorious reign. Queen Marie Louise Coidavid seemed to ensure a dynasty in Haiti. Her son, Victor Henri, would be the next King of Haiti. However, there would soon be political unrest. Nine years after she was crowned, she would be forced to spend the rest of her life in exile. Little did she know that she and her husband would be the only monarchs of Haiti. 

Now that she was Queen, Marie Louise had her own court.[1] They consisted of ladies-in-waiting and her own secretary. Her husband also created his own court that consisted of princes, dukes, counts, barons, and chevaliers.[2]On Thursday evenings, the King and Queen held royal protocol.[3] All of the ceremonies were orderly and dignified.[4] Afterwards, there were balls. The King loved quadrilles and stately minuets.[5] These balls often pleased the Queen.[6] However, the foreigners that lived in Haiti found these royal balls and ceremonies ridiculous. They created a song that mocked the King and Queen:

“Know the land where the orange and lime

Mingle and grow; and it’s acidulous sweets

Are absorbed by the people in titles sublime

As observed when amorous Marmalade Duke meets Her grace, Lemonade.”[7]

King Henri was not always faithful to Queen Marie Louise.[8] He had several mistresses.[9] He was also very insecure because he saw the threats from France that wanted to invade his Kingdom. He completed Dessalines’ unfinished fortress and made it the greatest fortress in the new world called Citadel Laferriere.[10] He executed anyone who dared to oppose him. They included many freed slaves and those with mixed African and Caucasian backgrounds.[11] He erected many monuments to himself.[12] He also built a magnificent cathedral, which was Queen Marie Louise’s favourite building.[13] King Henri was in charge of the Crown Prince’s education. Queen Marie Louise hired female teachers to instruct her daughters.[14] They were accomplished in music, dancing, and painting.[15] King Henri set up schools around his Kingdom and hired foreign teachers.[16] He also paved roads and established forts.[17] He even established a legal system named Code Henri.[18]

Even though the Kingdom was prosperous, the people hated King Henri.[19] They called him “A bas le Roi.”[20] He tried to get the people to like him by working overtime. He worked so hard that he went into a coma.[21] He finally realized that he was so hated that the people wanted his death and would destroy all that he had built.[22] Thus, King Henri knew that the end was near and became depressed.[23] Fearing that he would be assassinated, King Henri committed suicide by shooting himself on 8 June 1820.[24] Queen Marie Louise was nominated as regent with her son Victor Henri as King of Haiti. However, the regency never came to be because, ten days later, a mob stormed the palace. Crown Prince Victor Henri was assassinated on 18 October 1820.[25] Queen Marie Louise and her daughters managed to escape to England.[26]

They were to remain in exile for thirty years, and they would never see Haiti again.[27] Throughout their years in exile, they would travel through London, Salzburg, Rome, and finally settled in Pisa.[28] Even though Marie Louise was a queen and her daughters were princesses, they were shunned by European society because of their skin colour.[29] Queen Marie Louise never remarried, nor did her daughters ever marry because no respectable European man wanted them because of their dark skin.[30] Thus, they became tourists travelling from one place to another.[31] When they finally settled in Pisa, Queen Marie Louise attended their chapels and formed a connection with the Monastery of the Capuchins.[32] She took care of the poor. Queen Marie Louise was happy in Pisa because it had a Catholic population.[33] 

Her daughter, Athénaïs, died in 1831. Françoise-Améthyste died in 1839 after she fell in the resort town of Stresa.[34] Her funeral was held at San Sepolcro, and her body was interred in Capella San Donnino.[35] The grief-stricken Queen went to Torino requesting for the President of Haiti to give her a safe passage back to Haiti.[36] Nothing came about, so she moved back to Pisa, where she spent her remaining years. She continued attending chapel services and building chapels. Sometimes, she received her two friends, the Claphams, whom she met in exile.[37] They did not call her Queen but “Madam Christophe”.[38] Queen Marie Louise died on 11 March 1851 at the age of seventy-two. She was buried in the Monastery of the Capuchins cemetery in Pisa, Italy. Her epitaph reads:

“Here repose mortal remains

[of] M[arie]-Louise widow of Henri I, deceased King of Haiti

Who having experienced one sort of fortune and another

Presented [herself] equably to prosperity and to adversity

A woman adorned with every Christian and social virtue,

A compassionate and generous donor to the poor,

Who sustained with a strong spirit

The loss of her husband and two sons in her country

And also that of her two daughters [during] retirement of Pisa.

She suffered mordant pain caused by dry gangrene in her left foot, to which

She patiently submitted herself to an amputation.

The final assault was repeated peri-pneumonia,

Comforted by the aid of religion,

[She] ceased to live on 11 March 1851 at age 72 and 10 months,

Greatly longing to be buried in this chapel

That she caused to be built after the death of her oldest daughter.”[39]

Queen Marie Louise Coidavid went from a poor, unremarkable life as an innkeeper’s daughter to the heights of power because of her ambitious husband. His ambition and arrogance, however, caused tragedy and sorrow. He committed suicide, and his son was assassinated. Queen Marie Louise Coidavid lived the rest of her life in Europe, enduring the death of her two remaining daughters. It appears that later in her life, the exiled Queen attempted to redeem herself through her involvement with the Catholic Church by building chapels and donating to the poor.

Sources:

Benson, L. (2014). A Queen in Diaspora: The Sorrowful Exile of Queen Marie-Louise Christophe (1778, Ouanaminth, Haiti–11 March, 1851, Pisa, Italy). Journal of Haitian Studies, 20(2), 90–101. http://www.jstor.org/stable/24340368.

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2021, 4 October). Henry Christophe. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/....

Waterman, C. E. (1935). Carib Queens. Boston: Bruce Humphries Inc. pp. 95-158. http://faculty.webster.edu/corbetre/h....

[1] Waterman, p. 128

[2] Waterman, p. 128; “Henry Christophe” para. 5

[3] Waterman, p. 129

[4] Waterman, p. 129

[5] Waterman, p. 130

[6] Waterman, p. 130

[7] Waterman, p. 131

[8] Benson, p. 91

[9] Benson, p. 91

[10] Waterman, p. 120; “Henry Christophe” para. 5

[11] Benson, p. 91; Waterman, p. 126

[12] Waterman, p. 122

[13] Waterman, p. 124

[14] Waterman, p. 136

[15] Waterman, p. 136

[16] Waterman, p. 136

[17] Waterman, p. 154

[18] Waterman, p. 134

[19] Waterman, p. 154

[20] Waterman, p. 154

[21] Waterman, p. 154

[22] Waterman, p. 154

[23] Waterman, p. 154

[24] Waterman, p. 155; “Henri Christophe”, para. 5

[25] Waterman, p. 157

[26] Waterman, p. 157; Benson, p. 90

[27] Benson, p. 90; Waterman, p. 158

[28] Benson, pp. 95-96

[29] Benson, p. 91

[30] Benson, p. 91

[31] Benson, p. 91

[32] Benson, p. 97

[33] Benson, p. 97

[34] Benson, p. 97

[35] Benson, p. 97

[36] Benson, p. 97

[37] Benson, p. 97

[38] Benson, p. 92

[39] Benson, p. 98

The post Marie Louise Coidavid – The Haitian Queen in exile (Part two) appeared first on History of Royal Women.

Marie Louise Coidavid – Haiti’s only Queen (Part one)

Queen Marie Louise Coidavid was Haiti’s only Queen. She was born into a free black family. Her future as the Queen of Haiti seemed unlikely until there was a political upheaval in the colony. In 1791, there was a slave rebellion. Her future husband joined the uprisings and rose to prominence. Thus, Marie Louise, an innkeeper’s daughter, found herself on the unlikely throne when her husband proclaimed her Queen. This article tells the story of a rebellion and the beginning of a new era.

Queen Marie Louise Coidavid was born in Cap Francois on 8 May 1778.[1] Her father, Coidovic, was a free black man. He ran an inn called Hotel de la Couronne.[2] Her mother was a free black woman. Thus, Marie Louise was a free woman.[3] They lived in a house outside the inn.[4] Marie Louise grew up a devout Catholic. [5]Because Coidovic did not have an education, he sent his daughter to schools where she could be accomplished in music and painting.[6] As Marie Louise grew older, she began to mingle with both black and white people. She loved to hear stories from older women of various colours.[7] As a result, her education was not just in schools but through the stories the older women would tell.[8] Marie Louise was well-grounded in history and understood the historical context of her island.[9]

When Marie Louise Coidavid was still a girl, a twelve-year-old boy entered their household. [10]He was born on the island of St. Kitts. He was bought by a French naval officer, and the sailors called him Christophe because of the island where he was born.[11] When the French naval officer had no use for him, he was sold to Coidovic. Marie Louise and Christophe immediately became friends.[12] As they grew older, they fell in love with each other.[13] She often read him history books. One day when Marie Louise was reading a book on English history, Christophe decided to have two names (a first and last name) like the English.[14] His name would be Henri because he was born in an English colony.[15] He would make Christophe his last name.[16] Marie Louise desired her lover to be a free man. She dreamed of a revolution where he could make his place on the island. She told Henri, “There may be a revolution. A black kingdom may take the place of a white one.” [17]

Henri later bought his freedom and became engaged to Marie Louise.[18] Before they could get married, there was a slave uprising in 1791. The two were ecstatic about the rebellion, and Henri joined the rebels in 1793.[19] He was eventually promoted to general under François-Dominique Toussaint L’Ouverture.[20] He was put in charge of Cap Francois. He built a splendid mansion in the city and married Marie Louise.[21] The two newlyweds revelled in their new fortunes, and Henri became more arrogant.[22] During those few years, the Christophes lived in peace and happiness.[23] Marie Louise gave birth to Francois Ferdinand in 1794, but he died shortly after birth. She then gave birth to two daughters, Françoise-Améthyste and Athénaïs. In 1804, she bore a son named Victor Henri. In June 1803, L’Ouverture was captured by Napoleon Bonaparte’s men, and he was deported to France. This did not deter the rebels, and they gained their independence in 1804.[24] Haiti was known as the first black republic in the West. The leader of the republics was the Frenchmen Jean Jacques Dessalines.[25]

Henri was very unhappy with the new leader. In 1806, Henri and his comrade general, Alexandre Petion, teamed up to overthrow Dessalines.[26] Both men were ambitious, and each wanted to be the new leader. They had a brief but bitter rift between each other.[27] In February 1807, they came to a truce. Haiti would be divided. Henri would rule the North and Petion the South. [28]Henri was not satisfied with merely being a President. On 26 March 1811, Henri proclaimed himself King of Haiti.[29] Marie Louise was now Queen. Their son, Victor Henri, became Crown Prince. They built their palace in Milot and named it Sans Souci.[30]  In June 1811, Henri and Marie Louise held their coronation.[31]The new King and Queen were excited to begin their new reign.

Even though the rebellion ended, there was still political unrest. At the time the new rulers were crowned, they did not know that their reign would only last nine years. Their happiness would only be short-lived. They would be the only monarchs of the Kingdom of Haiti. 

Part two coming soon.

Sources:

Benson, L. (2014). A Queen in Diaspora: The Sorrowful Exile of Queen Marie-Louise Christophe (1778, Ouanaminth, Haiti–11 March, 1851, Pisa, Italy). Journal of Haitian Studies, 20(2), 90–101. http://www.jstor.org/stable/24340368.

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2021, 4 October). Henry Christophe. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/....

Waterman, C. E. (1935). Carib Queens. Boston: Bruce Humphries Inc. pp. 95-158. http://faculty.webster.edu/corbetre/h....

[1] Waterman, p. 95

[2] Waterman, p. 95; Benson, p. 90

[3] Waterman, p. 95

[4] Waterman, p. 98

[5] Benson, p. 97

[6] Waterman, p. 98

[7] Waterman, p. 99

[8] Waterman, p. 99

[9] Waterman, p. 99

[10] Waterman, p. 101

[11] Waterman, p. 101

[12] Waterman, p. 102

[13] Waterman, p. 102

[14] Waterman, p. 103

[15] Waterman, p. 103

[16] Waterman, p. 103

[17] Waterman, p. 105

[18] Waterman, p. 106

[19] “Henry Christophe” para. 3

[20] “Henry Christophe” para. 3

[21] Waterman, p. 108

[22] Waterman, p. 109

[23] Waterman, p. 109

[24] “Henry Christophe” para. 3

[25] “Henry Christophe” para 3

[26] “Henry Christophe” para. 3

[27] “Henry Christophe” para. 4

[28] “Henry Christophe” para. 4

[29] “Henry Christophe” para. 5

[30] Waterman, p. 120

[31] Waterman, p. 127

The post Marie Louise Coidavid – Haiti’s only Queen (Part one) appeared first on History of Royal Women.

Zhongli Chun – The Ugly Queen

Queen Zhongli Chun (also known as Zhong Wuyan) is one of China’s most popular and recognizable historical figures. Queen Zhongli Chun was known to be one of the four ugliest women in Chinese history. Unattractive and a spinster until 40 years old, she made an unlikely candidate for Queen consort. Yet, despite her looks, she was clever and resourceful. She gave her king sage advice on how to be an excellent ruler. The king respected her and did as she advised. Because of her, Qi became a powerful state.

Queen Zhongli Chun was born sometime in the fourth-century B.C.E during the Warring States period.[1] The Warring States period was a time when the seven states of China (Qin, Chu, Zhao, Wei, Han, Yan, and Qi) declared independence from the ruling Zhou dynasty and warred with each other.[2] Queen Zhongli Chun was from the city of Wuyan in the state of Qi.[3] Little is known about her parents or her early life. She was reportedly known to be the ugliest woman in China, and no woman could look any uglier than her.[4] This is what historians have described of her appearance:

“She had a massive forehead and deeply sunken eyes, large fingers with long joints, a turned up nose and a throat that sounded like it was made from knots. The nape of her neck was thick; she had little hair; she was bent at the waist and her bosom protruded; and her skin was like varnish.”[5]

She was reportedly so unattractive that no man wanted to marry her, and she remained a spinster.[6] Despite her drawbacks, Zhongli Chun was a clever woman. She was also an excellent magician. When she was 40 years old, she learned of King Xuan of Qi’s interest in the occult.[7] She made her way to the palace to ask the king to marry her.[8] When King Xuan learned that an ugly woman was at his gates requesting him to marry her, he was amused and sent her in for an audience.[9] 

Zhongli Chun attracted his attention by claiming that she knew how to make herself invisible.[10] King Xuan was startled when she used her magic tricks to disappear in front of the king.[11] This intrigued King Xuan that he summoned her the next day, asking how she performed the magic trick. However, Zhongli Chun did not explain her disappearance to King Xuan.[12] Instead, she gave him sound advice on how to strengthen his kingdom. She told him that there were four dangers ahead of him. The first danger was that he had corrupt internal administrators running his kingdom, and his borders were surrounded by powerful neighbouring states.[13] The second danger was that King Xuan was burdening his own people with his lavish lifestyle.[14] The third danger was that the people in his court were only flatterers and did not want to give him any constructive advice.[15] The fourth danger was his own licentiousness.[16]

King Xuan was deeply impressed with Zhongli Chun’s advice.[17] From that day on, he deeply respected her. He made Zhongli Chun his queen. King Xuan followed her wise counsel and made many reforms.[18] Because of Queen Zhongli Chun, Qi became secure.[19] King Xuan strengthened the economy and military.[20] He also repaired the capital’s gates and chose an heir apparent.[21] We do not know when Queen Zhongli Chun died, but she remained loved by her people. She was attributed the phrase, “Having seen our noble lord, our hearts are full of joy.” [22]

Her eulogy reads:

“The woman of Wuyan

Sought and addressed King Xuan of Qi

She distinguished the four dangers,

And declared the state chaotic and troubled.

King Xuan followed her advice,

And opened his four gates.

He established an heir apparent,

And honored the Lady of Wuyan.”[23]

Queen Zhongli Chun remains a popular icon in Chinese media. There have been many movies and television shows about her. Some television shows include My Fair Lady starring Fann Wong as Zhongli Chun, and the more recent The Ugly Queen, whom she is portrayed by Hao Wen Ting. There is even a television show that reimagines her life in modern times called Zhong Wu Yan. In this series, famous actress Cheryl Yang portrays the infamous queen. There is also a recent movie about her called Zhong Wuyan the Queen, where she is portrayed by Fang Cheng Cheng. Therefore, despite her homely appearance, Queen Zhongli Chun found a home in the hearts of her king and people.

Sources:

Chen, Xirui (2019). “The Ideology and Significance of the Legalists School and the School of Diplomacy in the Warring States Period” 4th International Conference on Modern Management, Education Technology and Social Science (MMETSS 2019). Atlantis Press.

Cook, C. (2015). Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women: Antiquity Through Sui, 1600 B.C.E. – 618 C.E (L. X. H. Lee, Ed.; A. D. Stefanowska, Ed.; S. Wiles, Ed.). NY: Routledge.

Wang, Robin (2003). Images of Women in Chinese Thought and Culture: Writings from the Pre-Qin Period through the Song Dynasty. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company.

Xiang, Liu, and Anne Behnke Kinney (2014). Exemplary Women of Early China: the Lienu Zhuan of Liu Xiang. NY: Columbia University Press.

[1] Cook, p. 95

[2] Chen, p. 593

[3]Xiang & Kinney, p. 123

[4] Xiang & Kinney, p. 123

[5] Wang, p. 157

[6] Wang, p. 157

[7] Cook, p. 95

[8] Cook, p. 95

[9] Cook, p. 95

[10] Cook, p. 95

[11] Cook, p. 95

[12] Cook, p. 95

[13]Xiang & Kinney, p. 125

[14] Cook, p. 95

[15] Wang, pp. 158-159

[16] Cook, p. 95

[17] Xiang & Kinney, p. 125

[18] Cook, p. 95

[19]Xiang &  Kinney, p. 125

[20] Cook, p. 95

[21] Cook, p. 95

[22] Xiang & Kinney, p. 125

[23] Xiang & Kinney, pp.125-126

The post Zhongli Chun – The Ugly Queen appeared first on History of Royal Women.

Early life at home for Danish sisters Alix and Minnie before becoming Queen Alexandra and Empress Marie Feodorovna (Part two)

*contains affiliate links*

This is a guest post by James-Charles Noonan.

Read part one here.

Alix and Minnie’s father was born Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glucksburg and in royal circles, he was known simply as Glucksburg. As a minor prince, he was penniless and totally without prospects, but his family had origins in the two coveted independent states, as well as distant claims to the Danish throne.  His future wife, Louise, was a princess of Hesse-Kassel.

Although the Glucksburgs were now next in line for the Danish throne, they still lived a very middle-class lifestyle. Both Christian and Louise assumed responsibility for educating their children. Louise was proficient in languages. She spoke five modern languages perfectly and passed her linguistic successes on to her children. She also read Latin and could understand a bit of classical Greek, something at the time only men of means had been exposed to. She had a talent for painting and drawing and a wide grasp of art history. Louise was also an expert in music, particularly the piano. The Glucksburg children mastered all these accomplishments.

Christian took charge of physical exercise, particularly fencing, horsemanship, shooting, fishing, gymnastics, and boating. In winters, the family enjoyed ice skating parties at Bernstorff. Alix preferred skating to all other sports. Minnie preferred summer sport – especially riding horses with her father. By age ten, she could rival him in their daily afternoon rides. For skating parties, the girls would bake doughnuts in the morning, keeping them warm in the coals of the fire until the party was finally ready to eat. Then they would dunk their doughnuts into hot beer punch, soaking them through before eating them.

Through it all, simplicity and hard work continued to reign in the Glucksburg home. Louise kept the household accounts. The girls sewed their own clothing and waited on the table when the maids had their day off. They also did laundry when the staff was busy elsewhere.

(public domain)

Throughout their childhood, Alix and Minnie shared a room on the third floor of the Yellow Palace and another in the attics at Bernstorff. Such economies did not disturb Alix. However, Minnie continually dreamed of more glamorous days ahead. By the time they moved full-time to Bernstorff, Frederik was nine, Alix was eight, Willie was seven, and Minnie was five. They each had impressive winter and summer clothes for Sundays and for when they may be called to court. But otherwise, each child had two additional sets of clothes for daywear, nothing more.

Clothes were passed down from one child to the next as in ordinary families. Boots were highly valued and well-cared for because of their cost. They created their own dresses based on Parisian patterns found in magazines family members occasionally sent them. The girls mended the undergarments for the entire family. Their move to Bernstorff brought new horizons for the family, but austerity still endured.

The girls even helped with cooking. They quickly mastered the Danish breakfast favourite Øllebrød – a mixture of day-old black bread boiled in dark beer and poured over brown sugar with heavy cream. Later, when in far off London and Saint Petersburg, the two girls would crave this old family favourite and make it themselves in cavernous kitchens of palatial homes. In summers, when the fruit from the orchards and berry patches ripened, Louise taught her oldest daughters to make Rødgrød with red berries and other red fruits. They would boil the berries, then add flour, sugar and cream and serve it warm.

Their mother was tall and stately with upright posture and a bit Germanic in her demeanour – which is to say quite domineering at home. Crown Princess Louise was determined to secure a prosperous future for her children. As life began to improve, Christian was able to build up his stables behind the Yellow Palace, and the couple purchased a custom phaeton, the first carriage they would personally own. They had it emblazoned with their new coat of arms, proudly confirming their new status as members of the Danish Royal House. Crown Prince and Princess Christian, as the Glucksburg couple were now known, were full-fledged Danish royalty, which meant they belonged to that magical club whose members were addressed as “your royal highness.” With it came entrée across Europe.

As the children became teenagers, the Danes realized just how beautiful the oldest Glucksburg daughter was. In many ways, Alix was most like her mother. She certainly had Louise’s beauty – in fact, she surpassed it – and she also possessed her mother’s calming mannerisms. Alix had a balanced temperament, with few airs or ambitions. She embodied a natural simplicity. She had a delightful ease of interacting with everyone regardless of class or rank, but at times she did possess a stubborn streak.

Minnie, three years younger, was the epitome of high-spirited fun and mischief.  She would sew the pockets of her brothers’ trousers closed so when they would reach in to put a small treasure inside; they could not. Minnie would also make special dishes for them, knowing she had heavily laced her concoctions with salt. She once found a mouse in her bedroom just before bedtime and quickly placed it inside Alix’s pillow, waiting in the dark for her sister to scream when the rodent began to move.

When Alix was fourteen, she told Minnie the King was coming to call on their mother. This meant the children would have to quickly bathe and change into their finest clothes. Taking a bath in those days was not an easy process. Water had to be heated and carried to the bathroom three floors above the kitchens. In her excitement, Minnie hadn’t noticed that Alix never bothered to change into her best dress. Of course, King Frederik never came. Alix sat with her needlepoint near the window, waiting patiently for Minnie to return. At first, Minnie thought the King had been delayed until she realized their mother was not home, and none of the servants were scurrying about in preparation as they should.  Alix said nothing; she merely enjoyed putting Minnie through her paces.

This sense of fun would continue during various times of their adult lives, including later at Sandringham in the United Kingdom and in the palaces of Saint Petersburg. Alix & Minnie: A Royal Trilogy tells dozens of stories of the raucous humour of these two magnificent women and their families.

Alix & Minnie: A Royal Trilogy is the newest royal biography to be published and one of the largest royal histories to date. It is the story of two sisters who rose out of obscurity to eventually sit upon the two greatest thrones during Europe’s Golden Age of Royalty. This is the story of Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom, who was the great-grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II, and her effervescent sister, Empress Marie of Russia, who was the mother of the ill-fated Tsar Nicholas II and grandmother to the famous Grand Duchess Anastasia. It is written in as close to novel style as possible so as to bring this captivating story to all readers – not just royal history buffs.

The author, James-Charles Noonan, is a noted historian, author, and protocol expert who spent eight years exploring the exciting lives of these sisters and their families. Noonan’s books are available exclusively from Amazon as a three-book history.

The post Early life at home for Danish sisters Alix and Minnie before becoming Queen Alexandra and Empress Marie Feodorovna (Part two) appeared first on History of Royal Women.

Two Danish sisters who rose from obscurity to become Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom and Empress Marie Feodorovna of Russia (Part one)

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This is a guest post by James-Charles Noonan.

This is the story of Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom, who was the great-grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II, and her effervescent sister, Empress Marie of Russia, who was the mother of the ill-fated Tsar Nicholas II and grandmother to the famous Grand Duchess Anastasia. Alix and Minnie – as the sisters were known within the family – began their lives in obscurity but also within a loving and humorous family. Their captivating tale spans the years 1843-1929.

Although born into a titled family of solid royal stock, Alix and Minnie’s family origins were quite humble. As Glucksburgs, they possessed genuine titles and had wealthy relations, but their own family finances were modest. The sisters didn’t live the type of grand lives during their childhood in Denmark that would later mark them both as queens.

Their mother Louise, although a princess of royal blood, was forced by the circumstances of her marriage to sew her daughters’ clothes. These same daughters cleaned the home given to them by the king of Denmark since a large staff was impossible for the family to afford. The king’s gift of a new home was a blessing for the Glucksburgs. Christian did not have the means to establish himself and his family in grand style.

Neither Alix nor Minnie entertained hopes for prestigious marriages. The best possibility for either girl seemed to be a marriage with Danish officers who possessed noble family names. At that time, no marriageable royals from abroad ever turned their eyes toward Denmark, and few even knew of the existence of the Glucksburg children.

No one could imagine Alix and Minnie would one day win the two greatest thrones in Europe. Despite their beauty, it was not until political changes in Denmark moved their father close to the throne that anyone actually took note of the two young girls. There were princesses by the score from far more prestigious families waiting for their opportunity to seize a crown through marriage. Once Alix and Minnie’s father became heir to the Danish throne, however, every European monarch quickly viewed the two prettiest princesses on the continent as potential wives for their sons.

Denmark in the mid-nineteenth century was peaceful – at least on the surface – but it suffered from political malaise brought on by national poverty, from a heavy war indemnity imposed by the victorious powers following the Napoleonic Wars. Two decades had passed, but Denmark was still crippled by the debt, and its agricultural economy had been totally stalled.

At the same time, a new political crisis was at hand. The Oldenburg family, which had ruled Denmark since the middle of the fifteenth century, was dying off. The ruling king, Christian VIII, had only one son and no prospects in his advanced age of producing others. His only child, Prince Frederik, had always been a problem. He married and divorced twice without producing an heir. He favoured the delights of Parisian dancers and prostitutes and kept several as mistresses. It’s believed he also suffered from syphilis and was not even capable of fathering a child.

Europe was watching, particularly Germany, as the German states (especially Prussia) had designs on two border territories which Denmark controlled. Technically these two territories, Schleswig and Holstein, were fully independent states. If Frederik lived to succeed his father and did not produce a royal heir, there would be no Oldenburg to become the next king. If this were to happen, a succession crisis would ensue, which could lead to a European war. Prussia would likely use the pretext of an empty throne to seize the two territories outright. This looming crisis and how it was eventually resolved brought Alix and Minnie to the world stage.

Both girls were born in Copenhagen, but technically they were not Danes. Like so many of Europe’s royal houses, their family was actually German. Their father was born Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glucksburg. In royal circles, he was known simply as Glucksburg. As a minor prince, he was penniless and totally without prospects, but his family had origins in the two coveted independent states, as well as distant claims to the Danish throne. His future wife, Louise, was a princess of Hesse-Kassel.

Both Louise and Christian were Danish in their sympathies, just as much as they were in their devotion to Denmark. Since both were related to Christian VIII and because the king despised his profligate son, the king directed his affections to the young couple, who, in time, he came to regard as the saviours of his dynasty. But these sentiments were still in the future, as Glucksburg’s marriage to Louise was yet to come.

Prince Christian would go on to marry Louise of Hesse-Kassel, and they would produce six children. The two oldest daughters were Alix and Minnie. The two oldest boys were Freddy and Willy, both destined to sit upon thrones of their own (Denmark and Greece). The two youngest siblings also lived intriguing lives to be sure. Alix & Minnie: A Royal Trilogy explores all of their colourful lives, as it does the drama that transpired within the royal families of Great Britain, Russia, and beyond.

Part two coming soon.

Alix & Minnie: A Royal Trilogy is the newest royal biography to be published and one of the largest royal histories to date. It is the story of two sisters who rose out of obscurity to eventually sit upon the two greatest thrones during Europe’s Golden Age of Royalty. This is the story of Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom, who was the great-grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II, and her effervescent sister, Empress Marie of Russia, who was the mother of the ill-fated Tsar Nicholas II and grandmother to the famous Grand Duchess Anastasia.

The author, James-Charles Noonan, is a noted historian, author, and protocol expert who spent eight years exploring the exciting lives of these sisters and their families. Noonan’s trilogy is available exclusively from Amazon as a three-book history.

The post Two Danish sisters who rose from obscurity to become Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom and Empress Marie Feodorovna of Russia (Part one) appeared first on History of Royal Women.

Wang Wengxu – The mournful Empress

Empress Wang Wengxu’s short life showed that the tragic events were beyond her control. She was sold into the crown prince’s household. She was hardworking and very talented. However, she became a victim of political intrigue. Her story shows that she was indeed “The Mournful Empress”[1]. Yet, not all of her efforts were in vain. She would give birth to Emperor Xuan. He would honour his mother’s hardships by elevating her posthumously to the status of Empress.[2]

Empress Wang Wengxu was born around 109 B.C.E.[3] Her mother, Wang Ren, was from Zhu Commandery, and her father was Wang Naishi from Guangwang District.[4] She also had two brothers. Wang Wengxu’s family was poor and often struggled to make a living. When Wang Wengxu was nine, she was sent as a foster child to Liu Zhongqing, who was a distant imperial relative of the emperor.[5] She learned to sing and dance. She grew to be beautiful and intelligent.[6] 

When Wang Wengxu was fifteen, a merchant by the name of Jia Chang’er, came to Liu Zhongqing to buy singers and dancers.[7] Liu Zhongqing decided to choose six dancers, and one of them was Wang Wengxu.[8] When Wang Wengxu found out that she was going to be sold to Jia Chang’er, she fled home to her mother.[9] Yet, Liu Zhongqing followed her and lied to her parents that he would not sell her.[10] Her parents fell for his lies and sent her back. A few days later, Liu Zhongqing sold her to Jia Chang’er.[11] As they passed her home, she called out to her parents and told them about her situation. Her parents were heartbroken and were determined to buy her back.[12] They followed her to Lunu. Yet, they lost track of Wang Wengxu and could no longer find her.[13] They were forced to realize that their daughter would never be coming home.

Weng Wengxu arrived in Chang’an. She was sent to Liu Ju’s (the heir apparent) palace.[14] It was when she was dancing that Liu Ju’s son, Liu Jin, saw her and fell in love with her. Liu Jin was seventeen, and his mother was a concubine whose surname was Shi.[15] It was not long until they were married. She became the Consort of the Imperial Grandson.[16] In 91 B.C.E, she bore a son named Liu Bingyi (the future Emperor Xuan of Han). He quickly became known as the Imperial Great-Grandson.[17]

However, Consort Wang Wengxu’s happiness did not last long. A few months after her son was born, her father-in-law and Empress Wei Zifu were falsely accused of witchcraft.[18] Emperor Wu ordered a mass execution of Liu Ju’s household. They murdered everyone including Consort Wang Wengxu.[19] The only survivor was her son, who was saved by an official named Bing Ji.[20] Bing Ji took pity on the infant and protected him from the massacre.[21] Liu Bingyi ascended the throne in 74 B.C.E. and became Emperor Xuan. He elevated his deceased mother to the status of Empress. The title he gave her was “Mournful Empress”.[22] He also honoured Empress Wang Wengxu’s mother, who was still alive, by making her Lady Boping.[23] When Lady Boping died, she became Lady Sicheng.[24] 

Sources:

Xiaowen, W. (2015). Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women: Antiquity Through Sui, 1600 B.C.E. – 618 C.E (L. X. H. Lee, Ed.; A. D. Stefanowska, Ed.; S. Wiles, Ed.). NY: Routledge.

Fanzhong, F. (2015). Notable Women of China: Shang Dynasty to the Early Twentieth Century (B. B. Peterson, Ed.; C. Jun, Trans.). London: Routledge.

[1] Xiaowen, p. 206

[2] Xiaowen. P. 206

[3] Xiaowen, p. 205

[4] Fanzhong, p. 75; Xiaowen, p. 205

[5] Xiaowen, p. 205

[6] Fanzhong, p. 75

[7] Xiaowen, p. 205

[8] Fanzhong, p. 75

[9] Xiaowen, p. 205

[10] Xiaowen, p. 205

[11] Xiaowen, p. 205

[12] Fanzhong, p. 75

[13] Fanzhong, p. 75

[14] Xiaowen, p. 206

[15] Fanzhong, p. 76

[16] Xiaowen, p. 206

[17] Xiaowen, p. 206

[18] Xiaowen, p. 206

[19] Xiaowen, p. 206

[20] Xiaowen, p. 206

[21] Xiaowen, p. 206

[22] Xiaowen, p. 206

[23]Xiaowen, p. 206

[24] Xiaowen, p. 206

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Book review: Theophano: A Byzantine tale

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Empress Theophano came from humble origins and was originally named Anastasia. She was renowned for her great beauty, and the future Byzantine Emperor Romanos II fell in love with her and married her around the year 956. Her origins made her unpopular, and when her father-in-law Constantine VII died, it was rumoured that she had poisoned him. Theophano and Romanos went on to have at least three children together before Romanos’s untimely death in 963. Her two sons by Theophano succeeded him as co-Emperors with Theophano as regent.

To secure protection, Theophanu was quick to marry Nikephoros Phokas, who was proclaimed Emperor. However, he was killed in 969 in a conspiracy with his nephew, who became John I Tzimiskes. Theophano was rumoured to have been involved as well, and John proposed to marry her. However, her damaged reputation led to her eventual removal from court. She returned in 976 when her teenage sons took power, following John’s death. She died sometime after 978.

Theophano: A Byzantine Tale is not your ordinary book – it’s a graphic novel. This was certainly a new experience for me, and I have to say, I rather enjoyed it when I got into it. I imagine it isn’t easy to convey a story this way, and the author and illustrator certainly managed very well with gorgeous illustrations and a storyline that grabs you. Before I started reading this, I did not know much about Theophano’s story, so the twists and turns in the story were quite fun.

If you’re looking for a little step out of the regular historical sphere, this is the thing for you.

Theophano: A Byzantine tale is available now in the UK and the US.

 

 

The post Book review: Theophano: A Byzantine tale appeared first on History of Royal Women.

Princess Jieyou – How Han China was able to control the western regions

Princess Jieyou remains an influential and beloved figure in China. Her story is truly astonishing. It is no wonder why China has made a popular drama of her life called Princess Jieyou, starring Zhang Xinyi in the title role. Princess Jieyou was a Han princess who made a 3,000-mile journey to Wusun as part of a marital alliance. She was the replacement of Princess Xijun. Princess Jieyou was forced to marry three times for the well-being of her native homeland. Yet, she succeeded in building a dynasty in the Western regions.

Liu Jieyou was born in 121 B.C.E. She was from a disgraced branch of the imperial family.[1] Her grandfather, the Prince of Chu, was known for being involved in an incestuous relationship.[2] He also participated in the Rebellion of the Seven States. When the rebellion failed, he was forced to commit suicide in 154 B.C.E.[3] Since thirty-three years had passed between the Prince of Chu’s treason and Liu Jieyou’s birth, she escaped punishment.[4]

In order to protect Han China from being invaded by the Xiongnu (also known as the Huns in Western historical records), Emperor Wu allied himself with the Wusun kingdom (which was in modern-day Xinjiang).[5] He did this through a marriage alliance.[6] At first, he sent Princess Xijun to marry the King of Wusun.[7] Yet, when Princess Xijun died, Emperor Wu saw that it was imperative to continue the alliance with the Wusun kingdom.[8]

Emperor Wu chose Liu Jieyou to be her replacement.[9] In 87 B.C.E., Emperor Wu elevated Jieyou to the status of Princess. Then, she made the 3,000 mile trip to Wusun kingdom, taking with her silks and treasures, bodyguards, and servants.[10] One of these servants was Feng Liao, who would later prove to be a shrewd diplomat. She married Cenzou, King of Wusun and also the second husband of Princess Xijun.[11] Princess Jieyou was considerably younger than King Cenzou and outlived him.[12] 

Unlike her predecessor, Princess Jieyou did not protest when she had to marry Cenzou’s nephew, King Wengguimi.[13] He would be known in history as the “Fat King”.[14] King Wengguimi made his Xiongnu wife “The Lady of the Left”.[15] This was a more superior position than Princess Jieyou, who was made “The Lady of the Right”.[16] Even though she was of lesser status than “The Lady of the Left,” Princess Jieyou was still influential in politics.[17] Princess Jieyou became the unofficial ambassador between Han China and Wusun.[18] She repeatedly wrote to the emperor, asking for Han China to send troops to Wusun to protect them from the raiding Xiongnu.[19] Han China sent 150,000 troops led by five generals to defeat the Xiongnu.[20] In 71 B.C.E., they finally managed to achieve victory.[21] 

Princess Jieyou also made use of her maidservant, Feng Liao. Feng Liao was said to be very clever and was well-versed in the classics.[22] She was married to an aristocratic Wusun general. She often became an envoy for Princess Jieyou in the western region of Wusun.[23] She had also secured Princess Jieyou’s son the throne in 53 B.C.E. and strengthened Princess Jieyou’s grandson’s reign in 51 B.C.E.[24]

In 65 B.C.E., Princess Jieyou believed that her eldest son, Yanguimi, would succeed King Wengguimi.[25] She asked her husband for permission to write a letter to Han China asking them to send a princess to marry her son.[26] This would help strengthen the ties of Han China and Wusun. King Wengguimi agreed. Yet, before she could send her letter, King Wengguimi died. Princess Jieyou failed to make her son the King of Wusun.[27] Instead, the throne passed to Nimi, who was King Cenzou’s son by his Xiongnu wife. King Nimi would be known in history as the “Mad King”.[28]

In 64 B.C.E., King Nimi married Princess Jieyou. While historical records state that she had a son with King Nimi named Chimi, historians believe this statement is false.[29] This is because Princess Jieyou was 57 when she married King Nimi.[30] Princess Jieyou’s marriage with King Nimi was very unhappy, and he was very brutal.[31] Princess Jieyou tried to assassinate him at a banquet.[32] However, King Nimi escaped. Shortly afterwards, King Nimi was murdered by Wujiutu, who was Wengguimi’s son by his Xiongnu wife.[33] Wujiutu became King of Wusun. However, Feng Liao persuaded him to divide the Wusun territory.[34] Princess Jieyou’s son, Yanguimi, became the Greater King, while Wujiutu became the Lesser King.[35] King Yanguimi died of illness in 51 B.C.E.

In 51 B.C.E., Princess Jieyou asked the Han emperor if she could return to China.[36] She was 70.[37] She was homesick and wanted to die in her homeland. The emperor agreed. She returned to China as an imperial princess, bringing with her three grandchildren.[38] Princess Jieyou died in 49 B.C.E. Yet, Princess Jieyou’s legacy lives on.

Her descendants ruled the western regions and maintained good relationships with Han China. Princess Jieyou’s second son, Wannian, became king of the state of Suoju.[39] However, he turned out to be a bad king and was assassinated in 65 B.C.E.[40] Princess Jieyou’s elder daughter, Desi, married the King of Kucha (modern-day Qiuzi).[41] When their son, Chengde, ascended the throne, he believed himself to be a grandson of the Han dynasty.[42]  He established a close relationship with Han China between 32 to 1 B.C.E.[43] Thus, Princess Jieyou succeeded where her predecessor Princess Xijun did not. Through Princess Jieyou, Emperor Wu’s dreams of fostering a positive relationship between Han China and Wusun were realized.

Sources:

Jay, J. (2015). Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women: Antiquity Through Sui, 1600 B.C.E. – 618 C.E (L. X. H. Lee, Ed.; A. D. Stefanowska, Ed.; S. Wiles, Ed.). NY: Routledge.

Zhong, Y. & Peterson, B. (2015). Notable Women of China: Shang Dynasty to the Early Twentieth Century (B. B. Peterson, Ed.; W. Defang & F. Hong, Trans.). London: Routledge.

Rui, C. (2018). On the Ancient History of the Silk Road. Hackensack, New Jersey: World Scientific.

[1] Jay, p. 162

[2] Jay, p. 162

[3] Jay, pp. 162-163

[4] Jay, p. 163

[5] Peterson & Zhong, p. 69

[6] Peterson & Zhong, p. 69

[7] Peterson & Zhong, p. 69

[8] Peterson & Zhong, p. 69

[9] Peterson & Zhong, p. 69

[10] Peterson & Zhong,p. 69

[11] Peterson & Zhong, p. 69

[12] Peterson & Zhong, p. 69

[13] Jay, p. 163

[14] Jay, p. 163

[15] Jay, p. 163

[16] Jay, p. 163

[17] Jay, p. 163

[18] Jay, p. 163

[19] Rui, pp. 81-82

[20] Rui, p. 82

[21] Rui, p. 82

[22] Jay, p. 163

[23] Jay, p. 163

[24] Jay, p. 163

[25] Jay, p. 163

[26] Jay, p. 163

[27] Jay, p. 163

[28] Jay, p. 163

[29] Jay, p. 163

[30] Jay, p. 163

[31] Jay, p. 163

[32] Peterson & Zhong, pp. 70-71

[33] Jay, p. 163

[34] Jay, p. 163

[35] Jay, pp. 163-164

[36] Peterson & Zhong, p. 72

[37] Jay, p. 164

[38] Jay, p. 164

[39] Jay, p. 164

[40] Jay, p. 164

[41] Peterson 7 Zhong, p. 71

[42] Jay, p. 164

[43] Jay, p. 164

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Isabella of Parma – Visions of death (Part three)

Read part two here.

Whenever Isabella and Maria Christina were apart, they wrote each other letters. Unfortunately, Maria Christina’s letters have not survived, and they were probably destroyed by herself after Isabella’s death. However, she carried with her around 200 letters that Isabella had written to her, even taking them with her as she travelled. These letters were later deposited in the archives by her husband, which is why they have survived to this day. The relationship between Maria Christina and Isabella has been much discussed, but the letters clearly show how madly in love Isabella was. The fact that Maria Christina kept these letters tells me that she certainly reciprocated these feelings. Unfortunately, Isabella did not date her letters, so we don’t know the exact chronological order.

One of these letters states, “But I will tell you that I am fine, that I slept well, that I love you madly and that I hope to kiss you well, and that I will be delighted to see you, kiss you and be kissed by you.”1 Throughout her letters, Isabella only refers to her husband as “the Archduke.” Just one note by Maria Christina was kept, and in it, she wrote, “I will tell you sincerely what I think of you and will begin your portrait with your figure. So I’ll tell you that I don’t know anyone who is more pleasant, beautiful eyes and hair, a pretty mouth and everything so expressive that despite your mischievous expression, one recognises the spirit you have. Breasts that couldn’t be more delightful. Since I do not want to flatter you, I’ll tell you that your complexion is a little too dark compared to your hair and that your hands are not as beautiful as the rest of your figure, although they cannot be called ugly.”2 However, even Maria Christina could not understand Isabella’s melancholic moods and her growing obsession with death.

Isabella was pregnant again in the summer of 1762, but she became unwell during a hunting trip and was carried back to Schönbrunn. She miscarried on 20 August, but fortunately, she recovered quickly. Unfortunately, a second miscarriage occurred on 23 January 1763, much to Isabella’s grief. Her young daughter Maria Theresa seemed to thrive, though and celebrated her first birthday two months later. Just five months later, Isabella was pregnant for the fourth time, and this time everything seemed to be going well. The court was hoping for an heir, but the melancholic Isabella only foresaw death in her future. She wrote to Maria Christina, “I can say that a secret voice announces death to me.”3 As the year progressed, Isabella’s certainty about her approaching death also grew. At the end of the year, she would turn 22 years old – a birthday she believed since her mother’s death that she would not celebrate. However, her pregnancy progressed without complications.

On 14 November, the court moved from Schönbrunn to the Hofburg, but Isabella repeatedly ran back to her rooms and sighed, “Goodbye my room, goodbye my beautiful armchair, we won’t see each other again.”4 Just four days later at the Hofburg, Isabella fell ill with a fever, and soon it became clear that she had smallpox. On 19 November, doctors bled Isabella as her mother-in-law Maria Theresa wrote to her grandfather, the King of France, with the news. Isabella had asked her to tell him that he shouldn’t worry about her. Although her symptoms remained stable over the next few days, she did go into premature labour. On 22 November, Isabella gave birth to a daughter who was quickly baptised with the name Christina and passed away after just a few minutes. Joseph remained by his wife’s side throughout, but Maria Christina had been sent away. Over the course of the next day, Isabella’s condition worsened, and she became delirious.

Isabella’s skin was covered in pustules, but she was able to drink and eat something the following day. However, Maria Theresa knew what was coming and wrote, “We are approaching the tragic end of an angel. I don’t think she will survive this evening.”5 The struggle with death truly began in the afternoon of the 26th, with Maria Theresa writing, “They say the Archduchess is in agony.”6 Joseph had knelt by Isabella’s bed, crying and praying. In the early morning of 27 November 1763, she died in her husband’s arms – it was 34 days before her 22nd birthday. Her vision had come true.

Because of the fear of infection, Isabella’s heart and entrails were not removed. She was interred in the Imperial Crypt in Vienna, and the tiny coffin of Christina was placed between the feet of her own coffin. Joseph later wrote to his father-in-law, “I lost everything. My adorable wife, the object of all my tenderness, my only friend is no longer…”7

Maria Christina went on to marry, but a miniature was found in her prayerbook depicting Isabella and her young daughter Maria Theresa after her death. On the back was written, “Portrait of my dear sister-in-law Isabella and her only daughter. The former died in 1763 at the age of 21 on November 27th, mourning from all over the world, but above all by me, who has lost the best and truest friend I have ever had in the world. This woman was endowed with every imaginable virtue, privilege and kindness. She lived and died as an angel.”8

The post Isabella of Parma – Visions of death (Part three) appeared first on History of Royal Women.