Maria I

Maria I, Princess of Portugal, was born to King Joseph I and Mariana Victoria of Spain in the capital city of Lisbon.

Maria I was formally appointed as Princess of Brazil, a title reserved for the heir to the Portuguese throne, solidifying her position as the future queen.

At the age of 15, Maria I married her uncle, Pedro III, in a political alliance to secure the Portuguese monarchy and strengthen the royal lineage.

Maria I gave birth to her first child, Joseph, Prince of Brazil, who would later become King Joseph I of Portugal.

Maria I gave birth to her second child, Pedro, who would later become King Pedro III of Portugal and her co-ruler.

With the illness of her father, King Joseph I, Maria I was appointed Princess Regent, effectively governing Portugal alongside her husband, Pedro III.

Maria I succeeded her father, King Joseph I, and was crowned Queen of Portugal and the Algarves, ruling alongside her husband, Pedro III.

Maria I's husband, Pedro III, passed away, leaving her to rule alone and cope with the emotional impact of his loss.

Maria I began to exhibit signs of mental health issues, including severe depression and paranoia, which increasingly affected her ability to rule effectively.

Due to her deteriorating mental health, Maria I was compelled to retire from active rule, and her son, Prince John, became the Prince Regent of Portugal.

Under the regency of Prince John, Portugal allied with France, a decision that Maria I, in her declining state, had no influence over.

With the threat of Napoleon's invasion, the Portuguese royal family, including Maria I, fled to Brazil, where they established a government in exile.

Prince John, now ruling from Brazil, continued to govern the Portuguese Empire, while Maria I remained in a state of mental decline.

Maria I, Queen of Portugal, died in exile in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, leaving behind a legacy marked by her piety, devotion, and the challenges of her mental health.