Maria Christina of Austria

Daughter of Archduke Karl Ferdinand (1818-1874) and Archduchess Elisabeth of Austria (1831-1903), Maria Christina of Austria was well educated. By the age of twelve she had mastered several languages, was an accomplished pianist, and had extensive knowledge of political science and economics. Her marriage to Alfonso XII (1857-1885) was arranged by Antonio Cánovas del Castillo, president of the Council of Ministers. The King and Queen were wedded at the Basilica of Our Lady of Atocha in Madrid on 29th November 1879. Although Alfonso XII and Maria Christina of Austria were married for a short time, two daughters were born to them within two years: María de las Mercedes (1880-1904), Princess of Asturias and also Princess of the Two Sicilies, by marriage to her cousin Carlos of the Two Sicilies (1870-1949); the Infanta María Teresa (1882-1912), Princess of Bavaria by marriage to Prince Ferdinand of Bavaria (1884-1958). The King's untimely death on 25th November 1885 made Maria Christina of Austria the Regent of Spain. Pregnant for the third time when her husband died, the Queen gave birth to Alfonso XIII on 17th May 1886. 

As her son was born a King, Maria Christina's regency was exceptionally long. When she came to power, the Regent was barely known to the general public and lacked the popularity of her predecessor, Queen María de las Mercedes of Orléans. However, her impeccable private conduct and the diligence with which she exercised her constitutional duties increased her respect among common people and politicians alike. The first years of the Regency of Maria Christina of Austria consolidated the Restoration and were characterised by political stability between conservatives and liberals, democratic progress, and economic and industrial development. This changed after 1895, with the start of the Cuban secessionist movement, and the outbreak of the war against the United States in 1898. Spain’s defeat and loss of Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippines started the "crisis of '98" and cast a shadow over the last years of her Regency. 

Maria Christina of Austria ceded her powers to Alfonso XIII on 17th May 1902, once the King came of age. Affectionately known by the people as Lady Virtue, the Queen Mother died of angina pectoris in the Royal Palace of Madrid on 6th February 1929. Her remains are buried in the Pantheon of Kings and Queens in the Monastery of El Escorial.

Source: Royal Academy of History (https://www.rah.es)